February 17, 2010

On Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, we are called to examine our consciences, becoming aware not only of our personal, individual sin, but also our participation in social sin. Use this Catholic Social Teaching Examination of Conscience as a supplement to your regular examination of conscience.

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Great needs remain for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. In a region once under anti-religious Soviet control, some parishes still need a proper place to celebrate Mass, a number of dioceses cannot maintain essential social and charitable works and most parishes cannot support basic pastoral work like religious education

February 18, 2010

Today's reading from Deuteronomy reminds us to "choose life." Learn more about the United States Catholic bishops' framework for healthcare reform, which includes a commitment to the unborn and to healthcare for all, especially those who are most vulnerable, including the poor and migrants.

Great needs of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe were recognized more than two decades ago with the fall of communism. They still remain. In most parts of the region, the Church cannot yet support its own renewal and growth. Through the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, we give faith to a new generation.

February 19, 2010

Reflect during Lent on Pope Benedict XVI’s newest encyclical, or teaching letter, called Charity in Truth. Use these study sessions in small groups at your parish or with your family during Lent.

Is. 58:1-9 - "This is the manner of fasting I wish: releasing those bound unjustly," etc.

Because of the fall of communism and the entrance of many central and eastern European countries into the European Union, many think that the needs of the region have been met. However, many parishes struggle. Catholics are in the minority, they lack proper places to worship, and most importantly, they cannot financially support their own parishes. See how your support helps the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.

February 20, 2010

In today's first reading, Isaiah reminds us that helping the poor is an important response to our faith. Today, pray the Way of the Cross toward Justice and Peace. The Way of the Cross features stories of groups funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the domestic, anti-poverty program of the Catholic bishops in the United States that helps poor and low-income people address the causes of poverty and injustice in their neighborhoods and communities.

February 21, 2010

Today's reading from Deuteronomy recalls God's saving act to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Even today, slavery persists as vulnerable human beings are exploited for the financial gain and immoral practices of others. Learn about human trafficking and what you can do to put an end to this modern day slavery.

Black & Indian Missions Collection Since 1884, proceeds from the Black and Indian Missions Collection are distributed as grants to dioceses supporting and strengthening evangelization programs, which would otherwise be in danger of disappearing among the Black, American Indian, Eskimo, and Aleute communities of the United States. Call (202) 331-8542 to find out more.

February 22, 2010

Today’s reading from 1 Peter challenges us to "tend to the flock of God" in our midst. Help to tend to the flock by participating during Lent in Operation Rice Bowl, a program sponsored by Catholic Relief Services to help us to pray with our families and faith communities; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn more about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas; and give sacrificial contributions to those in need.

February 23, 2010

Today's Gospel reading is the origin of the words we pray every Sunday: "Give us this day our daily bread." We depend on God for the resources we need to get through each day, but we are also called to act as His hands and feet by ensuring that all people in our human family have access to the "bread" they need to survive and flourish. Visit the Catholics Confront Global Poverty web page to learn about issues facing many members of our human family that prevent many from accessing the "bread" they need to survive, and to take the Global Solidarity Challenge.

February 24, 2010

Today, encourage a young person in your life to enter the CCHD Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest. The contest helps young people learn about poverty in the U.S. and the response of our faith. Invite the religious education program at your parish, or the school in your neighborhood, to participate as well! The deadline for the contest each year is March 31.

February 25, 2010

Today's Gospel reading from Matthew tells us, "Ask and it will be given; seek and you will find." Watch the Community in Action video to see how one group of concerned community members, through courage and faith, asked and sought, ultimately transforming their community from violence to peace.

February 26, 2010

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the importance of reconciliation. Listen to an interview with Paulist Father Frank Desiderio in episode #200 of Personally Speaking and learn how he helps people let go of grudges during “Forgiveness Retreats.” Consider planning such a retreat for your parish or family members.

February 27, 2010

In today’s Gospel, Jesus exhorts us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. While the threat of terrorism is a brutal reality in the world today, it is important to remember Jesus’ words and to not let our fears lead to inhumane treatment or torture of prisoners. Read about what the Catholic Church teaches about the morality of torture and reflect on how you can stop its practice.

February 28, 2010

Take a moment today to consider how you can continue to provide much-needed help and assistance to our brothers and sisters in Haiti who are still recovering from the January earthquake.

