For much of my life as a child, a teenager, and even a young adult, I never really considered my clothing except for those “big” moments like what I would wear for a school dance or a graduation day. As a child, my mom sewed all of my clothes, and as I grew, I...
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...
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...
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...
When I was growing up, I heard people everywhere using the name of Jesus and God in different contexts. Sometimes it was as a simple expression of surprise, fear, shock, and other times to genuinely ask the Lord for help. As a young person, I was never instructed on...
Easter is the holiest day of the Christian calendar, a time of prayerful reflection and celebration, commemorating of the death and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amidst our holiday festivities, however, the whimsical figure of the Easter Bunny—colorful and...
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...
Family movie night. We hadn’t watched a movie with my 19-year-old daughter for months. Her boyfriend was there too and as we pushed “play,” I relished the first satisfying crunch of popcorn and snuggled under a plush blanket next to my husband. The movie was just the...
The culture of death which is constantly pressing in upon us as Catholics, can feel threatening and be overwhelming. It is important to fortify ourselves with good entertainment in order to prepare us to push back against this terrible culture and it is even...
Traditionally, Catholics bless their home and those who live in their household on the Feast of the Epiphany each year. It’s not difficult to do and we highly recommend you give it a try! Here’s how. how to bless your house on the feast of Prayers – These can be...
The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully exclaims that “No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a new-born child (CCC 563).” The manger at...
On May 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared for the first time to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Each time our Blessed Mother visited Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia, she gave some specific instructions to the children. “I have come, to warn the...
If there is one thing every Catholic knows, it’s that Christmas Mass is one of most chaotic Masses of the year. Often the parking lot is overflowing and the pews are jam-packed with people. Not to mention the sheer madness that can ensue when trying to get everyone...
Royalty, penance, and sacrifice– purple is the liturgical color used during the Season of Advent. Purple represents a time of preparation before the important celebration of Christmas. But why is there also a pink candle on the Advent Wreath? One of only two “pink”...
There is no such thing as Catholic music, just like there is no such thing as Catholic trees. Hear me out before discarding this whole spiel. These poor artists I’m about to share with you got stuck with me writing this intro, so for their sake, stick with...
I was speaking with a friend of mine the other day and he asked me where my fourteen-year-old son was at with his discernment of the priesthood. He wanted to know what I was doing to encourage him to be open to this vocation. My initial response was….to cringe. ...
Who Was St. Lucy? St Lucia is an early Christian martyr with a story that brings us many traditions on her feast day, December 13th. From the Swedish procession led by a young girl wearing a crown of candles to an eldest daughter serving their families sweet treats....
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
The moment we open our eyes the day after Thanksgiving (and oftentimes even before), we are inundated with reindeer, gingerbread, gifts, elves, and Santa. Though these things are not inherently bad, if we do not keep our Christmas season properly ordered, it is all...
We can guarantee you've never heard the story of this Marian apparition quite like Jim Gaffigan shares it. The entire clip is great, but if you want to jump to this part start at the 4:15 minute mark. Take a listen and enjoy! Jim Gaffigan's Favorite Marian Apparition...
2023 saw a musical release of the Nativity Story, which I critiqued in a previous review. A different musical, Spirited, released on Apple+, and was enjoyed by audiences in 2022. I recently had the opportunity to reflect about the musical and enjoy it on a dark and...
I hope this finds you well. Before we get into the particulars, please allow me to take a brief moment to simply affirm you … right here, right now. Thank you for stepping up to coach. It often goes unrecognized but to coach means to make a decision: to lead others,...
As I walked from the campus library to my dorm with my roommate, we discussed our plans for the weekend. It was a temperate December day in Southwest Florida at Ave Maria University. “Don’t forget!'' My roommate reminded, “Advent begins this weekend. Let’s go to the...
Expectant waiting. This is a notion– when considered through the lens of modernity– that seems like a foreign concept from the days of yore. The world is available at the slight extension of the fingertips. Objects of both necessity and desire can be purchased with...