In 1969, German theologian Joseph Ratzinger – later Pope Benedict XVI – gave a radio address in which he asked, “What will the Church look like in 2000?” His evaluation of the Church’s condition in 1969 is acute and thoughtful. His prediction for the Church’s future state is remarkably prescient. …

I am dealing with addiction in my family and wondered if the Church sees it as sinful? One of the fundamental Christian beliefs is that the created world is good (Gen. 1:31). However, this does not mean that created things cannot be used immoderately or abused. In the case of …

Sister Mary Anne Schiller, CPPS, 94, died peacefully on December 23 at Maria Joseph Center, Dayton, Ohio, under the care of hospice. She was born January 1927 in Coronado, Calif., and entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, February 12, 1948. For 73 years she faithfully served God …

This article is part of a series from Father Earl Fernandes exploring Families of Parishes. Click the links below to find other articles in the series. The Church as the Family of God Families of Parishes as Evangelizing Communities Being a Synodal Church Synodality Walking with Christ, The Holy Spirit …

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “The desire for God is written in the human heart.” During these past weeks of Advent, we have prepared our hearts to welcome Christ. It is Christ alone who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, and we celebrate His …

  Advent Reflection for November 28- First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Invitation to Prayer: Let us lift up our souls to the Lord, Who will make known to us His ways, and teach us His paths. Reflection: “Are we there yet?” This is …

Christmas Eve Mass at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve Mass at 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve Mass at 10:00 p.m., Friday, December 24 Christmas Day Mass at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 25

At age 3, Brother Tim Sucher, OFM, of St. Francis Seraph Church in Cincinnati, and his older brother saved their pennies to buy their first nativity scene – one “just like Granny’s” – to add to their family’s Christmas decorations. Now, decades later, that same nativity scene is part of …

Every year church sanctuaries around the world mirror our hearts as they prepare to receive the newborn King. Red poinsettias, flickering candles and the smell of fresh evergreen are reminders of the joyous season. To make that possible, many parishes have a dedicated group of sacristans and decorators who donate …