Focus

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  Examining conscience in the Bible

  Apr 08, 2016

  At the gathering of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015, church leaders discussed a wide range of challenges facing modern families, including — though not limited to — sensitive questions around Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, contraception and same-sex marriage.

  
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  Jesus the teacher

  Apr 01, 2016

  The spiritual work of mercy "to instruct the ignorant" is solidly grounded in the New Testament.

  
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  Awakening others' hidden gifts: A work of mercy

  Apr 01, 2016

  Millions of loyal viewers discovered during the recently concluded final season of "Downton Abbey," the popular British TV drama set in the early 20th century, that Andy Parker, a footman in this grand household of nobility, could not read.

  
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  Food for Thought

  Apr 01, 2016

  In a 2010 article about instructing the ignorant, Mark Shea wrote about the complexity that exercising this spiritual work of mercy can bring.

  
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  Food for Thought

  Mar 23, 2016

  The only way to enter into the Easter mystery, Pope Francis said, is with humility, “to come down from the pedestal of our ‘I’ that is so proud, of our presumption.

  
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  The beauty of Easter transformation

  Mar 23, 2016

  In early spring, and even in late winter, we see the natural beauty around us. At the Easter Vigil Mass, we experience light shining in the darkness as we hold our candles.

  
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  Our days of thanksgiving: Easter Sunday and every Sunday

  Mar 23, 2016

  As a country, we celebrate Thanksgiving in late November. As a Church, we celebrate Thanksgiving every Sunday or every time we go to Mass.

  
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  Begin now! We need lifestyle changes

  Mar 18, 2016

  I was hearing from people that they would like to see the Catholic Church giving leadership (on ecological issues), and particularly the theological side of things.

  
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  Don’t let this Laudato Si’ moment pass

  Mar 18, 2016

  “There are extraordinary possibilities in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home,” said Columban Father Sean McDonagh who had written a commentary with a similar title.

  
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  Food for Thought

  Mar 18, 2016

  There's a lot about the season of Lent that mirrors nature, at least for those of us who live in places where we experience four distinct seasons.