Lent Archives - Catholic-Link

Cheesy Catholic Pick Up Lines For When Ash Wednesday And Valentine’s Day Are On The Same Day

Kristina Fahey — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:47:52 +0000

Cheesy Catholic Pick Up Lines For When Ash Wednesday And Valentine’s Day Are On The Same Day Kristina FaheyKristina is a Catholic artist and illustrator, small business owner (Painted Sanctuary, LLC), wife of Paul, and mom to five wonderful humans ages 10 down to 10 months. She paints at her kitchen table, in the middle […]

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Transform Your Life By Changing Your Habits This Lent

Phil Dolci — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:21:00 +0000

The day passes you by and the prayer time you wanted to spend with God never happens. Kids, job, spouse and other important demands seem to push out the time you wanted to spend in prayer. You are exhausted from the day and you just want to “veg” out, so you reach for the dopamine […]

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Lent Quiz For Kids: What Should I Give Up For Lent?

Becky Roach — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:26:00 +0000

After years of adults enjoying our “What Should I Give Up For Lent?” Quiz, we’ve decided it’s time for kids to have their very own version! Whether you’re at home with your family, in the classroom, or at your next youth group meeting, this quiz is perfect for kids of all ages in your life. […]

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7 Ways To Make Lent Meaningful If Your Parish Doesn’t Offer Ways To Grow In Your Faith

Dominique Seraphin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:48:00 +0000

Lent, a season of reflection and spiritual growth, can still be meaningful even if your parish isn’t offering specific activities, you work long hours, or you are homebound. How To Make Lent Meaningful 1. Set aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection: Find moments throughout your day, even during your work breaks, to engage in […]

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Lent 2024 Catholic Resource Guide

Becky Roach — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:22:00 +0000

Lent will last 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024) and ending on Holy Thursday (March 28, 2024). We are asked to pray, fast, and give alms during these forty days. Catholic-Link has curated a list of incredible resources to help you make the most of this season. The Best Catholic Resources For […]

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Growing Daily In Perfection As We Prepare For Lent

Suzan Sammons — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:50:00 +0000

As Lent draws near, we turn our hearts to Christ’s call to holiness in the Gospels: “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). Although our life as Catholics demands that we strive day after day and year after year for this perfection, Lent invites us to examine our souls […]

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What Do Catholics Do On Spy Wednesday?

Julie Radachy — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:54:00 +0000

“I spy with my little eye…a dandelion!” my tiny voice would say with excitement as my mom and I would play the “I Spy” game. This game was a joy-filled way to notice the wonderful gifts that God has given us. While this type of spying was always fun, “Spy Wednesday” has a much more […]

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Embrace Silence During Holy Week (And Improve Your Mental Health!)

Luke Brown, LPCC — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:31:00 +0000

Palm Sunday Gospel One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,went to the chief priests and said,“What are you willing to give meif I hand him over to you?”They paid him thirty pieces of silver,and from that time on he looked for an opportunityto hand him over. On the first day of the Feast […]

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10 Lent Quotes From Pope Francis To Celebrate His 10th Anniversary As Pope

Becky Roach — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:05:22 +0000

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, during the season of Lent. Each year, during this season of the Church, Pope Francis provides wisdom and encouragement for our Lenten journey. Today, we present a Lent quote from each year of Pope Francis’ papacy to inspire and guide us on our Lenten journey. […]

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Mary’s Fiat And Our Yes

Alyssa Bormes — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:42:00 +0000

“Do whatever He tells you.” —John 2:5 Mary’s quote from the Wedding Feast at Cana is one of my favorite Scripture passages. I often say that it is Mary’s second fiat, or perhaps her millionth fiat. Jesus had told her that his time had not yet come. It seems he was saying that performing this […]

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A Lent Resource Guide For Catholics

Becky Roach — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:06:47 +0000

The Lent and Easter seasons mark the holiest times of the year for us as Catholics. It’s essential that we start preparing now for Lent so that Lent will be a season spent preparing for Easter. This Lent resource guide is designed to provide Catholics with the books, videos, apps, and programs available to help […]

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This Lent, Take A Deeper Journey Through The Story Of Salvation

Christina Eberle — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 07:35:00 +0000

Salvation history has been called the most important story ever told—but even though it’s the most important, it’s surprising how few of us truly know it. Sure, we may recognize names like Abraham and Moses, David and Jesus. We may be able to pronounce locations like Canaan and Sinai, Judea and Galilee—maybe even Caesarea Philippi. Even so, […]

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Why Every Friday Is Like A Mini Good Friday

Will Wright — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:23:00 +0000

What is Good Friday? Good Friday is the second day of the Sacred Triduum, in between Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil. Good Friday is the commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. It is always three days before Easter, which marks the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead! […]

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Before Palm Sunday: The Friday Of Sorrows

Claudine Macalisang — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The Friday of Sorrows takes place on the Friday before Palm Sunday and it is a time set aside to honor the sorrowful Blessed Virgin Mary before Holy Week begins. Claudine MacalisangClaudine Macalisang is the admin of Carissimae Dei. She is a Filipino Catholic currently residing in Thailand. She loves reading books about our faith and […]

