Mass Archives - Catholic-Link

A Prayer Before Mass

St. Thomas Aquinas — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:45:00 +0000

A Prayer Before Mass Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of Your only-begotten Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in your […]

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What Are My Options For Christmas Mass? Mass Strategy!

Catholic Link — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:00:00 +0000

With Christmas on a Monday this year, you’ll need to get creative about when you go to Mass. Here are some options to get you thinking about how to spend this Holy Day! Christmas Mass Strategy Image Created By: Christify Artworks | Project Catholic Catholic LinkCatholic-Link

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The Power Of The Eucharist Makes The Devil Flee

Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, OP — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:31:00 +0000

St. John Chrysostom wonderfully tells us that when the devil sees us returning from the sacred Banquet of the Eucharist, he flees from us as if he has seen a lion “breathing forth flames from his mouth!” Why? Because in the precious sacrament of the Eucharist, we consume the Lord’s sacred Body and Blood with which, in […]

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How The Beauty Of The Mass Saved Me

Fr. Michael Rennier — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 06:27:00 +0000

One of the great mysteries of life is understanding the motivations our own hearts. I can look at the sky, see the moon, and if it catches my fancy, look up all sorts of facts about it. I can know how big the moon is, what it’s made of, how far away, how fast it […]

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You Don’t Need To Be Afraid Of The Latin Mass

Jack Butler — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:11:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed how much buzz there is around the Mass that uses the Missal of 1962, commonly referred to as the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM)? I mean, if you’re into Catholic Twitter, YouTube, or any other social media, you can’t miss it. It seems to dominate a big chunk of the conversation, doesn’t […]

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Why Do We Need Altar Servers?

Guest Post — Mon, 22 May 2023 07:49:00 +0000

When I was growing up, there were no “altar servers,” only altar boys. Having been raised in a Catholic religious household, my three older brothers all served as altar boys. When they attended Mass and the priest walked out with no altar boy, one or two of my brothers would immediately go up to the […]

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6 Things That Happen When You Go To Daily Mass

Julie Radachy — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:31:00 +0000

“You are what you eat.” This popular phrase is usually related to eating healthy food, but some have raised the question as to whether this applies to eating the Body and Blood of Christ[JR1] . When I first heard someone connect the two several years ago, I wondered if it was truly possible to become […]

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The Top 3 Reasons People Don’t Go To Church Anymore (And How To Respond!)

Terry Poplava — Thu, 04 May 2023 06:36:00 +0000

We can see it. Church attendance is down. We view people who attend Mass monthly as our “engaged Catholics.” Those who attended out of habit and lukewarm faith fell out of the habit of coming to church when we closed parishes for the Covid-19 pandemic. Do we even need to go to church? 63% of […]

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What Is The Liturgical Movement?

Will Wright — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:48:00 +0000

What is the Liturgical Movement? In Desiderio desideravi (2022), Pope Francis writes, “We owe to the [the Second Vatican] Council – and to the liturgical movement that preceded it – the rediscovery of a theological understanding of the Liturgy and of its importance in the life of the Church (DD, 16).” What is this “liturgical […]

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A Guide To Catholic Funerals: What You Need To Know

Joseph Belair — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 18:13:32 +0000

While death was not a part of God’s original plan for the world, due to the fall of mankind with Adam and Eve, it is a sad reality of the world we live in. As Christians however, we do not believe that death is the end. On the contrary, our death on earth signifies a […]

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This Is Your Invitation To Daily Mass

Genevieve Perkins — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:53:00 +0000

When you love someone, you don’t just hang out with them once a week for Friday night dates. You want to be with them, in person, every moment you can. You don’t need entertainment. You don’t always need to understand each other or even say much. You just want to be with each other. Maybe […]

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5 Things Even Devout Catholics Can Do To Go Deeper In Discipleship

Dave Plisky — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 20:00:48 +0000

As Catholics, we have a desire to know the Lord, to deepen our relationship with God. To somehow invite Jesus Christ, who pursues us each personally, into every part of our lives. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is […]

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Keep Your Parish Safe With These Essential Tips

Bob Casar — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:18:00 +0000

“So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. “ Luke, 2:3 It is easy to imagine the chaos that consumed Bethlehem during Caesar’s census. It is fitting, because like Mary and Joseph, we too are likely spending this time of year traveling, visiting the places and people we grew up with. Or, […]

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The Male Saints Listed In The Roman Canon

Will Wright — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:28:00 +0000

In Communion with Those Whose Memory We Venerate In the Roman Canon, the First Eucharistic Prayer, in the section called the Communicantes, we are reminded of our communion with the Apostles and Martyrs. After the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph are mentioned, then many Saints are mentioned. Here is the context, in full: “In communion […]

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4 Ways Lay People Can Be Part Of The Catholic Mass

Will Wright — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:57:00 +0000

Lay Liturgical Ministries in the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite, there are a few lay liturgical ministries that are worth examining in detail. There has been a great deal of confusion in the past decades about some of these ministries. This article will not likely dispense that confusion, but I hope we get a […]

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What Did Pope Pius X Contribute To The Catholic Church?

Will Wright — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 04:21:00 +0000

Who Was Pope St. Pius X? Born in 1835 in Venice, Guiseppe Melchiorre Sarto was pope from 1903 to 1914 under the name Pius X. He was a staunch defender of the truth, a liturgical reformer, and a man of great faith. Pope St. Pius X is well known globally for his repression of Modernism […]

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Consecration: A Priest Shares What You Need To Know About This Part Of The Mass

Fr. Armand de Malleray, FSSP — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 09:49:00 +0000

How can billions of men and women believe that what their eyes see as bread is God? How can sane people support the claim by the Catholic Church according to which, at Holy Mass, bread becomes the Body of Jesus, and wine becomes His Blood? The Church teaches that the Sacred Host is Jesus literally, […]

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Who Are The Seven Women Saints Named In The Eucharistic Prayer At Mass?

Will Wright — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:43:00 +0000

To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all your Saints: admit us, we beseech you, into their company, […]

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What You Should Know About Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter on The Liturgy – Desiderio Desideravi

Will Wright — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 21:21:00 +0000

What is Desiderio desideravi? Desiderio desideravi, the title of Pope Francis’ 2022 document on the Sacred Liturgy, comes from the Latin version of Luke 22:15: “I have earnestly desired (desiderio desideravi) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Pope Francis begins this beautiful and relatively short reflection on the beauty, goodness, and truth […]

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Why Use A Missal (And How!)

Will Wright — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:39:00 +0000

What is the Roman Missal? The Roman Missal is (mostly) the big red book that the priest uses at the altar and at his chair when celebrating Mass. I say “mostly” because the Lectionary (which contains the readings) and the liturgical books containing the rites for the various sacraments, are also part of the Roman […]

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Divine Mercy Sunday Is Good For Your Mental Health

Luke Brown, LPCC — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:40:00 +0000

Gospel of John 20:19-31 On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they […]

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Four Steps For The Eucharistic Revival In The Catholic Church

Fr. Edward Looney — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:52:38 +0000

The Feast of Corpus Christi on June 19, 2022, will mark a special moment in Eucharistic devotion for the United States. The USCCB will launch a multi-year Eucharistic revival which will culminate in a National Eucharistic Congress. Throughout the next three years, dioceses and parishes will foster a deeper love for the Holy Eucharist among […]

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Why It’s Important To Celebrate Easter EVERY Sunday Of The Year

Will Wright — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The Sabbath Day Sunday, the seventh day of the week is the sabbath, a day of solemn rest, that is set aside for the Lord. This goes all the way back to the dawn of creation when God made everything in six days and then rested on the seventh. The Sabbath day also marks the […]

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Tithing: How Much Are We Called To Give The Church?

