Catholic Church

Fr. Dwight Longenecker - One of the main problems in the church today is what I call neo-Pelagianism. Pelagianism is the idea that you can earn your way to heaven with good works. Neo-Pelagianism is what is otherwise called “the social gospel”. It is reducing the supernatural Christian message to “Let’s all make the world a better place and be kind to one another and give peace a chance.”

By Associated Press, (Catholic Herald) - The Vatican’s saint-making office has updated its rules governing the use of relics for would-be saints, issuing detailed new guidelines that govern how body parts and cremated remains are to be obtained, transferred and protected for eventual veneration... The instructions explicitly rule out selling the hair strands, hands, teeth and other body parts of saints that often fetch high prices in online auctions.

By Dom Cingoranelli, Catholic Stand - Can I be detached from the things of this world? Can I love God first and foremost, and be detached from anything that gets in the way of my loving Him? Do I truly and really want only His will in my life?... We each have choices to make. We can fill our hearts with attachments to created things, other people, and affections. Or we can open our hearts to the unique, infinite love of God, and His will.

Msgr. Charles Pope - This Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, based on the Introit for the day:  (Phil 4:4) (Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice). Today, this theme is developed most fully in the 2nd reading, which is from 1 Thessalonians. It also begins with the salutation and imperative, “Rejoice always.”.. Let’s take a closer look at that reading and what is meant by the admonition to “rejoice.”