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The Goal Of Lent

Luke Brown, LPCC — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 11:02:00 +0000

Gospel of Luke 4:1-13 Filled with the Holy SpFilled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, […]

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4 Ideas For Lent Date Nights

Matt Martinusen — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 11:49:00 +0000

Truly, Lent is a time to be solemn and focused on our Lord in his journey to the Cross. But as a couple, it still remains important to be united with our beloved through time together and conversation. A Lent themed date night could be a perfect combination of these two truths! 4 Ideas for […]

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Things To Give Up For Lent That Aren’t Chocolate

Claudine Macalisang — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 04:15:48 +0000

Things To Fast From That Aren’t Chocolate Need More Ideas For Your Lenten Fast? Try this Quiz 2022 Lent Resources Lent Recipes Claudine MacalisangClaudine Macalisang is the admin of Carissimae Dei. She is a Filipino Catholic currently residing in Thailand. She loves reading books about our faith and doing mental prayer because that’s the time […]

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And So It Begins | A Reflection To Prepare For Ash Wednesday

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:51:00 +0000

Ash Wednesday And so, it begins. The gospel tells us that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days and forty nights, and there He prayed, fasted, and was tempted. Why did He do this? This answer requires us to go back to the significant event that took place right before […]

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3 Easy Lent Recipes To Help You Fast On Ash Wednesday| The Lenten Cookbook

Catholic Link — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:07:00 +0000

This Lent move beyond attending fish frys, making tuna fish casserole, and ordering cheese pizza! We have some Lent recipes to help you maintain your energy levels while you fast. Before you head to the kitchen, spend time reflecting on these insightful words about fasting found in The Lenten Cookbook By Scott Hahn And David Geisser . […]

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The Best Catholic Lent Resources

Catholic Link — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 05:24:51 +0000

This year we’ve had a bit more time to think about Lent, but it still feels like Ash Wednesday is coming too soon! How will you spend these forty days dedicated to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving? We have the Lent resources you need to make this sacrificial season one that bears great fruit in your […]

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10 Ways To Make A Pilgrimage This Lent Without Leaving Home

Kristen Van Uden — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:37:00 +0000

How many of us find ourselves yearning for the dusty streets of Jerusalem during Lent? Lent has traditionally been a time of pilgrimage, particularly to the Holy Land as we prepare to commemorate Our Lord’s Passion. 3 Main Purposes Of A Pilgrimage A pilgrimage traditionally served three main purposes: Penance & Purgation – Pilgrimages are […]

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Jesus Will Not Reject Us | Restore

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 12:44:00 +0000

BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTA B L E T I M E ; B E H O L D , N O W I S THE DAY OF SALVATION. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 We have all had the experience of knowing that we need to do something about a situation and yet putting it off until […]

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Struggling With Fasting? These Resources Will Help

Becky Roach — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:09:07 +0000

Fasting is a powerful and beautiful way of living out penance and self-denial, both important aspects of the Christian life. Scripture affirms the importance of this form of sacrifice and prayer, “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12) But, it can be difficult. These resources […]

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5 Triduum Traditions To Help Your Family Celebrate Holy Week

Drew and Katie Taylor — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:16:02 +0000

In Holy Week, the Catholic Church invites us to experience the most critical moments in history. In the business of daily life, the repetitive nature of the liturgical calendar, and the extended season of Lent, it’s easy to miss the power of these days. If you are looking for ideas on how to bring this […]

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3 Ways To Be Intentional This Lent

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:25:51 +0000

We are in Lent – a season of renewal, a season of “leaning in,” a season of surrendering more and more. Lent is a sacred and beautiful season. What I’d like to propose is that Lent is a great time to focus on “living intentionally” – essentially “living on purpose.” It’s living every day according […]

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Mark Your Calendar: March Is Dedicated To St. Joseph

Genevieve Perkins — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 03:29:00 +0000

Did you know that each month has a traditional Catholic devotion? This year, let’s focus on each devotion month-by-month to grow in our faith and traditions! Make yourself notes, write it on your calendar, and pray a specific prayer each day of the month to remember. You could use a prayer already associated with the […]

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7 Things To Do To Distract Yourself When You’re Tempted To Break Your Lenten Fast

Genevieve Perkins — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:08:51 +0000

I distinctly remember grade school lunches on Fridays. They were conveniently meatless. Then in high school, when Lent arrived, as I bit into my chicken sandwich, I looked up at my other Catholic friend at our table. We realized it was Lent, and we spit out our bite as subtly as possible. Now, not eating […]

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A Guide To The Best Catholic Lent Resources

Becky Roach — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Lent is less than a week away. Doesn’t it feel like we just finished taking all the Christmas decorations down? Now it’s already time to start preparing spiritually for the 40 days of Lent. It is important to set aside some time to pray, discern, and listen in order to understand what is it that […]

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Why Christ’s Sacrifice On Good Friday Is So Much More Than Just A Few Hours On The Cross

Will Wright — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 07:04:00 +0000

With all the evil and suffering in the world, how does the less than twenty hours of the Passion of our Lord atone for all of the evil of human history? Many new Christians hear the saving message that Christ died to save them upon the Cross. But, how exactly does this one action redeem […]

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The Paschal Mystery In Light Of COVID-19

Andrew Rubinich — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:31:18 +0000

As we navigate through the Coronavirus and the seemingly unending strain of directives and regulations released by the Church and government agencies, we pray for and await good health and healing in all the world. In most dioceses, the latest is: Closed and locked churches and no private prayer in any church building. While this […]

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Liturgy Live 5th Sunday Of Lent | Do you Believe?