Will Wright — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Giving to the Church There is one topic that no one wants to hear about in church: money. From my experience speaking to priests, they do not want to talk about it either. Ideally, the Parish would have enough money to cover expenses, expand programs, and provide for the poor and needy. However, when we […]

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Life Is Full Of Unexpected Changes…Here’s How To Respond | Gospel Reflection

Luke Brown, LPCC — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:22:11 +0000

Gospel of Luke 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,mhe was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him […]

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“If Families Aren’t Going To Mass, Your Catholic School Is Failing.”

Kyle Pietrantonio — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 03:21:49 +0000

This is an alarming statement – adding another level of responsibility on schools, especially in today’s society. But Catholic schools can and should influence Mass attendance! As we know today, many Catholic school students aren’t experiencing the Church as a family unit. Let’s consider why, and offer some solutions. Data confirms that members of a […]

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What An Unnecessary Miracle Can Teach Us About God’s Love | Gospel Reflection For January 16, 2022

Luke Brown, LPCC — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 04:41:54 +0000

The Gospel Of John 2:1-12 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. And they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the feast had all been used, and the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said, […]

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Why Do Catholics Light Candles?

Will Wright — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 23:04:42 +0000

Candles are Practical The word candle comes from the Latin “to burn.” Candles have been used since human beings have been able to start fire. Rudimentary wicks were encased in wax or animal fat and burned for light in the dark hours of the day. Oil candles were also made from pottery which held a […]

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Why Do We Sing At Mass?

Will Wright — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:00:09 +0000

Will WrightWill Wright lives in Phoenix with his wife and sons and is a History and Religion Teacher at St. John Paul II Catholic High School. He is a regular speaker at the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix and an instructor at the Kino Catechetical Institute. He is also a regular author for the […]

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What Is The Second Vatican Council? And, Why Did It Create Controversy?

Will Wright — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 03:20:56 +0000

A New Ecumenical Council On January 25, 1959, Pope St. John XXIII took the world by surprise by calling a new ecumenical council of the universal Church. We now know this council as the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), so called because it was held in Vatican City. An ecumenical council can be called and […]

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No Drums? No Guitars? Why The Organ Is The Catholic Church’s Favorite

Will Wright — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 03:53:16 +0000

Tra Le Sollecitudini – “Among the cares” In November 1903, Pope St. Pius X issued the Motu Proprio “Tra Le Sollecitudini” which is Italian for “Among the cares.” It is worth reexamining this excellent writing to glean from it the wisdom which endures. Of course, liturgical law has changed in many ways since 1903, but […]

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5 Ways To Elevate Your Experience Of The Liturgy

Jethro Higgins — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:00:46 +0000

Elevating Your Experience Of The Liturgy After more than a year of dispensations from attending the Mass, Catholics around the world are taking a look at the liturgy with fresh eyes. As the saying goes “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” For a few, the pandemic may have been a cause for greater separation from […]

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The Correct Way To Make The Sign Of The Cross

Fr. George Elliott — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:34:52 +0000

The Sign of the Cross is a Catholic tradition and a simple prayer on its own. There is a correct way to make the Sign of the Cross and specific times to do the Sign of the Cross. Father George answers how to make the Sign of the Cross as well as discusses the Catholic […]

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Genuflect Or Bow? When, Where, And Why This Is Part Of The Catholic Faith!

Will Wright — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:44:28 +0000

(Special Thanks to Adoremus and Dr. Denis McNamara) The heavy lifting and much of the inspiration for this article is offered by Dr. Denis McNamara’s fantastic article “Altar as Alter Christus: Ontology and Sacramentality” from Adoremus. The Church is deeply indebted to Dr. McNamara for his passion, knowledge, and love of Jesus Christ and the […]

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Is It True That Pope Francis Is Restricting The Traditional Latin Mass?

Will Wright — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 15:40:43 +0000

Traditionis Custodes Early on July 16, 2021, Pope Francis issued a Motu Proprio entitled Traditionis Custodes which sent shockwaves through the Catholic world, especially in more traditionalist circles. For a brief first look at what the document says, please click here. The internet was certainly abuzz with the reactions of various prelates and commentators on July 16, 2021. […]

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Breaking Open the Pope’s New Motu Proprio – Traditionis Custodes

Will Wright — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 19:39:36 +0000

Pope Francis released a motu proprio on Friday, July 16, 2021, entitled Traditionis Custodes (“Guardians of Tradition”). This document will almost certainly be interpreted differently depending on the perspective of the reader. Those who currently and regularly attend the “Traditional Latin Mass” will see it as an attack. Those who do not understand the attraction […]

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So Much More Than Just Smoke: What Is The Importance Of Using Incense In The Catholic Church?

Will Wright — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:02:09 +0000

Incense – A Long History Incense has been used in sacred worship for over five thousand years. Long before Christian worship began burning fragrant aromas in liturgy, the Egyptians began using incense in a religious way during the Fifth Dynasty, between 2494 and 2345 BC. Many Asiatic religions have used incense for hundreds, if not […]

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Discovering The Eucharist On Every Page Of The Bible

Will Wright — Mon, 03 May 2021 15:44:28 +0000

“Parousia: The Bible and the Mass” We are proud to share with you a phenomenal Bible study series at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology called “Parousia: The Bible and the Mass” hosted by Dr. Scott Hahn. Beautifully presented, impeccably edited, with masterful cinematography, we cannot recommend this study highly enough. As a graduate […]

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Welcoming Them Home: 7 Tips For Churches To Reengage Parishioners

Guest Author — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:28:20 +0000

I remember the first Mass I attended after COVID-19 caused lockdowns countrywide and cut off access to the sacraments. I hadn’t been to Mass in more than two months, and I craved the Eucharist more than anything else I’d lost during the pandemic. The Mass was going to be outdoors, and I arrived super early […]

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Church Was Boring…Until I Discovered These Four Things

Patric Peters — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:06:53 +0000

I’m just not getting anything out of it! is a common cry for many who find church boring. For many raised Catholic, feelings of “not being fed” cause some to leave church altogether or at least find another Christian experience. Many go for churches that emphasize popular preachers and modern music—forget liturgy and sacraments. Much […]

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How To Make A Daily Spiritual Plan In 7 Steps

Guest Author — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 15:09:34 +0000

We know what a spiritual life is, but what’s a basic way that we can get a daily spiritual plan going? What does a daily prayer life look like? Fr. Hanley offers tips and basic practices that anyone can use to get started in living a life of prayer. Listen to Fr. Hanley’s podcast on […]

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The Christmas Story Is Your Story Too

