Our task as sacristans is to attend to small acts of care in a world that is too often inattentive and careless.
Sacraments
Posted inFaith, News
New legislation in 3 states would break seal of confession, require priest to report child abuse
House Bill 74 would do away with the privilege in a sacramental confession by requiring priests to report information relating to child abuse and neglect that is shared in a confessional.
Posted inFaith, News
Confession: The Act of Contrition and words of absolution to get new translations starting this Lent
The experience of the sacrament of penance in the Roman rite will be slightly different this Lent, thanks to approved changes in the English translation set to take effect in a few weeks.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
What does it mean to be a baptized member of the Catholic Church?
A reflection for the Baptism of the Lord, by Kevin Clarke
Posted inFaith, Letters
‘The call to priesthood comes from God, not from one’s body parts’: Reactions to Pope Francis’ comments on women’s ordination
A number of responses to Pope Francis’ interview with five representatives of America Media on Nov. 22, 2022 centered on the question of women’s ordination and women’s roles in the church. Here are five responses.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
It’s not too late to go to confession before Christmas—and there’s nothing more important you can do
I have a confession to make: I have not been to confession yet this Advent. Every year, I bug people to go sometime during the season, and I think most of my family has been. But I have not yet gone myself.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
A brief history of the Catholic Church’s teaching on mercy and sin
A close look at the Catholic moral tradition around sin, mercy and confession shows that it developed from its inception pathways to holiness that were collective, merciful, hospitable, inclusive, exemplary and grace-filled.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
What the eucharistic revival means to me as a Catholic convert
Given that so many converts come into the church precisely because they have discovered the Eucharist, it seems sensible we should listen to them especially.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Parish clusters, foreign priests and deacons: Facing the realities of a shrinking church
It is inspiring to see how the people are allowing the challenges of their community to function as inspiration rather than reason for complaint.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Why don’t Catholics receive the precious blood from separate cups at Communion?
The precious blood is an important part of Communion, but many people are afraid of the risk of cross-contamination from a shared chalice. Why shouldn’t we simply use separate cups? There are a few reasons.