Alanna Burg — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:46:37 +0000

During this time of COVID19 we have to be careful with our fear. The cure cannot be worse than the disease. How do you develop strategies to live a healthy balanced life in the midst of the shutdown. Monastic rule is so important to learn in this time. We are to KNOW that Christ is […]

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1st Sunday Of Lent | Our Temptations

Alanna Burg — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 17:51:00 +0000

This week on the Podcast we talk about temptations. Specifically the first temptation of Adam and Eve and the temptations of Christ in the desert. Most of our sins fall into the three categories of sin, our base passions, our vanity and our pride. We discuss fasting and finding the sweet spot of suffering where […]

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How To Recover When Lent Goes Wrong

Will Wright — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 01:56:49 +0000

The Best-Laid Plans The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We layout the best plans for our Lenten journey. We seek to approach Easter having undergone a well thought out and executed routine of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. If you are like me, this does not always go as planned. In fact, […]

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Free Lent Resources To Help You Grow Closer To Christ

Becky Roach — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 05:39:27 +0000

Many of us are living a Lent we never expected. Let’s take this gift of time and use it to grow in holiness. There is so much we can do to continue our journey to Easter! We’ve created a list of free resources to help you with your quarantined Lenten adventure. Resources For When You […]

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Liturgy Live 3rd Sunday In Lent | Reveal The Well

Alanna Burg — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:19:42 +0000

This week on the podcast we talk about how Moses was able to be real with God. He prayed in a way that showed his frustration with the people of Israel. The people knew what they needed but they didn’t ask God for it. In the Gospel we talk about the woman at the well, […]

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2nd Sunday Of Lent | On The Mountain

Alanna Burg — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 03:26:56 +0000

On this second Sunday in lent we talk about aversion to climbing the mountain. When we make it to the top, we also don’t want to leave. We don’t like the cross, nor do we like the climb of exercising virtue to get up the mountain. We are to go as the Lord directs us, […]

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A Catholic’s March To-Do List

Becky Roach — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 01:28:48 +0000

Lent Resources QUIZ: What Should You Give Up For Lent? How to Discern Between Consolation & Desolation | Lenten Spiritual Exercises 3 Questions To Examine Your Heart During Lent How Giving Alms Gives Us More of Jesus: A Lenten Reflection How To Go Into The Desert: Entering The Wild, Scary, Interior Battle Of […]

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These Bible Verses Will Help You Decide How To Spend Lent

Becky Roach — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:38:22 +0000

These Bible Verses Will Help You Decide How To Spend Lent Catholic-Link Lent Resources Becky RoachBecky Roach lives in Ohio with her husband and six children. When not doing laundry or making memories with her kids, Becky enjoys diet coke and date nights with her husband.

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How To Choose Your Lenten Practices

Leslie Rodriguez — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 01:56:59 +0000

Mardi Gras rolls around every year, and every year I think “Oh shoot. What am I going to give up for Lent this year?” Now, for starters, I suggest that you consider what your Lenten practices are going to be before Fat Tuesday, but hey, we’ve all been there and just because Lent is right […]

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“The Skinny On Fasting” – A Funny Video On A Serious Christian Discipline

Garrett Johnson — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 23:02:00 +0000

Have you been fasting this Lent? Sure, it’s a struggle, but this ancient, scriptural, necessary Christian discipline is something Jesus expected and which Catholics for hundreds of years took as a given. (Check out our Illustrated Guide to Fasting) You’re not supposed to like it or be good at it… but, take heart! We do […]

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The Path of Suffering | Liturgy Live Palm Sunday

Alanna Burg — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:56:21 +0000

This week on the podcast we go over the entrance into Jerusalem and the problem of suffering in our faith life. How our Baptism, or conversion, is a joyful entrance in to the life of faith, but it is the suffering of the cross that is our path to unity with God. In the reading […]

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So, Who Exactly Is The Greatest? | Catholic Bible Study

Guest Author — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:54:27 +0000

Use this Catholic Bible Study for your own personal spiritual growth or with the apostolate you are involved with. Matthew 20:17-28 Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time 17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the […]

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Fast! | Liturgy Live 1st Sunday Of Lent

Alanna Burg — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:23:35 +0000

This week on the podcast we talk about the lenten practice of fasting. Fr Ian is fired up! The whole point of fasting during lent is to get our flesh in line with our spirit, since “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. To fast from good things for a time especially food […]

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Everyone Can Do This For 40 Seconds A Day Over The Next 40 Days