Garrett Johnson — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:28:00 +0000

The beauty of each narrative found in the Sacred Scriptures lies in the fact that there are always, in reality, two narratives unfolding. Thus, when we take the time to read and meditate on the Christmas narrative, we are invited to discover both Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and, at the same time, his birth in our own lives. […]

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We’ll Be Home For Christmas: 3 Things Parishes Can Do This Christmas And New Year

Daniel Cellucci — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:01:57 +0000

Do you remember this past Lent, when we all had that “can-do” spirit to celebrate Holy Week and Easter in the best way possible given our lockdown reality? The bursts of creativity, the flurry of activity on social media, the daily Zoom lessons we learned. Doesn’t that feel like a lifetime ago? I remember reading […]

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Celebrating St. Cecilia: How Music “Speaks” To Us Through Rhythm, Harmony, And Melody

Guest Author — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 04:17:58 +0000

Since St. Cecilia sang in her heart to her heavenly Bridegroom at her earthly wedding feast, artful imaginings of her usually place a harp in her hands. Because of this, she became closely associated with music and is the beloved patroness of Catholic musicians. However, the harp she holds may seem like a mild instrument […]

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Ask A Priest With Fr. George Elliott | Love Is Difficult

Fr. George Elliott — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 22:18:45 +0000

If you missed Ask a Priest Live with Fr. George Elliott, you can watch the replay here. Each Sunday at 3:00 PM Central, I go live on the Catholic-Link Facebook page. I will start with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, then provide a quick reflection on the Sunday readings, and then answer audience questions in the comment section of the video. […]

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Is Chewing The Eucharist Ok?

Fr. George Elliott — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:23:00 +0000

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Our 10 Favorite Catholic Masks

Becky Roach — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:07:06 +0000

In many parts of the world, if you want to go to Mass you have to wear a mask. In my opinion, it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to worship the Creator of the Universe and receive Holy Communion. It might not always be comfortable, but we can be stylish and evangelistic […]

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Your Complete Guide To Paying Priests For Things

Leslie Rodriguez — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:07:10 +0000

“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” – Matthew 6:24. How true that is! The Church and money have always had a challenging history and sometimes it has gone terribly wrong, yet […]

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Why St. Bernardine Created The IHS Christogram And What It Means

Will Wright — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:49:26 +0000

St. Bernardine – A St. Paul of the 15th Century St. Bernardine was from Siena, Italy and was ordained a Franciscan priest at the age of 24 in the year 1402. He took upon himself the poverty of the Franciscan Order and expressed an acute awareness for the needs of people of his time. He […]

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Liturgical Institute Offers FREE Online Courses In the Sacred Liturgy

Guest Author — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 22:06:42 +0000

The renewal of the sacred liturgy continues apace – and for Jesse Weiler, director of the Liturgical Institute at St. Mary of the Lake University, Mundelein, IL, there’s no reason that renewal can’t take place – and even flourish – online. The Liturgical Institute recently launched a series of online courses – consisting of five […]

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How One Priest’s Doubt Led To The Feast Of Corpus Christi

Will Wright — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:48:06 +0000

A Priest in Doubt A German priest named Fr. Peter of Prague was struggling with his faith in the Most Holy Eucharist. He saw around him a lack of interest on the part of the laity, a general immorality and laziness of the clergy, and a lack of reverence for the Sacred Liturgy. He found […]

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Three Thoughts From A Priest About Quarantine

Fr. Conrad Murphy — Sat, 23 May 2020 17:36:23 +0000

You are missed. In his magnificent biography of Saint John Paul II, George Weigel writes that to Father Karol Wojtyła, “a priest without a parish was a vocational absurdity.” A priest is ordained to be a man for others, “to go from men to God and offer Him their prayers; To return from God to […]

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Mass Is Always Crowded On Sunday…Here’s Why

Will Wright — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 18:53:33 +0000

What Is A Priest? The popular definition of a priest is given as an ordained person with the authority to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments. Properly speaking, however, a priest is one who offers sacrifice. This is what a priest is. This is what a priest does. This is who a priest is. […]

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Plenary Indulgence Offered For Quarantined: Here’s How To Get It

Catholic Link — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:50:50 +0000

“Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful affected by Coronavirus, subjected to quarantine for the disposition of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a soul detached from any sin, they spiritually unite through the media to the celebration of the Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, the pious practice […]

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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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Does It Matter What Liturgical Ministers Wear To Mass?

Will Wright — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 01:38:07 +0000

<< This article is the sequel to Does It Matter What You Wear To Mass >> Serving on Sunday If you are involved in a liturgical ministry of any kind on Sunday, thank you for your service to Christ and His Church! Your efforts are appreciated. There are many ways to be involved in the […]

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Mass Will Never Be The Same After You See This

Becky Roach — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:13:47 +0000

The Veil Removed, produced by Greg Krajewski and RD Delgado, powerfully shows what happens during each and every Mass that takes place in Catholic Churches across the world. Take 5 minutes out of your day and watch this short video. You will never look at Mass the same way again! The Veil Removed “The angels […]

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Does It Matter What You Wear To Mass?

Will Wright — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 02:27:32 +0000

Dress to Impress For Catholic Mass? I want to make something clear from the outset. This article is NOT about dressing to impress on Sundays. The Church is not about fashion; though, there are many beautiful chasubles, habits, stoles, and the like in the Church’s two thousand year tradition. So, how does our own personal […]

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Want To Request A Mass? Here’s How

Becky Roach — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:29:00 +0000

Throughout the month of November, we look for ways to honor our deceased family members and friends. One of the best ways to do this is to have a mass offered on their behalf. Why have a Mass offered? Simply put, it’s the greatest form of prayer we have available to us on earth. It’s […]

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The Modern Liturgical Battle Brewing Among Catholics

Will Wright — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 02:00:54 +0000

Context of the Catholic Controversy In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, there is a liturgical battle brewing between two allowed postures of the priest: ad orientem and versus populum. The Catholic Church, in both the East and the West, for the vast majority of time and place, have celebrated the Sacred and Divine […]

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Restoring Sacred Music In The Roman Liturgy | Part 2

Will Wright — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:21:59 +0000

If you have not read part one of this series entitled: “Music in the Roman Church, part 1 – What is Sacred Music?” please go read that first for background. In this part of the series, we will get a bit deeper into the specifics of restoring Sacred Music in the Latin Rite of the […]

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What Does The Catholic Church Do With All Those Candles?

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:45:05 +0000

Good question, right? Why does the Church use so many candles? The answer lies within the tradition and history of the Church. The use of candles is a part of the rich heritage of the Catholic faith. Sure, candles probably served some practical purpose in liturgies and rites before electricity became commonplace. But the use […]

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A 2000-Year Tradition: Is The Church In Danger Of Losing It?