March 1, 2010

In today’s Gospel, Jesus preaches about mercy, judging others and forgiveness. Review what the Catholic Church teaches about mercy and its spiritual and corporal works in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2447.

March 2, 2010

Today's reading from Isaiah calls attention to the need to redress the wronged. Take a moment to read the story of one community in East Jackson, TN, that was wrongly denied reconstruction funding after a devastating tornado and is now taking action to correct that wrong with the help of funding from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

March 3, 2010

Are you, your children, family, or parish community involved in service? Read this article about infusing service with prayer and reflection that is truly transformational.

March 4, 2010

The story of Lazarus and the rich man challenges us to consider the disparity of wealth in a world where 1.4 billion people experience extreme poverty each day. Learn about global poverty and then engage your family, parish, school, or community to become a star on the Global Solidarity Map through your efforts to Pray, Learn, Share, and Advocate about global poverty.

March 5, 2010

Especially during Lent, Catholics are encouraged to regularly receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance. Resolve to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Lent, and familiarize yourself with the rite and prayers.

March 6, 2010

The story of the Prodigal son, told in today's Gospel, is a story of God's grace and forgiveness for the undeserving. Our belief in grace, restoration, and reconciliation helps form the foundation for the Catholic church's teachings on ending the use of the death penalty.

March 7, 2010

Enter into the Spirit of Lent with the Way of the Cross Toward Justice and Peace. While praying the Way of the Cross reflect on our world's yearning for the "new creation" mentioned by Paul in today's reading from 1 Corinthians.

March 8, 2010

Almost 40 million people in the United States live below the poverty line. This includes over 20 percent of children fewer than 18. To find out more, watch the Poverty Tour USA video and then send it to a friend.

March 9, 2010

Today's Gospel reading is of the merciful king who acts with forgiveness and charity. Learn more about the meaning of charity by watching a slideshow on Pope Benedict XVI's newest encyclical, Charity in Truth.

March 10, 2010

Today's reading from Deuteronomy helps us to reflect on the importance of just "statutes and decrees" to govern our land, just as in the days of Israel. Today, learn about the efforts of the Chinese Staff and Workers' Association, through which a group of garment workers in New York City was able to pursue justice in a modern-day sweatshop situation.

March 11, 2010

Today’s first reading from Jeremiah reminds us to be open to the word of God and to avoid the “stiffened backs” and “hardened hearts” that come when we turn away from Him. Resolve to read, hear, and reflect on the Word of God each day during this Lent with the text and audio podcasts of the readings from the New American Bible and our daily video reflections, all made possible by the Catholic Communication Campaign.

March 12, 2010

At the USCCB's Faithful Citizenship website, learn how to live out the commands to love God and neighbor through prayer, learning, and advocacy as a faithful citizen. Visit the Faithful Citizenship website and be sure to check out the special section for (junior high youth, teens and young adults.

Catholic Relief Services Collection
Give hope to the community that has lost its livelihood to crop failure. Give hope to the refugee child separated from her mother. Give hope to the immigrant trying to keep faith alive in a foreign land. The Catholic Relief Services Collection gives hope to all of these, to Jesus in disguise

March 13, 2010

The theme of Pope Benedict XVI’s message for this Lent is justice. Read the pope’s message and reflect on the link between justice and caring for “the poor, the stranger, the orphan and the widow.”

Catholic Relief Services Collection
Through humanitarian, economic, pastoral, and advocacy efforts, the Catholic Relief Services Collection gives hope.

March 14, 2010

Read about the many places around the globe where Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working to bring aid and comfort where disasters strike, to improve access to health care and education, to alleviate hunger and to build peace. Prayerfully reflect on the many blessings God has given you and consider a donation to the CRS collection this weekend. It is an ideal opportunity to express Christian compassion and generosity toward our brothers and sisters in need around the world.

Catholic Relief Services Collection
The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports projects all over that provide humanitarian assistance, economic and agricultural development, advocacy, and emergency relief. See how we give hope to Jesus in disguise.

March 15, 2010

In today's readings, the prophet Isaiah speaks about the renewal of the earth. Consider how your parish, school, or community might help to renew the earth through participation in the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor.

March 16, 2010

The sick man in today's gospel reading laments, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." USCCB's Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) empowers poor and low-income persons to help themselves--so that they do not have to wait for others to lift them out of poverty. Today, learn about the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, which receives funding from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to work to empower senior citizens and people with disabilities. Consider joining efforts in your local community to affirm the dignity of all.