Becky Roach — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:41:03 +0000

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20 At the beginning of Lent, we often make the mistake of trying to move […]

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Preparing For Peace: A Catholic Lenten Journal For Women With Anxiety

Catholic Link — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:21:50 +0000

In the last few years, the Catholic scene has been exploding with new prayer journals. This trend is a good tracking point for the effectiveness of the New Evangelization. The need for these journals shows that more people are yearning to spend time in prayer and to really work out their inner complexities in light […]

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Discovering Mary In The Triduum, Easter, And Beyond

Lexie Metzler — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:47:24 +0000

Back in January, I realized that I didn’t know my Mother. No, not my biological mother, my spiritual Mother…our spiritual Mother. The one who not only brought Jesus into the world in a stable, but the one who watched Him suffer, die, and who today can lead us closer to Him if we ask for […]

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Finding Consolation In The Lord’s Passion And In Your Own Life

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:27:40 +0000

Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading for Palm Sunday, Mk. 14:1-15:47. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of self-examination, and he provides practical assistance in the method of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises as a pathway toward greater spiritual freedom. We invite you […]

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Suffering Doesn’t Always Make Sense, But Embracing It Could Save Lives

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:47:09 +0000

One of the things we say when referring to Jesus, is that we call Him our Redeemer. We do this because Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt that came to be on account of our sin. By His death and resurrection, He won us freedom from the bondage that comes about through […]

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How to Discern Between Consolation & Desolation | Lenten Spiritual Exercises

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 00:47:16 +0000

Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading of John 12:20-33, Jesus’ startling statement about hating life in this world in order to gain eternal life in heaven. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of self-examination, and he provides practical assistance in the method […]

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What A Buried Seed Teaches About True Love | Catholic Bible Study

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:54:46 +0000

“At Christmas I no more desire a rose / Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows; / But like of each thing that in season grows…” ~ Shakespeare, Love’s Labour’s Lost Seeds cannot be sown at just any time of year. Everything has its time. The life of the earth, like our own, is […]

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How To Free Yourself From Your Inner Demons

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 14:31:06 +0000

“The imagination is more active in the dark than in the light of day.” ~ Immanuel Kant When we were young, we were afraid of the dark because we couldn’t distinguish the things around us. In the silence of the night, every sound seems louder. In the dark, it’s not unusual to feel like a […]

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3 Questions To Examine Your Heart During Lent

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:32:32 +0000

Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel of John 3:14-21, when Jesus proclaims Himself the Light of the World. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of self-examination, and he provides practical assistance in the method of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises as a pathway toward […]

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The Stations of The Cross | Video Reflections From 3 Saints

Becky Roach — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 01:13:18 +0000

Praying the Stations of the Cross is an important spiritual practice during the season of Lent. Meditating on the sufferings of Our Lord will help us to more fully experience the joy and the victory of Easter Sunday. If you’re not able to attend The Stations of the Cross at your Church, try setting aside […]

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What Is A Lent Linebacker…And Why Should You Be Concerned?

Becky Roach — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:12:24 +0000

The Lent Linebacker from New Catholic Generation is back to ensure that you stick to your Lenten promise and follow the days of fasting and abstinence. Cheat and you might find yourself getting tackled. The Lent Linebacker is lurking around every corner and ready to pounce when he sees anyone about to fail at Lent. […]

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When God Doesn’t Conform To Our Plans

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 13:11:48 +0000

Children are the future. They are the lives that continue on. Parents often project their aspirations onto their children and would like to see their hopes fulfilled in them. But, much like the future, the life of a child is not within our control. Though we might try, the future always escapes our grasp. Many […]

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5 Gifts Of Living With A Clear Conscience | Lenten Spiritual Exercises

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 19:54:13 +0000

Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Mark 9:2-10, the account of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of self-examination, and he provides practical assistance in the method of the Ignatian Spiritual […]

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How Giving Alms Gives Us More of Jesus: A Lenten Reflection

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:40:55 +0000

We all know Lent is a penitential time of the year. However, what often happens during Lent is that many of the penances we adopt revolve around fasting, abstinence and prayer. Some of us give up coffee, desserts or snacks, others take on spiritual practices like trying to attend daily Mass. But sadly, almsgiving, the […]

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How To Go Into The Desert: Entering The Wild, Scary, Interior Battle Of Lent

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 12:46:58 +0000

“Though in Your sight I despise myself and reckon myself dust and ashes, there is something I know about You, which I know not about myself.” – Augustine, The Confessions A few days ago I was with some close friends in Subiaco, (where St. Benedict first founded a community). Entering the holy cave, above and […]

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7 Ways To Do Lent That Do Not Involve Food

Winona D'Costa — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:20:15 +0000

If changing your diet or giving up some item of food is not possible for you this Lent, read on to find out seven creative and challenging ways that will allow you to still partake in Lent! 7 Ways To Do Lent That Don’t Involve Food 1. Get Creative For God Paint a painting, write […]

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3 Things That Happen When You Regularly Examine Your Heart