Will Wright — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 02:38:00 +0000

What is Sacred Music? Maybe you know! Maybe you think you know. Maybe you have no idea. What does the Church say is “Sacred Music?” In January of 2019, Archbishop Alexander Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon wrote a pastoral letter on Sacred Music in Divine Worship entitled: “Sing to the LORD a […]

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Why You Should Listen Closely To This Part Of The Wedding Ceremony

Leslie Rodriguez — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 16:28:46 +0000

If someone asked you what was said in the Nuptial Blessing at a wedding, would you know? Probably not. This rather lengthy prayer is tucked between the Exchange of Consent and the Our Father and if you aren’t paying attention, you may miss one of the most beautiful prayers of the entire liturgy. Why is […]

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Priests Get Real About Noisy Kids At Mass

Becky Roach — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 04:06:58 +0000

If you’re a parent and you’ve ever taken a child to Mass, you’ve been there. Just as the priest elevates the host, your toddler slips and bonks his head on the pew. You frantically try to comfort and silently smother the loud screams of your child at the same time. The song comes to a […]

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5 Tips On How To Receive The Eucharist

Leslie Rodriguez — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 23:44:18 +0000

The eternal debate: receive the Eucharist on the tongue or in the hands? The great debates Catholics get into can be rather heated (and honestly quite entertaining at times), but let’s start with this – Receiving the Eucharist on your tongue vs. in your hands isn’t the determining factor of reverence. That’s right. When discussing […]

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14 Of The Most Beautiful Catholic Churches In The World

Becky Roach — Wed, 15 May 2019 04:38:49 +0000

Non-believers often challenge Catholics by asking them why so much money is spent on Church buildings instead of being given to people who are starving to death throughout the world. What many fail to realize is that throughout history, the Catholic Church has done more than any other institution in the world to help the poor, […]

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3 Ways To Celebrate The Easter Octave

Leslie Rodriguez — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:37:43 +0000

It’s Easter! Yes, really, it is STILL Easter. The Church, in her great joy and celebration of Easter, celebrates eight full days of solemnities in honor of the Resurrection of Christ called the Easter Octave. The most obvious signs of this celebration are found in the liturgy. The Gloria is said each day at Mass, […]

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If You’ve Never Been To Easter Vigil Mass, Here’s Why You Need To Go

Will Wright — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:34:57 +0000

The Mother of All Vigils The Easter Vigil is the most extraordinary liturgy of the entire year in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. The Roman Missal guides the celebration of this great night and even refers to the Easter Vigil as the “mother of all vigils,” which is quoting St. Augustine from the […]

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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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A Catholic Dad Gives His 10 Best Strategies For Mass With Kids

Will Wright — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 03:00:17 +0000

Mass With Kids: A Seemingly Impossible Task Parenting young children at Mass seems like an undoable task. How can they be expected to be still and silent for an hour or more? Should I take turns with my spouse and do Mass in shifts? Will the other parishioners be upset that my child is making […]

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How To Have The Most Dynamic Liturgy This Christmas | Part 2

Fr. Brenton Cordeiro — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 04:27:54 +0000

Whether you’re a regular Mass-goer, or you attend Church once a year at Christmas, chances are high that you have come across a liturgy that either had a boring homily or painful music. If not these, then perhaps you have witnessed a priest introduce liturgical ‘innovations’ to make the Mass more ‘interesting’. This article is […]

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A Walk Through The Holy Mass

Will Wright — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 03:08:39 +0000

The Holy Mass There are two main parts of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: the liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that these two main parts “together form ‘one single act of worship… (CCC 1346).’” Let’s explore the four main subdivisions of the […]

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The Nicene Creed: Explained!

Will Wright — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:55:23 +0000

Historical Introduction of the Nicene Creed We call the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is professed every Sunday at Mass in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church. In the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church and in our separated Orthodox brethren, this same Creed is professed in its original formulation. The […]

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The Cost of Discipleship | Liturgy Live 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 22:10:49 +0000

This week on Liturgy Live we talk about Wisdom, the Word of God, and the cost of discipleship. In the book of Wisdom, the Word is a “fierce warrior bearing the sharp sword”, we see throughout the gospel how people hear the Word and are cut to the heart. Some don’t have open disposition to […]

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Why Does The Priest Kiss The Altar? And More Altar Facts You Need To Know!

Becky Roach — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 01:34:04 +0000

Fr. Brice Higginbotham from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux provides excellent insight into the meaning and significance of the altar as he answers many of the questions you’ve probably never even thought to ask about this fixture present in every church. Take a minute to listen and learn something new. Why The Altar? More Thoughts On The Altar “This […]

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Ten Reasons To LOVE Tradition

Genevieve Perkins — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:15:45 +0000

Archaic. Backward. Ignorant. That’s what some people think of tradition. They outright reject it purely for the sake of rejecting it, but that’s as bad as following tradition without knowing what makes each tradition so wonderful. When I hear tradition, I either lovingly think of my Catholic faith or have Fiddler on the Roof songs […]

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War on Wisdom | Liturgy Live 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 21:31:49 +0000

This week we look at the readings in light of the scandal rocking the church and discuss what they mean from our perspective in our culture and in the time and culture they are written in. In this episode, we look at the persecutions of those who follow Christ and the depravity that comes from […]

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Show Me Your Faith | Liturgy Live 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 20:23:34 +0000

We are pleased to announce that our show Liturgy Live will now be a part of the expanding lineup of podcasts at Breadbox Media! We are happy to be a part of their team. Looking for the BEST in Catholic podcasting? Check out Breadbox Media! Liturgy Live can now be found on iTunes, iheart, Stitcher, […]

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4 Things To Love About The Catholic Family Crate

Becky Roach — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 13:12:57 +0000

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to try out the new subscription box service Catholic Family Crate and I am beyond impressed. I have to confess that I have a secret obsession with these types of subscription boxes. I’ve given all types a try – from groceries to fashion to STEM projects for the kids ,so […]

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Attitude in “How” | Liturgy Live 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 20:25:09 +0000

Liturgy Live with Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg, join the conversation live on Monday’s at 3pm EST on our Catholic Link English Facebook page. Click on the notifications button so you will be alerted when we go Live. Did you know that Liturgy Live has its own YouTube Channel? Please go and subscribe! We […]

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Food for the Journey | Liturgy Live 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 04:23:13 +0000

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Work and Gift | Liturgy Live 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 14:32:56 +0000

Liturgy Live with Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg, join the conversation live on Monday’s at 3pm EST on our Catholic Link English Facebook page! Click on the notifications button so you will be alerted when we go Live! Questions for reflection: Do you grumble against God when you are going through difficult times? […]

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When You Can’t See Past Your Own Hunger, It’s Hard To See Jesus

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 02:49:44 +0000

“They say that one who is satiated cannot understand someone who is hungry; to that, I would add that one hungry person does not understand another hungry person.” – Dostoevsky Every one of us hungers. Every one of us seeks for something that will nourish us. We hunger for affection, for relationships, for […]

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The Overabundance of Sustenance | Liturgy Live 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 03:48:16 +0000

Liturgy Live with Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg, join the conversation live on Monday’s at 3pm EST on our Catholic Link English Facebook page! Click on the notifications button so you will be alerted when we go Live! Questions for reflection: Do you have a hard time trusting in God’s plan? Coming together […]

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Shepherds Need Rest | Liturgy Live 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 14:48:16 +0000

Liturgy Live with Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg, join the conversation live on Monday’s at 3pm EST on our Catholic Link English Facebook page! Click on the notifications button so you will be alerted when we go Live! Questions for reflection: Can you identify poor spiritual leaders in your life that have led […]

