When I was dating and engaged, I often wondered what chastity in marriage looked like. Having just celebrated my fourth wedding anniversary with my dear husband, and also having counseled couples in a faith-based therapy setting, here are a handful of takeaways that...
The Catholic Christian presence on the internet is so important nowadays. Years ago TV and radio were the massive means of communication, but today it’s clear that they’ve all come together in one: the Internet. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, I...
Many of us would sooner eat a kale smoothie than go to Confession. Why? Because we value physical health, the kind of health that everyone can see, over spiritual health, which often involves admitting we did something wrong and need to change our habits or attitude....
“If God has created all things, where does evil come from?” - Saint Augustine When we feel inadequate, fragile, or guilty, we immediately look for something to hide behind. We are ashamed of our nudity. We don’t want to be seen. It’s a recurring sensation throughout...
Summer is my favorite time of the year here in Ohio. I love everything about it, especially the warm weather and the long nights. Having my kids home from school can be incredibly exhausting, but it's absolutely the highlight of the summer months. So many...
Meditation for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ “These things, brothers and sisters, are called Sacraments, for in them on thing is seen while another is signified.” - Saint Augustine. The famous psychologist, Zygmunt Bauman, said that getting...
We're so excited that Matt Fradd is on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel. Matt is a Catholic author, speaker, and podcaster. He also works with Covenant Eyes, an organization that helps others heal from pornography addiction. Drawing from his personal...
A Catholic Bible Study on the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 28:16-20 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to...
As many of us already know, Ireland votes today to decide whether to keep its relatively strict abortion laws- which currently make it very difficult to have an abortion - to change them in favor of abortion on demand. There are so many well-documented reasons why...
The parable of the Prodigal Son is arguably one of the most well-known parables, and it is easy to see why. Despite its short length, the story is packed with drama. We can feel all the familiar emotions in it. We understand the rebellion of the younger son and his...
Growing up, I ticked of all the ‘weird kid’ qualities. Bookworm? Tick. Shy Catholic girl? Big tick. Facial scarring? Tick. Scar from open-heart surgery? Tick. You know how everyone gets known for something for in highschool? Try being known as that weird kid who...
If you ever visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, you will see huge statues of the Apostles lining the nave of that church. Each statue appears larger-than-life and any viewer is left in awe and wonder at the respect these statues command. It is almost...
As a United States Army Special Forces First Sergeant, Sompaul Vorapanich has accomplished much in the military while defending freedom and standing strong in the face of battle. Sgt. Vorapanich strives to serve his country with valor and virtue, but his ultimate goal...
When the string of a pearl necklace snaps and the pearls fly off in all directions, bouncing across a pale marble floor, they seem like jets of water flying out of a broken water pipe or like unruly children running to hide in the most unlikely places. Trying...
The pain of loss -whether it is the loss of your dream to have children, the loss of a child, or the loss of your own mother - can make Mother's Day incredibly difficult to celebrate for some families. When you go to Mass this weekend pray for those who may be...
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark (16:15-20) Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will...
If you're not yet familiar with the story of Austin Hatch, you will be. This young man is on the path to greatness. Not because of what he's doing, but because of the way he is letting God work within him. Austin is a survivor of not one, but two fatal plane...
Whenever anybody gets really serious about exorcism, they go to a Catholic priest. Did you ever see a movie with a Protestant exorcist? The Catholic Church is an “expert” in the most dangerous war of all, spiritual warfare. Why? For these reasons: Jesus was. He...
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:9-17 Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in...
"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...
The most comprehensive List Of Saints Who Never Suffered, Faced Trials, Or Experienced Temptation. Ask the Saints to interceded for you and get to know their stories! You'll be glad you did. A List Of Saints Who Never Suffered, Faced Trials, Or Experienced Temptation...
Dear priests, Let’s just cut to the chase… You do A LOT for us. Probably more than you know. But, there is something that we aren’t sure if you know…and that is how THANKFUL we are for everything that you all do! So, as a token of our appreciation, we have a...
It all started with the Benedict Option, penned by Rob Dreher. Soon, however, there was a plethora of other ‘options’ that littered the web: the Dominican Option, the Marian Option, the Kateri Option and the Franciscan Option (the latter of which refers to Franciscan...
“He lost himself in dreams of what could have been had he just left; left without saying anything; left forever, without ever returning home again.” ~ Pirandello Who among us has not felt the urge to just run away and leave everything? This was the case with...
The beautiful story of Joe Reali has been featured in Everyday Heroes, a new video mini-series produced by the Knights of Columbus. Joe's life is an inspiration to Catholics young and old. He lived his faith to the fullest each day with zeal and passion for God....
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Tip: These make amazing Catholic Christmas Gifts too!