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 22:28:16 +0000

We invite you to watch Father’s video, then prayerfully read the Gospel and reflection, and work your way through the Exercises. We pray that this might help you in your apostolate, your family, your classroom, or personally… to prepare for and more deeply experience Sunday’s Mass, and to better integrate the Sacrament and the readings […]

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39 Things 18-39 Year-Olds Should Consider Giving Up For Lent

Catholic Link — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:58:40 +0000

Pete Burak, director of i.d.916 gives a quick rundown of some creative ideas for young adults to think about giving up this Lent. The suggestions to give up eye-rolling, extra guac, and not finishing a book spoke directly to my heart! Which ideas will inspire you? 18-39 THINGS YOUNG ADULTS SHOULD GIVE UP FOR LENT Still […]

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Everything You Need To Know About Ash Wednesday And Lent Explained With LEGO In 1 Minute

Becky Roach — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:41:59 +0000

Looking for a fun, quick, and easy way to explain Lent to your children, class, or youth group? Check out this great video produced by Trideo. Ash Wednesday and Lent in 60 seconds – with Lego! Looking for more? An Excerpt Pope Francis’ Homily For Lent 2018 “Perhaps we see, deep within ourselves and all […]

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QUIZ: What Should You Do For Lent?

Becky Roach — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:11:49 +0000

Every year without fail all things Lent appeal to me. The books, the retreats, the daily emails, the texts… Inevitably, I sign-up for everything and buy at least a few books. I have this desire to soak up all the spiritual resources that I can find. But, you probably know what happens. The first few […]

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Lent Isn’t Meant To Be Sweet: A Guide To Deciding What To Give Up

Lexie Metzler — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:26:15 +0000

When I was growing up, my understanding of Lent was that I wasn’t supposed to be eating candy, I got “black stuff” on my forehead at the beginning of the season, and we didn’t eat meat on Fridays. What it actually meant was beyond me; and to be completely honest, I didn’t really care. At […]

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15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How To Carry The Cross With Jesus

Winifred Corrigan — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:19:09 +0000

The lives of the saints provide us rich, beautiful sources of instruction in virtue. But there’s a particular heroism to be gleaned from stories of the martyrs. Today we present 15 saints – some well known, others, more obscure, but all are admirable for a common reason: they succeeded in carrying their cross to the […]

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Why Did Jesus Need To Wash Peter’s Feet? An Urgent Question For Every Christian In Today’s World

Garrett Johnson — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 07:43:15 +0000

Jesus comes to Peter to wash his feet. Peter says to him, “Lord, do you want to wash my feet?” Jesus answers, “What I am doing you do not know now but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, […]

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What 4 Events Do We Remember On Holy Thursday? Let This Icon Explain

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 17:43:30 +0000

On Holy Thursday, we are invited to remember and celebrate four events: the Last Supper, the Washing of the Apostle’s Feet by Jesus, Christ’s agony and prayer in Gethsemane, and the arrest of Jesus. In Jesus’ time, the Hebrew Pasch (Passover) was celebrated at home, in the family. It was prescribed that, on that night, no one […]

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25 Things You Can Do On Good Friday To Remember Christ’s Sacrifice

Becky Roach — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 10:20:43 +0000

Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year for Christians. This is the day when we remember Christ’s death on the cross for us. We remember the suffering He endured for our sake. We are reminded of the depths of His love for us. Do not let Good Friday go by as just […]

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Take A Friend To Church This Holy Week: It Could Change Their Life

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:24:12 +0000

Each year during Holy Week, we celebrate the most fundamental aspects of our Catholic faith. We remember the love of God, the sacrifice of His Son Jesus for our sake, the institution of the Eucharist, etc. Perhaps most importantly, we rejoice at the end of Holy Week when Jesus, who died, rises from the dead, […]

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Stretched For The Sake Of Love | Palm Sunday Spiritual Exercises

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:32:05 +0000

In this Lenten series and Catholic Bible Study, Father Ian VanHeusen presents his weekly spiritual exercise based on scriptures to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. St. Ignatius of Loyola explains, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental […]

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3 Reasons To Watch “The Case For Christ”

Becky Roach — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:48:05 +0000

The Case for Christ on DVD has just been released and I’m so excited to be able to view this great film and discuss with both my small group Bible study and my family. I had the opportunity to watch an early screening of the film when the movie was released in theaters this past April […]

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These 3 Essential Pillars Help Us Discover The Purpose Of Lent

Becky Roach — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:44:04 +0000

What is the purpose of Lent? Lent is not simply a way to renew your commitment to a New Year’s resolution or jump start your diet. It’s much more than a tradition or ritual. Lent should be a time of spiritual renewal and purification that ultimately leads us to Christ. It’s easy to get caught […]

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5 Things To Do To Make Holy Week The Most Important Week Of The Year

Becky Roach — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 23:31:48 +0000

Holy Week should be the most important week of the year for all Christians. It should be the week in which we give of ourselves to the fullest in order to fully receive Christ during the Easter celebration. That’s the ideal. However, we all know that sometimes life just gets in the way. Work or school, […]

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Jesus Wept Along The Path To The Glorious Resurrection

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 21:44:03 +0000

Fr. Ian Van HeusenFr. Ian is a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. He is assigned to St. Bernadette Catholic Church as a Parochial Vicar, and he writes on prayer and meditation at www.ianvanheusen.com. www.contemplatio.us.