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Qualifying the Called | Liturgy Live 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 04:01:05 +0000

Liturgy Live with Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg, join the conversation live on Monday’s at 3pm EST on our Catholic Link English Facebook page! Click on the notifications button so you will be alerted when we go Live! Questions for reflection: Did you know who Amos was? What do you think about the […]

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Weakness is Strength | Liturgy Live 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Alanna Burg — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 22:23:23 +0000

Liturgy Live discussion for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Discussion questions: Do you see the typological connection to the Baptism of Jesus in the first reflection? Have you had an experience of divine energy? What experiences have you had where suffering has strengthened your faith in the Lord? Have you dealt with people from […]

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Why Couldn’t They Hear Jesus? The Answer May Surprise You

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 21:22:11 +0000

When my mother notices that I’m trying to hide something from her or that I’m trying, good-naturedly, to tease her, she always reminds me quite colorfully that she is the one who made me! She knows me so well that she perceives my mood from the tone of my voice. However, unfortunately, those who know […]

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What is in a name? Nativity of St John the Baptist | Liturgy Live

Alanna Burg — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 19:10:30 +0000

Fr Ian VanHeusen and Alanna Burg talk about the readings for The Nativity of St John the Baptist. Questions for reflection. Do you think that names can have a hand in your destiny? What would draw you to someone? What type of magnetism would you respond to? Are you able to be both gentle and […]

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God Shelters The Mustard Seed | Liturgy Live

Alanna Burg — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 00:35:00 +0000

Welcome to the new weekly Facebook live session where Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday. You can catch us during the weekly live sessions on Mondays at 3pm EST on Facebook from our Catholic-Link page. Reflection Questions How is God sheltering you in His branches today? In what way […]

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Our First EVER “Liturgy Live” Featuring Fr. Ian and Alanna

Alanna Burg — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:56:19 +0000

Welcome to the new weekly Facebook live session where Fr. Ian Van Heusen and Alanna Burg discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday. You can catch us during the weekly live sessions on Mondays at 3pm EST on Facebook from our Catholic-Link page. We welcome questions and input from the people who are able to […]

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A Guide To Appreciating Catholic Churches For The Non-Catholic

Guest Author — Wed, 16 May 2018 18:43:46 +0000

First, let me tell you that I’m not Catholic. But having lived in Europe for several years, I’ve probably been in more Catholic Churches than most Catholics. Not that this makes me an expert, but more of a connoisseur. However, I have asked several of my Catholic friends how to best appreciate a Catholic church […]

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This Is The Moment In The Mass That Softened A Grieving Mom’s Heart

Melissa Flen — Fri, 04 May 2018 18:31:52 +0000

“Shall we now begin the Mass.” The words that I had loved hearing over the last several years now felt like an invitation to the tears that were always a struggle to keep locked in. As our priest listed the intentions of the Mass, I listened intently, keeping my emotions in check and offering a […]

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Young Kids And Mass: 3 Essential Tips For Success

Ashley Zahorian — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:56:36 +0000

Yup, that topic. Young children and the Mass. Little did I know seven years ago, before our first was born, what an expert I’d become on the topic. At first, it seemed so easy to go to Mass with a child. We’d go to Mass, infant Clare would nurse or sleep, and maybe need a […]

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5 Myths About the Priest Shortage | Video From Breaking In The Habit

Becky Roach — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:16:55 +0000

In this video posted to the YouTube channel Breaking In The Habit, Br. Casey Cole debunks five commonly held myths most people believe about the shortage of priests. 5 Myths About The Priest Shortage Were you surprised by some of the myths Br. Casey revealed? How can you help promote vocations in your diocese? According to the […]

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7 Truths You Need To Know If You’re Part Of A Parish Choir

Catholic Link — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:49:20 +0000

A few years ago, I belonged to a choir, but for different reasons, I had to leave it and commit to other things in the field of evangelization. However, I have continued educating myself and that’s why I would like to share with you some points to reflect on and to bring a better service […]

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What’s a Maronite Catholic? One Woman’s Experience in the Eastern Rites

Guest Author — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 15:23:31 +0000

“Marie, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!” In my family, we often speak to each other with movie quotes. The first time my parents attended Mass in the Maronite Church, when the priest began the liturgy chanting in Syriac, my father leaned over to my mother and said with trepidation and confusion, […]

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7 Things You Can Do To Get More Out Of Mass

Fr. Steve Flynn — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 21:35:12 +0000

Habits and routines form and shape our experiences and our lives. These habits will help you make going to Mass more than a habit. Going to Mass is the ultimate form of prayer and should be a spiritual encounter with Christ. I invite you to reconsider your Mass routines in order to more fully understand […]

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All Your Questions About Adoration Answered…What Is It? How Do I Go? What Do I Do? And More!

Becky Roach — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:17:09 +0000

Maybe, you’ve seen our posts about the benefits of Adoration or heard some of your Catholic friends talk about “going to Adoration,” but you still don’t really understand what that means. That’s ok! Though the practice of Adoration has been a part of the Catholic faith since the very beginning, it has experienced a revival […]

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3 Prayers From The Mass That I Have Regularly Ignored

Ruth Kennedy — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 14:44:22 +0000

Did you know that there are three prayers in the Mass that, like the readings, are different for each Mass? It wasn’t until I had a recent conversation with my dad that I realized that I had been letting the words of these prayers wash over me without paying any attention to them. He told […]

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Bored At Mass? These Tips Will Help You Make The Most Of The Eucharist

Fr. Joshan Rodrigues — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:12:59 +0000

One of the most common refrains I hear from young people is ‘Mass is boring. Homilies are boring. I don’t know why I have to come Sunday after Sunday.’ Some of my youth in the rear pews would be distracted on their phones during Mass. When I asked them once what they were doing, one […]

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Why Won’t The Church Allow For Gluten-Free Hosts? Don’t They Care About People With Celiac’s?

Becky Roach — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 20:34:42 +0000

Occasionally, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments to Diocesan Bishops will reiterate the guidelines for the Eucharistic bread and wine. The reminders are necessary because, at one time, it was mainly religious communities that made the bread and wine used for Communion. Today everywhere from the local supermarket to Amazon sells […]

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Do You Know About These 6 Incredible Eucharistic Miracles?

