Lent is around the corner. Take some inspiration from America’s staff as you decide what to give up (or take on) as we journey to Easter.
Explainer
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Explainer: What’s the deal with Holy Days of Obligation?
Why do Catholics celebrate holy days of obligation? Should we?
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Who was St. Brigid—and why is she having a moment in Ireland?
In a country disillusioned with Catholicism, Ireland’s St. Brigid is having a moment.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Explainer: How Cardinal Fernández is changing the Vatican doctrine office
In just three months at the helm of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel “Tucho” Fernández has rapidly changed what was once the Vatican’s most formidable department.
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
Can Donald Trump be banned from the ballot? 5 questions for the Supreme Court.
Colorado and Maine have forced the U.S. Supreme Court to make a quick decision on whether Donald J. Trump can be removed from the ballot for having encouraged an ”insurrection.”
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
How money works in the Gospel—and what that teaches us about Jesus
When we have asked the Father for the bread that will keep us alive for one more day, he tells us to pray as follows: Cancel my debts, forgive my failure to do what I promised, my inability to do what I ought to do, just as I have canceled the debts of those who owed me money and could not pay.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Hands or tongue, kneeling or standing: There’s no ‘best way’ to receive Communion.
How we partake in the mystery of Christ—kneeling, receiving the host in our hands, or on our tongue—is secondary to the experience of humility and honor in receiving the Eucharist.
Posted inArts & Culture, Explainer
How the Osage Nation became Catholic: The hard truths in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” explores a moment in American history not often read in history books—and not always reckoned with by our churches and country.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Pope Francis wants the synod in every parish. Here’s how to bring it to yours.
It will not be enough to read any document that comes from the synod; Catholics must experience the synod, must do synod. The best place to do this is in your parish.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Explainer: Mongolia only has 1,400 Catholics. Pope Francis is going there anyway.
Pope Francis will visit Mongolia’s 1,400 Catholics from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. What do they expect from the pope’s visit?