Surely one of the most perplexing verses in the New Testament is one of Jesus’ “Seven Last Words” from the Cross: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). For centuries, scholars and laymen alike have wondered:...
Listening: "making room for the word through listening." Our God is one who seeks to involve us. Even today he shares with us what is in his heart. Because of this, listening to the word in the liturgy teaches us to listen to the truth of reality. In the midst of the...
"It's about stepping into small, daily challenges that rub up against our weaknesses," Fr. Columba Jordan explains, "and learning to meet God right there." Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender I recently had the privilege of previewing Ascension’s new Lenten program,...
Spiritual reading is an excellent way to grow during Lent, but knowing where to start can be difficult. Here are some of the Lent books our team at Catholic-Link has found worth reading during this holy season. 40 Lent Books For Catholics Aquinas’s Lenten Meditations:...
Not long after the New Year’s resolutions have faded, we Catholics are thinking about our next opportunity to make changes…the 40 days of Lent. Some of us rejoice and say, “Hurrah! A second chance to tackle those goals!” while others of us dread the penitential season...
In 2026, the forty days of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 18, and end on Holy Thursday, April 2. Easter Sunday is on April 5. During this sacred season, we are called to deepen our faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Catholic-Link has gathered a...
Filled 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, “If you are the Son of...
The Stations of the Cross can be intimidating to introduce to little ones. Between all of the different parts involved in Christ’s journey, the length of the prayer, and the depth of the material, it can be a lot. This Stations of the Cross Pray and Play Set is an...
Lent has the potential to be the most profound, life-changing Lent you’ve ever had. It could also be the start of the best year of your life. Why? Because this year, you can enter into Lent with a new mindset—one that shifts your focus away from giving up random...
In 2025, the forty days of Lent will start on March 5, 2025, Ash Wednesday, and conclude on April 17, 2025, Holy Thursday. Easter will be celebrated on April 20, 2025. During this sacred season, we are called to deepen our faith through prayer, fasting, and...
A Guided Lenten Journal for Prayer and Meditation Join Catholic Link on a transformative journey with Sr. Josephine’s Garrett’s Lenten devotional, Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. With the help of written meditations and video...
One day each year – and one day only – there is no Catholic Mass celebrated throughout the world. One day. The Easter Triduum begins with Holy Thursday Mass. What many Catholics don’t realize is that Good Friday service not a Mass, but a liturgy, as no hosts are...
What is an Indulgence? Do Catholics still practice indulgences? That stopped after Martin Luther pointed out that they are wrong, right? To be sure, the 16th Century was a confusing time. There was a Dominican preacher named Johann Tetzel who Luther claimed was...
Lent dates back to the 4th century, a time when it began to be observed as a period of penance and renewal for the entire Church through sacrifice, fasting, and abstinence. Although in the West this time is not as rigorously observed, there has never been any debate...
Cheesy Catholic Pick Up Lines For When Ash Wednesday And Valentine's Day Are On The Same Day
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
“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”...
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....
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'...
“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...
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...