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The One Word Never To Say During Lent

Becky Roach — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:07:47 +0000

Most Catholics are aware of the Lenten traditions of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Besides eating meat on Fridays, there are a few other things that Church says we can’t do during Lent. There is one particular word that we don’t say during this Holy season simply because of it’s powerful meaning. Alleluia. Catholics choose to fast […]

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Online Conference: How To Let Holy Week Transform Your Life

Alanna Burg — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 08:19:10 +0000

Are you looking for a way to end Lent on a great note and welcome the Easter season with Joy? The Lanky Guys will take us on a journey through Holy Week, unpacking the Scriptures and walking with us along the steps of the Apostles to see what they saw. Even for those of us who have […]

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Avoiding The Snares Of The Personal Hell Of Others|Catholic Bible Study

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 02:01:52 +0000

St. Ignatius of Loyola explains, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities. “For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot, and running are bodily exercises, so we call Spiritual Exercises every way of preparing […]

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12 “Pope Quotes” To Reflect On As We Approach Mid-Lent

Ruth Kennedy — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 02:11:45 +0000

So, we’re approaching the midpoint of Lent! How is it going for you so far?! No matter how you feel you’re doing, this is a good time to pause and reflect on what has happened so far and to remind yourself of the purpose of this important time. To help you, we’ve compiled 12 short […]

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Uniquely Loved By The Lord: Are You Allowing Him To Gaze Upon You?

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 02:25:52 +0000

In this Lenten series, Father Ian VanHeusen presents his weekly spiritual exercise based on the Sunday Readings to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. What is a Spiritual Exercise, you ask? St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of […]

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12 Pieces Of Advice That Revolutionized My Lent

Luisa Restrepo — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:01:42 +0000

This post aims to compile some of the reflections the Lord has given me during a retreat I lived not long ago. They are not the result of my own inspiration whatsoever, but a true gift from God and the good preacher, whom God put in our path. In our lives, we are like the man […]

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Unleashing Glory Through Discipline And Creativity

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 05:53:12 +0000

In this Lenten series, Father Ian VanHeusen gives us a weekly spiritual exercise based on the Sunday Readings to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. What is a Spiritual Exercise, you ask? St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, […]

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The Beautiful Language Of The Traditional Blessing Of Ashes

Winifred Corrigan — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 22:20:46 +0000

There’s an interesting phenomenon at work in this annual, very public ritual (and it’s not exclusive to Catholics; other Christians mark their foreheads with ashes to commemorate the start of Lent). While in some parts of the world it’s become less common to see people in the workplace, the grocery store, or anywhere in public […]

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Entering Into The Desert With Jesus: Christ’s Temptations Help Us See Our Weakness

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 18:48:02 +0000

In this series, Father Ian VanHeusen gives us a weekly spiritual exercise based on the Sunday Readings to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. What is a Spiritual Exercise, you ask? St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of […]

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3 Soul-Changing Challenges From A Seminarian To Make This Lent Count!

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 22:09:31 +0000

Lent is a great time to grow in one’s faith and there are tons of ways one can make Lent more fruitful. However, since most often, the penances we adopt during Lent don’t stick on after Easter, I wanted to present a set of challenges to those who really want to grow as disciples of […]

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The Meaning Of Ash Wednesday

Fr. Ian Van Heusen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 14:56:47 +0000

What is a Spiritual Exercise you ask? St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities. For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot, and running are bodily exercises, so we […]

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These 8 Keys To Prayer Will Change The Way You Pray

Becky Roach — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 21:49:35 +0000

Prayer is intended to be our way of communicating with God. It is a gift, yet sometimes it becomes a task, a burden, or a mundane part of our daily routine. We may also experience dry spells in our spiritual life and begin to feel disconnected from the God who loves us so deeply. And, many […]

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Online Conference: 6 Ways To Draw Closer To God This Lent- Pray40Days

Alanna Burg — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 21:05:38 +0000

The greatest adventure we have in life is learning to pray. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Ratzinger, said that the entire purpose for Jesus coming into the world was to show us God the Father (Ratzinger Report). What’s the Challenge? What if I told you right now that, in these next 40 days, […]

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Which Lent Resource Is Best For You? Possible Quiz Results

Becky Roach — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:50:20 +0000

Did you take our What Lent Resource Is Best For You Quiz? Interested to see what your results could have been? Here is a complete list, but use caution! Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many options. Commit to just one or two and see it through to the end. What Lent Resource Is Best For […]

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Why Couldn’t Christ Forgive Our Sins With A Smile? *Warning: Disturbing Images

Mauricio Artieda — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 15:59:22 +0000

I want to start off by saying that this is not an easy question. A lot has been written about this subject. I don’t mean to exhaust the richness or complexity of this theological problem that has fascinated a large part of Christian theologians-not without a headache or two- from the beginning of Christianity. However, […]

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Weep, Prepare, or Rejoice: What Are We Supposed To Do On Holy Saturday?

