Text from the beginning of "Praying the Rosary"|In the beginning of his 2002 encyclical on the Rosary, Pope John Paul II said:|The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the ...

Text from the first four paragraphs of "How Do I Prepare for Mass on Sunday?"|A few of us are saying, "I prepare by getting my family to church, with the least amount of fighting." All of us have, at one time or another, ...

Text from "Understanding the Mass"|This is a simple outline of what is going on with each part of the Mass. It can be a great help in reflecting on what we are doing together at the Eucharist. It can help us pray individually ...

Text from the first three paragraphs of "What if I Have Trouble Getting Better?"|All of us have said it, or thought it, one time or another. "I don't seem to get better." We pray. We go to church. We aren't terrible people. ...

Text from the first four paragraphs of "Enjoying Vacation Time"|It is difficult to take a break, to be on holiday or on vacation but it can be easier with a focus on the reasons for rest. A recent study demonstrated that ...

Text from the first three paragraphs of "A Vatican II Overview"|The fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of Vatican II inspires me to reflect upon a few things about what that Council meant for us. We can sometimes forget ...

Text from the first four paragraphs of "Praying the Psalms"|Using the Psalms is a great way to pray. These wonderful examples of Hebrew poetry come from worship services, important celebrations and historical events, songs ...

"Every one of us has experienced the death of someone we love, whether it is a distant, elderly friend or the deep pain of losing a spouse or child. What can we do in this final Work of Mercy?|We can always go to a wake ...

We can clean out closets and donate the extras. But isn't there something more?  Can we simplify our lives and our wardrobes?  How many pairs of shoes do I own? Can I donate more than my excess? I can decide to winnow ...

Text from the first three paragraphs of "Praying in Times of Crisis".|Times of crisis are, perhaps, the most important times to turn to God. Sometime we cry, "Help me!" or "Please!" or "Save me!" God wants to be there ...