For each sacrament, “Spirit and Life” provides its readers with a scriptural passage and explanatory paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; a historical commentary on that particular sacrament written by a church father or a pope; and a reflection penned by a contemporary Catholic.
Author hopes readers will reconnect to ‘beauty, power’ of the sacraments
Maureen Otremba: Communal healing
Sacraments are communal and it is appropriate they are celebrated in a gathered community.
Encountering Christ in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick
The Church believes Christ instituted this sacrament especially to strengthen us when we are being tried by illness.
USCCB releases pope’s book on devil, spiritual tools to combat evil
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a new book of Pope Francis’ teachings on the history of the devil, “his empty promises and works” and “how we can actively combat him.”
Books take different approach to study of Catholic sacraments
There are few topics more important to Catholic life than sacraments, and these three books are all intended to help explore this underexamined area of our faith.
Sacraments conferred by laicized priests, bishops: Are they still valid?
For all such people who received sacraments from priests or bishops who were laicized, apostasized (gone over to another faith) or embraced a schismatic faith, take comfort and know that you do not need to be re-baptized, re-confirmed, re-ordained or exchange your marriage promises again.
Encountering Jesus in Baptism
Baptism leads us to the threshold of new life and is the source of this new life in Christ.
USCCB publishes ‘The Order of Blessing the Oil’ for use at chrism Mass
Ahead of this annual blessing ritual comes the publication of a new book titled “The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism” by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.