sacraments

The sacred liturgy is meant to help the people of God conform their heart, mind and actions more closely to Christ, Pope Francis said Feb. 14.

Pope Francis teaches, Christ is to be encountered “in the web of human relationships” that is the Church.

The sacraments are gifts from God that are given freely and are not a way for the church to fill up its coffers to cover expenses, Pope Francis said.

Q. As an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, I have something bothering me. As we give out Communion, we say “body of Christ” for the host […]

The Catholic Church in Congo said emergency measures will remain indefinitely in place in parishes at risk of Ebola, and urged effective action against the disease by the government of President Joseph Kabila.

In “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis teaches that the sacrament of marriage is not merely a “thing” or an impersonal power. It is an encounter with the person of Jesus who strengthens, heals and walks with the couple in their life together (No. 73).

Naming a child is an important task for parents, because it gives children a sense of identity and belonging to their family and to God, Pope Francis said.

Anointing a sick person with the oil of healing and peace petitions God to strengthen, comfort, encourage and even heal the person.