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Faith Traditions




'God is with us' -- not just now and then, but then and now
Advent readings remind us that we are all surrounded by fear and fallen stones.
Dec 19, 2025


For the faithful, Advent kindles deep hope in the light that awaits us
Advent season is time to hope, not just for good things, but for great ones.
Nov 22, 2025


Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming
Advent marks the first sanctification of adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church at Easter.
Nov 22, 2025


Ninth World Day of the Poor sounds a call to action -- yet again
As Pope Leo XIV marks the Ninth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, Nov. 16, he reminds Catholics of the heart of Jesus' words and example.
Nov 11, 2025


Pope Leo declares Newman Doctor of the Church
Saint John Henry Newman became a Doctor of the Church on Nov. 1, All Saints Day. A convert to Catholicism, he was a theologian of note, an academic, historian, writer and poet.
Oct 31, 2025


November: a time to remember our beloved dead, contemplate purgatory
November, the month when Catholics remember and pray for those who have died, is a good time to reflect on purgatory.
Oct 27, 2025


Catechumenate — becoming Catholic
By now you know that Inquiry is the first of the four-stage process for becoming Catholic. During this stage, the emphasis is reflecting about faith. Many wonder how their lives could be more meaningful if they turn their faith to the Catholic Church. Our church teaches that the journey is less about an inquirer seeking a faith they choose than it is about an inquirer answering God’s call. “The Lord is gently knocking at the window of your soul," Pope Leo XIV said during the
Oct 19, 2025


A priest became a bishop
Bishop Thomas Hennen On Sept. 29, "Fr. Thom" became Bishop Thomas Hennen. He was ordained a deacon, then a priest in Davenport, Iowa....
Oct 11, 2025


Catechumenate — the Church year
A schedule might be detailed, even boring. But in the Catechumenate — the process of adults preparing to become fully initiated Catholics...
Oct 4, 2025


Congratulations Bishop Thomas Hennen
On September 29, the Most Rev. Thomas Hennen became the youngest bishop to lead a diocese in the United States. Congratulations Bishop...
Sep 25, 2025


Catholic inquiry process focuses on teachings of Jesus
What are the topics usually covered in the Catechumenate process?
Sep 12, 2025
Pope LEO XIV presided over his first canonization Mass
Pope Leo XIV presided over his first canonization Mass on September 7 when he declared two young Italians as saints. Although Blessed...
Sep 6, 2025


Vatican announces World Day of Peace and release of Pope Leo's new book
World Day of Peace, January 1, 2026 Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme for the 2026 World Day of Peace: “Peace be with you all: Towards...
Sep 1, 2025


Pope challenges world's youth to open hearts, welcome the Lord
More than a million young people hear Pope Leo XIV challenge them to "open wide your hearts."
Aug 31, 2025


Mary models certainty in uneasy times
May is the month Catholics devote to Mary, who believed before she gave birth to Jesus.
May 16, 2025


Left behind
Mourning the late Pope Francis: "I am surprised at how truly heavy my heart is over his death."
May 1, 2025


Publisher's Message
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, in March 2013 to attend the conclave to elect the next pope. He never...
Apr 21, 2025
Pope Francis' Easter Message
"Brothers and sisters, during this Jubilee Year in particular, we should feel strongly within us the summons to let the hope of Easter...
Apr 19, 2025


Holy Week mystery and celebration
Everything builds to the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter.
Apr 9, 2025
Renewing one’s Lenten practice
During Lent we are called to fasting, abstinence and alms giving. Here are other suggestions to renew our Lenten experience.
Apr 8, 2025
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