Becky Roach — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 22:41:15 +0000

The True Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is one of the greatest mysteries of our Catholic faith. It is something that can be very difficult for us to understand. How does what appears to be a piece of bread and a cup of wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord? Embracing […]

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Why Can’t I Have A Catholic Outdoor Wedding? The 3 Requirements For Catholic Wedding Venues

Becky Roach — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:45:25 +0000

What is the problem with a Catholic outdoor wedding? Believe it or not, the Catholic Church actually has some beautiful reasons as to why getting married outside the Church building is discouraged. The Church is not trying to ruin the plans for the day you have dreamed of for years just because they feel like it. […]

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Once You Understand the Architecture of a Church, You’ll Never Look at It the Same

Winifred Corrigan — Wed, 17 May 2017 10:18:38 +0000

“A foretaste of the Heavenly Liturgy”¹ Several years ago I stumbled upon a video of a lecture given by Denis R. McNamara, that blew me away, and has subsequently traveled with me, so to speak, in my meditative, Mass-going, beauty-loving journeys as a Catholic. Every time I visit a Church, I am inevitably affected by […]

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What One Priest Told Me About The Mass That Still Gives Me Goosebumps

Winifred Corrigan — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:43:48 +0000

There are certain, obvious parts of the Mass that become more automatic touchstones … easier, in a sense, for us to focus on or re-focus from. For instance, we can read along in our missals during the Liturgy of the Word—a natural way to engage. And at the Consecration, we know this is the supreme […]

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2 Hymns You Should Know: O Salutaris and Tantum Ergo

Winifred Corrigan — Wed, 03 May 2017 00:15:49 +0000

Even if you weren’t aware of their names, or haven’t heard them in Latin, chances are you’re familiar on some level with these two traditional hymns, both composed as prayers by none other than the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas. In addition to sharing a common origin, these two hymns are very often found together […]

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9 (Non-Spiritual) Skills Kids Learn At Mass That Prepare Them For School

Becky Roach — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:18:50 +0000

Of course, there is no question that the spiritual benefits far outweigh any practical benefits that children may receive when they attend Mass and that the reason we attend Mass is to be with and worship Our Lord, but we’ve already written about that in a few other posts at Catholic-Link. (If you need tips […]

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Should You Sing At Mass Even If You Can’t Carry A Tune?

Becky Roach — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:38:23 +0000

Sometimes the choir sounds so beautiful at Mass that it’s tempting to not join in singing. You’re inclined to just sit back, relax and enjoy the show. But, that’s just it. This isn’t a show. This is Mass. This is our highest form of worship and prayer and it is not a spectator sport. We are […]

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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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9 Tip Survival Guide For Returning To Mass When You Haven’t Been In Awhile

Ruth Kennedy — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 18:03:09 +0000

This article is for you, especially for you, if you have been thinking about going back to Mass. On the part of all of us at Catholic-Link, let me personally invite you back to mass (we even wrote a letter for you!): We want you back! Today’s article looks to give you a few tips […]

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6 Things Children Learn When You Skip Mass On Sundays

Becky Roach — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 02:07:55 +0000

It doesn’t take long for us parents to realize that our children absorb everything we do and say. I remember the first time I heard my two year old let out a long sigh and say “Oh, my gosh. I can’t even.” Her tone and expression were exactly like mine. Sometimes you come face to […]

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The Daily Mass Challenge from TLP

Becky Roach — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 23:57:44 +0000

Looking for an extra boost to your prayer life? Still wondering how to approach Lent? A while back, The Living Person partnered with Lifeteen over the idea of a daily Mass challenge. Lent is a wonderful time to add to your time in prayer, and if your daily routine has room for weekday Mass, there’s […]

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4 Reasons Painfully Long Genealogies Matter

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:11:57 +0000

Many times when I get bored at Mass, it is because I didn’t prepare myself well beforehand. Or I might have had too many worries floating around in my head that I was unwilling to entrust to God. I think it would be safe to say that the readings of the genealogies (Matthew 1 and Luke […]

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What Is The Meaning Of A Priest’s Vestments? A Practical Guide

Marigina Bruno — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:09:37 +0000

If you have paid attention at Mass or at other liturgies at Church, you will have noted how the priest’s vestments change through the various seasons. It’s possible that you might have asked yourself why the change and what the different colors might mean. Put simply, each piece of clothing and each color has a […]

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World Youth Day Quiz: How Much Do You Know?

Sebastian Campos — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 22:03:37 +0000

Millions of young Catholics are gathering from around the world to celebrate our faith this week. Undoubtedly, many will experience conversions, form much-needed spiritual friendships, and feel God’s love in a whole new way. There will be an abundance of joy, songs of praise, and prayers of thanksgiving. World Youth Day seems to be just […]

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4 Reasons to Support Ad Orientem (the priest facing East during the Liturgy)

Alex Farmer — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 02:34:21 +0000

Last week, Cardinal Robert Sarah who is the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship (the person in the Vatican in charge of Liturgy) said that priests should celebrate Mass ‘ad orientem’ (facing East) rather than facing the congregation as they currently do, and he suggested that this start in Advent this year. “It is […]

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Why are Catholics So “Exclusive” About Holy Communion?! 13 Ways To Approach This Sensitive Subject

Sean Chapman — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:35:27 +0000

Recently I attended a Baccalaureate Mass, and I couldn’t help but feel the generally awkward vibe that tends to arise whenever Communion comes around, especially when the priest must explain that those who aren’t Catholic may come forward and receive a blessing, but may not otherwise partake in the reception of Holy Communion. Maybe I […]

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To The Young Catholic Alone At Mass…

Ruth Kennedy — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:58:23 +0000

Dear Young Catholic, Just because you should be doing something doesn’t make it easy, nor does it mean you should have to do it alone and unsupported. There are times when being Catholic can be tough when you feel like you are the only person in the entire world who believes what you believe and […]

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10 Things You Should Know About Catholic Mass Etiquette

Becky Roach — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 04:17:12 +0000

A few weeks ago during Mass the people in the pew behind me would not stop talking. They chatted away throughout the whole celebration. Needless to say, it was driving me crazy. I was getting more and more aggravated mostly because I was struggling to keep my own children quiet and they were setting a […]

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“The Mass Box” Is Making Church Easier For Parents Everywhere!

Becky Roach — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 03:47:58 +0000

If you’ve read my post on taking children to Mass, you know that I’m constantly searching for tips, tricks, and strategies that will help keep my 5 kids engaged in the celebration of Mass. One of my #MomGoals is to help my kids learn to understand, appreciate and LOVE the gift of the Mass. With […]

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9 Tip Survival Guide For Returning To Mass When You Haven’t Been In Awhile

Ruth Kennedy — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:01:41 +0000

This article is for you, especially for you, if you have been thinking about going back to Mass this Christmas season. On the part of all of us at Catholic-Link, let me personally invite you back to mass (we even wrote a letter for you!): We want you back! Today’s articles looks to give you […]

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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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The Prodigal Son Parable Explained | Catholic Bible Study Luke 15: 11-32

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 11:47:27 +0000

One of the best ways to enrich your experience at Sunday Mass is to pray the gospel reading personally. A great way of doing this is using the “Lectio Divina”; this is a powerful method which we explain here. We hope that this reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son helps you in your personal prayer […]

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QUIZ: Is It A Sin To Skip Mass On A Holy Day Of Obligation?

Becky Roach — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 04:47:17 +0000

Each time I hear the phrase “Holy Day of Obligation,” I cringe just a little. Not because I don’t want to go to Mass, just the opposite. The Mass is such a gift that I hate to hear it referred to as an obligation. It’s time to change how we think and what we say […]

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A Letter Inviting Former Catholics Back to Mass This Christmas

Maria Alejandra Rivas — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 04:04:51 +0000

It can be difficult to extend the invitation to a neighbor or friend to join us at Mass for Christmas, but statistics show that 82% of people who do not go to Church are somewhat likely to attend if invited. This should give us the courage to be bold in our faith and invite someone to […]

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How to “Go in Peace, Glorifying the Lord by your Life”

Ruth Kennedy — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 14:19:54 +0000

Do you ever think about these words said to us by the priest at the end of Mass? Too often, I’m flicking through the hymn book to find the last hymn, and I miss their significance. Every phrase said in the Mass is there because it is important, so this isn’t just a convenient way […]

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Is It A Sin To Be Bored At Mass?

