A woman cries while visiting the memorial outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., June 12, the one year anniversary of the mass shooting. The Diocese of Orlando broadcast via Facebook Live a prayer service attended by clergy of various faiths to remember the 49 who died June 12, 2016, during the largest mass shooting by a single gunman in the country's history. (CNS photo/Scott Audette, Reuters)

Father James Martin: L.G.B.T. Catholics have been treated like dirt. We can do better.

by Ashley McKinless June 16, 2017

One year ago, a gunman opened fire in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 49 people in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. This week, Father James Martin tells us why he was disappointed with how many church leaders spoke about the attack (very few uttered the word “gay”)—and what he’s […]

Brian Doyle, award-winning author, editor of the University of Portland's magazine, died May 27 from complications related to a brain tumor. Doyle, pictured in a 2012 photo, was 60. (CNS photo/Tim LaBarge) See OBIT-DOYLE May 31, 2017.

Arts & Culture, Ideas

Brian Doyle once wrote, ‘stories are prayers.’ He has left us with many.

by James M. Chesbro June 2, 2017

For much longer than a moment, let us consider the revered Catholic writer’s literary generosity.

Faith, Faith in Focus

Can owning a dog make you a better Catholic? Mine did.

by Emily Kahm May 19, 2017

When you replace “God” with “Dog” in a lot of Bible verses, they became startlingly apt commentary.

Faith, Faith in Focus

The case for dragging your bored teens (and tired self) to Mass

by Karen Park May 18, 2017

My boys’ complaints about going to church and my refusal to capitulate to them are themselves a kind of ritual.

Faith, Faith in Focus

I thought Good Catholics didn’t need therapy. Then I went.

by Simcha Fisher May 18, 2017

I was Catholic. You pray, you receive the sacraments, you imitate the saints. What more guidance do you need?

Dorothy Day and her daughter, Tamar (photo courtesy of Kate Hennessy)

Faith, Faith in Focus

Under the Gaze of Dorothy Day: Living with my grandmother’s faith

by Kate Hennessy May 9, 2017

My grandmother, Dorothy Day, believed that to lose one’s faith was the greatest sadness.

Faith, Short Take

What might Pope Francis think about ‘The Benedict Option?’ A new talk gives clues.

by Zac Davis May 5, 2017

A new talk by the pope, as well as “Evangelii Gaudium,” gives clues to his thinking about the thesis of a new book by Rod Dreher.

Jesuitical, Politics & Society

My Big Fat Very Catholic Dream Wedding

by Ashley McKinless May 5, 2017

Are you a Sorta Catholic? Symptoms include: residual guilt, love for Pope Francis, alternating between church and SoulCycle Sundays. This week’s guest is a Sorta Catholic who wound up having a Very Catholic Wedding. Tracey Wigfield won an Emmy as a writer for “30 Rock” and is a graduate of Boston College (you can decide […]