Ruth Kennedy — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 02:20:06 +0000

Sandwiched between the stark drama of Good Friday and the glory of the Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday is often in danger of being skipped over. For many of us, it will be a busy day- perhaps a typical Saturday, or perhaps hectic with preparation for the Easter Vigil. It might feel like a little gap […]

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My Life And The Stations Of The Cross: 14 Moments With Jesus

Marigina Bruno — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 22:14:51 +0000

Praying the Stations of the Cross is a devotion centered on the main events of the Passion of our Lord. If you have not yet done the Stations during the Fridays of Lent, we encourage you to take the opportunity on Good Friday. In fact, I dare say that we can identify (clearly to a […]

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7 Characteristics Of God’s Forgiveness And Mercy

Andrés D' Angelo — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 11:27:51 +0000

In my post, 9 Things I Would Like To Have Known Before Getting Married, one of the points that raised a lot of questions was number 8: “A good marriage is the union of two people who are good at forgiving.” Many people contacted me relating how difficult it was for them to forgive and how […]

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Do You Know The 7 Final Messages Of Christ On The Cross?

Becky Roach — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 03:04:49 +0000

There is so much to think about and reflect on during Holy Week that it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. One meditation that I have found to help draw me deeper into contemplating the Passion is the tradition of studying the 7 Last Words of Christ. More than words, these are […]

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QUIZ: Which Person From The Gospel Are You This Holy Week?

Becky Roach — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 17:59:28 +0000

“It would do us good to ask one question: Who am I? Who am I before my Lord? Where is my heart? Which of these people do I resemble most ? Who am I before Jesus who is suffering?” These are a few of the questions that Pope Francis has asked us to reflect on […]

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6 Tips To Get You Through The Mid-Lent Slump

Ruth Kennedy — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 02:38:00 +0000

How is your Lent going?! Great, or not so great? Feeling like it is a long way to Holy Week? Has your Lent felt like a complete disaster so far? Are you feeling a bit sick of it all?! If your Lent has stalled– did you start with plans that were too much? Or did […]

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4 Movies About The Life Of Jesus To Watch This Lent

Becky Roach — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:47:12 +0000

It seems that Hollywood is starting to realize the power of the name of Jesus and is responding by creating more movies about the life of Jesus. Well, maybe. At the very least, producers have certainly realized the entertainment value of the story of His Life, Death, and Resurrection. In fact, each of the shows […]

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7 Psalms To Pray During Lent

Becky Roach — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 03:02:52 +0000

The Psalms are a wonderful way to pray at any time of year because they truly echo the emotions of the heart and draw us closer to God. Since the seventh century, it has become a common spiritual practice to pray the seven penitential psalms during Lent. These psalms in particular express sorrow for our […]

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Go, Be Reconciled With Your Brother | St. Augustine

Guest Author — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:44:26 +0000

“Brethren, let no disagreement remain amongst you seeing that these are the holy days [of Lent]… Maybe you begin to say to yourselves in thought: “I want to make peace but my brother is the one who has offended me… and doesn’t want to come to terms”. What then?… In that case some third parties […]

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Why Do We Practice Fasting And Abstinence?An Illustrated Guide

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:52:13 +0000

Before we even start talking about fasting or abstinence, let’s say something obvious: none of this makes sense outside the logic of faith. There are certainly psychological benefits and ways of explaining the cultural or social reasons for fasting and such, but that’s all secondary, to say the least. To put it simply, we fast […]

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It’s Been A Long Time Since I’ve Confessed: Will I Be Forgiven?

Astrid Duque — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:22:37 +0000

Give me your fear and I´ll give you peace. This is the thought which came to my mind after having seen this beautiful video on the sacrament of reconciliation. We are all sinners, all of us need forgiveness, we have all felt in our hearts the weight of our faults and the fear of going to confession. But this […]

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This Lent Give Up Indifference And Start Caring

Katie Coyle — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:58:47 +0000

Pope Francis invited us last Lent to give up our indifference and the message is still powerful today. This video by One Life LA reminds us of the Pope’s call to opening our hearts to the call to love. One Life LA is an organization that is reaching out to the world to recognize the […]

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What’s Your Why? Finding Motivation Behind What We Do

Elise Harris — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 21:36:08 +0000

As the Church settles into the season of Lent, this video serves as a good reminder to evaluate not only what we have committed to, but why we are doing it. As the season goes on, some of that energy might wear off, and we might find ourselves second-guessing our resolutions, or wishing that Easter […]

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3 Steps To Turning A Bad Habit Into A Virtue

Jackeline Yagual — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:15:32 +0000

Man finds his perfection “in seeking and loving what is true and good” – Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1704. All of us have goals in life and we work hard to achieve them, trying to avoid bad habits. There’s no better time for a re-set than Lent – a call from Holy Mother […]

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Who Will Help The Freezing Homeless Child?