Benedict Hince — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 15:11:54 +0000

This short video from Mark Hart, “Bored at Mass?”, will most likely speak to each and every one of us since it hits upon a very real struggle that many face – not only in the past, but also presently, and potentially in the future. But why? Why is it that we can sometimes experience […]

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When Chaos Brings Fear And Anxiety|Catholic Bible Study

Fr. Gaetano Piccolo — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 03:41:37 +0000

‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the turmoil of the ocean and its waves; men fainting away with terror and fear at what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with […]

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6 Tips To “Keep Holy the Sabbath Day” When You’re Stuck Working

Ruth Kennedy — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 13:50:43 +0000

We are called to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (and as Catholics we have a moral obligation to attend Sunday Mass). For many of us, however, our job or station in life may mean that Sundays are just as busy as every other day of the week, maybe even more so. In […]

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Who Is Your King? A Must Watch Video For The Feast Of Christ The King

Garrett Johnson — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:15:36 +0000

In times when many world leaders seem to be indifferent or opposed to the Christian way of life, it is vital that we remember who truly is king, who truly reigns over our societies and our lives. This is an excellent moment to reflect on this, as we will be celebrating the feast of Christ […]

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Communion Meditation: “You’re Worth Dying For Right Now”

Ruth Kennedy — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:55:51 +0000

Today’s video invites us to reflect on an important and often forgotten about moment during Mass – the after Communion Meditation. Too often we may return to our pew after receiving Communion and sit and think. We may make a short prayer, the choir launches into a hymn and the moment is lost. Perhaps it […]

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Trouble Understanding The Mass? Here’s A Simple Explanation (Part 2)

Juan Jose Paniagua — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 13:58:47 +0000

When someone wants to show you their affection and friendship, they invite you to their home. There are two important things which occur next: conversation and a meal. In the celebration of the Mass, it is Jesus who invites us to participate in his friendship, during which we also encounter these two important moments: conversation, […]

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A Step-By-Step Guide To Not Read The Bible Like A Robot: Lectio Divina

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:39:06 +0000

Oftentimes our Wikipedia-mindset has taught us to read like robots. It’s one thing to read a text looking to obtain information, it’s another looking to undergo transformation. “Reading” the Bible isn’t meant to merely offer certain ideas or reflections, it is meant to be an encounter, through the Holy Spirit, with the living Word who is Jesus. […]

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Every Mass Is A Wedding And We Are The Guests Of Honor

Juan Jose Paniagua — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:41:11 +0000

We have all experienced the joy of sharing what we have with others, especially when we do so for those in need. When we share, we do not lose, rather we gain. Not only do we have more, we are more and our heart is filled with joy. How much greater would that joy be […]

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Trouble Understanding The Mass? Here’s A Simple Explanation

Juan Jose Paniagua — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:52:24 +0000

The Mass is the sacrifice of Christ. He offered Himself once and forever on the cross. The Mass is the center of our Christian life and the thanks offering we present to God for His great love toward us. It is not another sacrifice. It is not a repetition. It is the sacrifice of Jesus […]

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Is It Possible To Go To Mass With Children? Tips For Taking Your Family To Church

Becky Roach — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:18:01 +0000

This could quite possibly be one of the cutest videos on the internet, as well as the goal of every Catholic parent of young children. Don’t we all wish our children could perform the Mass as beautifully as Isaiah does? Right now, it’s just a struggle to get my family to Mass, let alone learn […]

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What To Wear To Mass: The Importance Of Dressing For The Occasion

Genevieve Perkins — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:16:34 +0000

People have become more casual when dressing for mass. Jeans and t-shirts replace what had been the Sunday best – dresses, formal outfits, and suits complete with ties and nice shoes. Still, we learn, he makes it a point to put on a suit jacket, so he can show respect for the Mass while also […]

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QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About The Eucharist?

Becky Roach — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:38:01 +0000

Are you smarter than a 2nd grader? It is amazing the information that we forget over time. Take our quiz to see if you are still as sharp as the day you received First Holy Communion. We did add a few more challenging questions to keep you on your toes! Good luck! And for all […]

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15 Typical Excuses People Give For Not Going To Mass…And How To Respond!

Catholic Link — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 21:17:53 +0000

It’s all too easy to find some reason not to go to Mass. All of us probably have at least one good excuse that we could use to try to justify skipping Mass, but the Mass is the greatest gift that God has given to us. Today’s post takes a look at some of the most typical […]

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Everything You Need To Know About Divine Mercy Sunday

Becky Roach — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 13:11:54 +0000

This beautiful glimpse into the life of St. Faustina is a clip from the award-winning movie Faustina: The Apostle of Divine Mercy, recently released by Ignatius Press. The film is based on St.Faustina’s “Diary” and tells the story of the Polish nun who received powerful messages from Jesus. Jesus appeared to St. Faustina frequently throughout her […]

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Christmas Mall Flash Mob – So Beautiful!

Alex Farmer — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 02:04:33 +0000

The people in this food court are quietly enjoying their lunch when it is rudely interrupted by a shout of “Alleluia!” In the faces of the people, we see suspicion. But gradually they change, hostility vanishes, parents reassure their children, and instead, we see curiosity, wonder, and even peace and happiness. Maybe a few are […]

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Mary, Did You Know? – What A Song Teaches Us About The Incarnation

Elise Harris — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:13:59 +0000

In what is probably one of the most popular versions of the traditional Christmas song to come out, acapella group Pentatonix gained more than 21 million views on their rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” in just one month of being on Youtube. With a fresh, catchy sound, the old song is striking a very […]

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Advent Explained In Just 2 Minutes!

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:35:20 +0000

oday’s video is a great 2 minute presentation of Advent that covers all the basics. This is a time of active waiting, of preparing our hearts, of forming our minds, and improving our lives for the coming of the Lord Jesus. An excellent way to do this is listening to the reflections of the Holy […]

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5 Ways Jesus Shows Us How To Be A Good Gift Giver

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:28:43 +0000

I recently spoke to a group of youth here in Italy and asked: “How long does the pleasure from getting something like a new iPhone last?” Surprisingly –or perhaps not– more than one (in different situations) responded: “2 weeks.” How often is that we break our backs toiling for things that give us back so […]

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“Born is the King” – A Beautiful Music Video By Hillsong

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 20:28:11 +0000

Today we present the music video Born is the King from the well-known Australian group Hillsong United. The song is part of the “Born is the King” album and captures the spirit of Advent. Apostolic Elements The video features a group of children that are searching for a precious treasure. With their cool maps and binoculars, […]

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3 Great Videos On Holy Water, Baptism, And Works Of Charity!

