What is Sin? “Sin” is an old archery term in Greek which means “to miss the mark.” All sin and fall short of the glory of God, as St. Paul says. When we sin, we are committing an offense against “reason, truth, and right conscience (CCC 1849).” Sin is never private....
Confession
5 Things Even Devout Catholics Can Do To Go Deeper In Discipleship
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...
This Sacrament Improves Mental Health…Here’s Why
Gospel of Luke 20:27-38 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,"Teacher, Moses wrote for us,If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,his brother must take the wifeand raise up...
The Holy Souls In Purgatory – Our Allies In The Afterlife
The word Purgatory comes from the Greek root πῦρ (“pur”) which means both “fire” and “pure.” This is a fitting description, as the fires of Purgatory, rather than destroying like the fires of Hell, instead purify. Purgatory is where we expiate for the pain due to...
The First And Only Approved Marian Apparition In The United States: Our Lady Of Good Help
Who is Our Lady of Good Help? Listen to the story in this video from Champion Shrine in Wisconsin. Our Lady of Good Help is the United States' first and only approved Marian Apparition Site. In 1859, our Blessed Mother appeared to a young woman named Adele Brise,...
Read more“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
Luke 15:7
More Joy In Heaven | Luke 15:7
"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."Luke 15:7 Why Should We Confess Our Sins to a Priest? Why we confess our sins to a priest? What is a...
What Is Sin And What Are Its Effects?
Called to Conversion We are all called to conversion. This was a fundamental part of the proclamation of the kingdom of God and the Gospel. The first call to Christ and His Gospel leads us to Baptism in which we receive “the...
30 Things Catholics Need For Spiritual Survival
What Do Catholics Need For Spiritual Survival? A Crucifix in every room Rosary for every family member Pray the rosary daily Beeswax candles Holy Water frequently sprinkled and available for blessing St. Benedict medals worn and placed around one's home and property,...
Confession: Ancient, Apostolic, And Thoroughly Christian
The Sacrament of Confession has been expressed in various ways over the centuries. When Catholics say that Confession was instituted by Christ—as all the sacraments were—they ultimately mean that the “ministry of reconciliation” has been entrusted to the Church such...
An Examination Of Conscience Illustrated Guide
An Illustrated Guide To Make An Examination Of Conscience 1. Open Yourself Up to God’s Presence Practical tip: find a quiet corner in your home or in a chapel. Having a sacred image in front of you is ideal. Light a candle. Take a few moments to breathe and relax....
3 Key Steps To Running A Spiritual Marathon
Does becoming a saint seem like running a marathon? In our newest video, we talk with Father Conrad Murphy about how the race we are running is a long one, with many highs and lows but this marathon will result in an accomplishment we can not fully imagine. We are...
My First Month As A Priest
I was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Rockford on June 1st, 2019. Since then, I have been able to celebrate over sixty masses, anoint several people, preside over a couple of funerals, and baptize one child. I also attended two friend’s ordination to the...
Facing Jesus: How To Connect And Grow With Him This Year
It’s easy to fall away from prayer. There are many times when I will have a steady prayer life for a few weeks at a time, and then go months without reading my Bible. The only nourishment I get is going to Mass. I’ll feel the difference. It will feel as if God has...
An Advent Confessional
Catholics are to take advantage of the sacrament of Penance at least once a year--if you’re Catholic, you should remember that from your CCD or RCIA class. Advent is a particularly good time to do this. If, like most of us, you hurry to clean your homes in preparation...
Jim Gaffigan’s “Barely Catholic” Shares The Hard Truth
Comedian Jim Gaffigan has a unique way of sharing his faith through his stand-up routines. In a recent video, "Barely Catholic", he gets more than just the jokes right. How many of us have had a little conversation like this with Jesus? "Barely Catholic" Hard Truths?...
Dear Father – I Confess, It’s Not You, It’s Me
Many Catholics are blessed to have a priest friend. Or, even if they’re not someone you consider your friend, you still may have that priest who you look up to. You know, the one you talk to every Sunday either before or after Mass. The one who has known you for years...
We Can All Relate To This Hilarious Video Of Kids Reacting To Chicken Nuggets
This is an older video, but it's been popping up on the internet once again because it's such a classic. In this clip from Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, the famous chef attempts to explain to school children how chicken nuggets are made. His hope is that once the...
How To Overcome Your Addiction To Sin
Be Courageous! How to Overcome Your Addiction to Sin https://youtu.be/S4giNDdC-hA Overcome your bad habits and sin by claiming authority as a child of God 1. Stop cowering in fear or acceptance of your weakness as if it's "just the way it is, I'm stuck." 2. Name and...
How To Explain The 7 Sacraments Without Boring Your Children
Don't know how to start explaining the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church to your son or daughter? Are you lacking material for your church’s catechesis program? Is it sometimes a bit complicated for you? Don’t worry. Through this article, we’ll help you...
“The Confession”: Winner Of Best Short Film At The International Catholic Film Festival
This short film has an incredibly powerful and impactful message. "The Confession" by John LaRaw from South Korea was the Winner of Best Short Film at the International Catholic Film Festival. "The Confession" tells the story of a young priest who listens...
11 Things That Happen When You Commit To Going To Confession Regularly
As Catholics, we are required to go to Confession once a year, but why stop there? We know Confession can be daunting or difficult, and there might be many reasons why you don’t want to go. However, regular Confession, whether it be monthly, every two weeks, or...
8 Things Every Catholic Should Be Doing Every Day
We get it. You already have a to-do list that is long. This list isn’t meant to guilt you into an impossible regimen on top of your already crammed day. The goal is to start incorporating one or two of these things into your day and then keep working until these...
The 5 Necessary Spiritual Steps You Need To Take After You Sin
This is a matter we seldom talk about with clarity, I don’t know exactly why. My impression is that we talk a lot about sin in an abstract way, or using an academic-theological terminology that the common Christian doesn’t always understand. Nevertheless, we are...
10 Saints Who Prove God’s Grace Is Bigger Than Your Sin
Have you ever heard someone say, “My sin is too big for God to forgive”? Or, maybe you yourself even feel this way at times? This is a lie that the devil would like us to believe, but the truth is no one’s sin is bigger than God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. He has...
Does The LEGO Batman Movie Have A Catholic Agenda?
It seems that movies these days are no longer merely for entertainment purposes. The majority have an underlying social message that they are trying to get across to viewers. Is The LEGO Batman Movie one of these films? Well, probably not, but you will find several...