Garrett Johnson — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:28:59 +0000

Back in 1990, Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) spoke to a group about the Christian life and the good Samaritan. The title of the text was based on Isaiah 58:7 “Do not disregard those of your own flesh”. The message is clear: you can’t pretend to live your faith if you aren’t willing to make it […]

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25 Simple Things You Can Do This Lent To Grow Closer To Christ

Luisa Restrepo — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 15:26:02 +0000

This week we will begin the Lenten season. It is a beautiful time to grow in closeness to God and to others. This time can, if we are willing to cooperate, be 40 days of immense spiritual and personal growth. While the specific penances we choose are not ultimately our focus – in the end, it is […]

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QUIZ: What Should You Give Up For Lent?

Becky Roach — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:55:36 +0000

This is a fun quiz to help you start thinking about what you should give up for Lent and planning ahead for this season of fasting,almsgiving, and prayer. Get ready to discover what Lent resource is best for you to use to grow in your spiritual life from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. Share your results […]

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Do You Really Believe Your Sins Are Forgiven?

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:48:49 +0000

Today’s culture has a nagging obsession for concrete results produced with speed and efficiency. You’ve done something? Great, let me see it. I want to touch it, I want to share it on Facebook, I want to tweet about it… A digitized positivism that predicates the following: if I can’t see it or share it, […]

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What Is The Magnitude Of God’s Love On The Cross?

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:10:19 +0000

Our friends at Outside da Box and Likability have once again produced an excellent video in service of the faith. “That 1 Day” helps us to understand why that fateful day so many years ago, the day in which a supposedly ordinary man died as a criminal, is so important for so many people. Countless […]

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You Must Lose Your Life In Order To Embrace Resurrection

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:37:28 +0000

An impressive video that draws an analogy between the process that the wood must undergo in order to be formed and our own process to be made into a new creation in Christ. It is Christ himself who lays down the path before us by his example on the Cross, manifesting the truth: “Whoever seeks to […]

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“Making All Things New” Music/Video compilation of Christ’s Passion

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:49:21 +0000

In watching this beautiful video, one fundamental idea came to me: Christ wants my heart. All that He did and continues to do is in hopes that I will allow him to truly enter into the core of my being, to allow his life to enter into mine and to make it full, to allow […]

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Use This Video To Help Your Kids (Or Yourself!) Understand Palm Sunday

Garrett Johnson — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 23:05:24 +0000

The fundamental question of our lives is: Who is Jesus Christ for me? Am I one that praises him merely with psalms and shouts of joy? Or, is my relationship deeper and authentic? Is it real? Christ is without a doubt a “sign of contradiction.” To follow him means to follow him in the good […]

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Two Criminals Show Why The Crucified Jesus Is The Perfect Image Of God’s Love

Garrett Johnson — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:49:53 +0000

Today’s video speaks to us, above all, through its simplicity. The Passion of Christ, an event celebrated and remembered in so many forms, enriched with symbols, meditations, and music, was in itself very simple. The symbols were all too real: a hammer and a few nails, now stained with blood. The meditation was clear: those […]

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Jesus’ Last Day And The Temptation Of Peter

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:42:18 +0000

Pope Francis has reminded us of a fundamental truth: there is no Christianity without the Cross. Daily, we are presented with the temptation of St. Peter: Lord, “I will follow you, but let us not speak of the Cross; I will follow you on other terms, but without the Cross.” Consequently, when we live with […]

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Holy Week Explained In 2 Minutes!

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:33:34 +0000

Today’s video offers a brief and condensed explanation of Holy Week, a time in the liturgical calendar very rich in meaning and symbols. It is important that we continue to deepen the meaning and the reality behind these symbols. This Holy Week, we are invited to participate with our whole being: soul, mind, heart, and […]

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Entering Into The Mystery Of Palm Sunday

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:32:47 +0000

To go to Mass, to enter into a moment of prayer, to say the name of “Jesus,” to meditate upon his death and resurrection, what does it all really mean? Is it just a routine, a family tradition, a myth, a joke? Is there anything real behind it? Nominated “Best Religious Short Video” in the […]

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The Desert Experience: 40 Days To Return To What Is Essential

Garrett Johnson — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:38:54 +0000

The desert experience is one in which Christ lives out to the extreme the question: what is truly important in life? We too must ask ourselves this question. How many times do we invest our time, our efforts, our worries in things that really don’t matter? What is really essential in our life? Is it bread, […]

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9 Things To Reflect On That Will Help You “Get” Lent

Guest Author — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:29:09 +0000

On Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, at the imposition of ashes, we hear the first words of Jesus in the gospel of Mark (1:15), “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” His powerful and simple words provide us direction and guidance as we journey through the sacred season of Lent. Directed and guided by his […]

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“Follow”: The Gospel According to Twitter

Garrett Johnson — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:37:19 +0000

Ignitermedia.com released another cool video that offers a glimpse at the life and passion of Christ seen through the dynamic lens of a 21st-century social network. I think the video’s idea is very original and is worth sharing. Sometimes the 2000 year gap between the events of Jesus’ life can lead us to see Jesus […]

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