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 21:50:08 +0000

Outside da Box is an apostolate dedicated to bringing Jesus Christ to the young church through digital media. In addition to the quality of the videos, it is immensely encouraging for me to witness a group of Catholics who are taking digital evangelization seriously. Today, I would like to share three of the most recent […]

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Christmas: The Most Absurd Claim in History?! This Video Explains it All

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 18:02:41 +0000

The very idea of Christmas is completely absurd. The mighty God as a little baby?! That’s the most outrageous claim of any Faith in history. Yet, if God is love, nothing else would do. A great reflection by Christopher Stefanick. A Child Is Born The Birth of Jesus In those days a decree went out from Caesar […]

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To Avoid Being A Christmas Hypocrite We Must Do More Than Decorate, Bake, and Sing

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 13:48:35 +0000

Today’s video reveals the inner match that goes on between the “religiously-correct” speeches that we give and the reality that we live. “The authenticity of our faith is always being tested, especially during Christmas. It’s not just our words that matter. It’s our genuine responses and actions that also speak to whether our faith is […]

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Video Reflections for the 4 Weeks of Advent with Fr. Pontifex

Garrett Johnson — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 11:42:46 +0000

“The Advent season is time for us to slow down, pray and to seek to vigilant for the coming of Jesus Christ. Our cues from secular culture can easily move us in the opposite direction, becoming more frantic and materialistic. We may become feel the need to work hard to give gifts to our loved […]

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Asking Is Believing: What Can Santa Claus Teach Us About Faith?

Garrett Johnson — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:53:43 +0000

While passengers at Toronto and Hamilton International Airports were waiting to board their flight to Calgary, a virtual Santa Claus learned what passengers wanted for Christmas. After everyone boarded their flights, 150 merry WestJetters became Santa’s helpers, taking off to a shopping spree to deliver personalized gifts to guests arriving in Calgary as part of a […]

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Christmas Without Christ Is Just An Empty Tradition

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:47:07 +0000

In this short animated film, urban poet, Rael James Mason, explores what Christmas is all about trying to help people think through the message of Christmas. The basic idea is: Christmas without Christ is just any empty tradition. The ironic thing is that the more the season is emptied of its authentic meaning, the more society […]

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5 Videos To Help You Live The Entire Christmas Season

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:47:56 +0000

Last year we launched Advent Avalanche for our Advent campaign; featuring videos from around the web showing the true meaning of the season as a time for preparation and anticipation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. We had quite an outstanding set, with a range of concepts that gave a clear message about Advent. […]

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The Altar Server: A School of Faith

Garrett Johnson — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:52:25 +0000

Today’s video provides both an excellent explanation of some of the ideas behind the altar server together with practical tips on how to serve with reverence and understanding. As a reflexion, I would like to propose the idea that the liturgy, and above all the Mass, is indeed a School of Christian Living. There, in addition […]

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The Eucharist And You: What’s At The Center Of Your Life?

Garrett Johnson — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:57:07 +0000

“The Eucharist & You” is another ODB films production. The main character, Jimmy, is the typical “All American Kid”, and, in fact, proposes the typical “ideal life”. Most conceptions of the ideal “American” life don’t tend to include the Eucharist, much less place it in the center as the “source and summit” – a situation that […]

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The History Of Pentecost And The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Garrett Johnson — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:35:52 +0000

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Pentecost. After hours of searching for material for this feast – and almost ready to give up hope – we found this simple and catechetical video based on Chapter 2 from the Acts of the Apostles, verse 1 to 21, which is precisely where the event of Pentecost […]

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He Came To Pay For Our… Broken Plates

Garrett Johnson — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:57:50 +0000

#Fallingplates is a video produced by the Christian agency, CRU Global. During its 4-minute duration – which seems to pass by in a glimpse of an eye – the production uses a series of metaphoric images through which leads us along the path of mankind: creation, sin, Christ’s resurrection, and man’s salvation. It transmits an […]

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The Beautiful History Of Easter…From a Child’s Perspective

Garrett Johnson — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:28:24 +0000

Today’s video narrates the story of Easter from a child’s perspective. As with a few other videos that we have posted of this nature, the child’s simplicity has a way of penetrating past our routinized indifference and restoring in us a sense of simplicity and awe. It is important to remember God’s call to be like […]

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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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Do You Sound Like A Robot When You Say The Creed?

Alex Farmer — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:45:14 +0000

The Creed is a prayer that we recite at Sunday Mass, week in, week out, but do we really think about what we are saying? This is one of many great videos made by Outside da Box, who strive to bring the Lord Jesus to young people through digital media. A Deeper Look At The […]

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If You Want To Do Something For God, Go To Mass

Guest Author — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:04:08 +0000

Father, you want me to be what? A Eucharistic minister? Oh no, Father, I am not worthy! There were my responses – thirteen years ago – when my parish priest approached me to consider serving the People of God as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist (the more proper liturgical designation). With his persistence and […]

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Christmas Greeting From The Catholic-Link Team

Garrett Johnson — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The message that we find in today’s video is clear enough: Christmas is about Jesus. Amongst all the gifts, the wrappings, the fruitcakes, the visits to Santa Claus, and everything else, don’t forget this essential point. A good way to tell if you have or have not, is by looking at how you are living […]

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“Waiting” Isn’t An Attractive Word, Is It?

IanJ — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:47:07 +0000

This video captures the melancholic colors of an unfulfilled life, which is all too familiar for most of us. Images of a broken world and a myriad of human chaos is juxtaposed by a quiet and vulnerable baby boy, the Messiah in the manger. The producers express a severe opposition between the meaning of […]

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A Social Network Christmas – is this the fastest way to spread the Good News?

Alex Farmer — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:18:07 +0000

The next video in the Advent Avalanche is Igniter Media’s Social Network Christmas, which uses a facebook-style format to tell the Christmas story through the news feeds of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, with cameo appearances from the Emperor Augustus and three shepherds. As we know, Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of […]

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Advent: What is it that I want to prepare for?

Alex Farmer — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:11:48 +0000

At this time of year we are bombarded with so many commercials by those who want to sell us all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas – lots of food and a multitude of gifts. How many of these commercials have Christmas carols in the background? When we stop and listen, we soon realise that […]

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What’s the Deal with Catholics and the Immaculate Conception?

Garrett Johnson — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:06:22 +0000

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, it is a great day to ask some important questions about Mary, like: “What’s the deal with Catholics and Mary? Why do Catholics worship her? (We don’t.) How could a virgin give birth? What is the Immaculate Conception?” and “Why do Catholics pray to Mary?” These are […]

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Let every knee bow… in a shopping center?!

Garrett Johnson — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:32:52 +0000

Here at CL, we strive to do our job, and to do it well. We search for videos, categorize them, then, with comments and links, we offer some helpful resources. It’s important work, but insufficient. There are certain times in the year where we need a push, a greater impulse, a certain vitality, that only […]

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What Is Advent? Fun Animation That Drives The Meaning Home!

Garrett Johnson — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:51:53 +0000

A fun and animated video that presents two very different views of what the Advent season is all about. It was released by Xt3.com. As always, I encourage that when we see these videos, we watch them not just for ourselves, rather that we understand them as an authentic way of doing apostolate to others too. Speaking […]

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