March 17, 2010

In many communities, March 17th, the traditional feast day of St. Patrick, patron of Ireland, is a time to celebrate Irish heritage. Today, remember the Irish and all immigrants who leave their homelands in search of justice and freedom by praying the beautiful and poetic prayer known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate
I bind to myself today
the strong virtue of the invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity,
the Creator of the universe.

I bind to myself today
the virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with his Baptism,
the virtue of his crucifixion with his burial,
the virtue of his Resurrection with his Ascension,
the virtue of his coming on the Judgment Day.

I bind to myself today
the virtue of the love of seraphim,
in the obedience of angels,
in the hope of resurrection unto reward,
in prayers of patriarchs,
in predictions of prophets,
in preaching of apostles,
in faith of confessors,
in purity of holy virgins,
in deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today,
The power of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today
God’s power to guide me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to teach me,
God’s eye to watch over me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to give me speech,
God’s hand to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to shelter me,
God’s host to secure me,
against the snares of demons,
against the seductions of vices,
against the lusts of nature,
against everyone who meditates injury to me,
whether far or near,
whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul.

Christ, protect me today
against every poison, against burning,
against drowning, against death-wound,
that I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in my fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop deck,
Christ in in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity,
the Creator of the universe.

March 18, 2010

In today’s readings, the Egyptians face God’s wrath when they disobey him and worship the false idol of the golden calf. Are there false idols in your life that interfere with your relationships with God, your community or your loved ones? Renew your understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and resolve to live as Jesus taught us.

March 19, 2010

Feast of St. Joseph
Mark today’s remembrance of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who welcomed the new life in her that was Christ, by praying this Litany for Life to Good St. Joseph.

March 20, 2010

In his Lenten message this year, Pope Benedict XVI has asked us to reflect on theme of justice and especially how it applies to our treatment of our neighbors. The pope notes that “God is attentive to the cry of the poor and in return asks to be listened to: He asks for justice towards the poor, the stranger, the slave.” Help seek justice for immigrants to the U.S. by joining in the “Justice for Immigrants” campaign.

March 21, 2010

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is tested by the Pharisees who bring before him a woman accused of adultery. Instead of condemning the woman, Jesus challenges the Pharisees to admit to their own sinfulness. Come to a deeper understanding of today’s readings by listening to today’s Lenten Radio Retreat (link to come).

March 22, 2010

As you worship and pray this Lent, learn about the implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, the book containing the prescribed prayers, chants, and instructions for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

March 23, 2010

In his message for this Lent on justice and its implication “to render to every man his due,” Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that “Jesus Himself was concerned to heal the sick, feed the crowds that followed Him and surely condemns the indifference that even today forces hundreds of millions into death through lack of food, water and medicine.” Reflect today on the injustice that prevents many Americans from receiving basic medical care and learn about the Church’s teaching on health care reform.

March 24, 2010

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that “the truth will set you free” from the slavery of sin. Reflect today on how the Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from the slavery of sin.

March 25, 2010

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Today, we commemorate Gabriel’s visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring her the news that she would bear the Son of God. Mark the Annunciation by praying The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

March 26, 2010

In today’s first reading, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims God's praises for rescuing the poor. Watch the video,Winds of Change, to learn about a group of Native Americans in South Dakota who are also experiencing hope through funds received from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development for an inspiring self-help project.

March 27, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI declared a “Year for Priests” that began with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father from June 9-11, 2010. During this Lenten season, pray for our priests and find ideas for other ways to support priests as we mark this special year.

March 28, 2010

As we remember Christ's suffering and death in today's Gospel readings, reflect on the suffering of many communities around the United States today as a result of the economic crisis and listen to podcasts about what Catholic teaching has to say about the crisis.

March 29, 2010

In today's readings, the prophet Isaiah reminds us of Christ's role establishing justice, healing the blind and rescuing prisoners. Follow his example of bringing light to the darkness. Visit the action page of the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development (JPHD) to take action with fellow Catholics.

March 30, 2010

During Lent, we examine our consciences, becoming aware not only of our personal, individual sin, but also our participation in social sin. During Holy Week, use this Catholic Social Teaching Examination of Conscience as a supplement to your regular examination of conscience.

March 31, 2010

On Holy Thursday, the holy oil or chrism that is used in the sacramental rites of a Catholic diocese, including the rites of initiation during the Easter Vigil, are consecrated by the diocesan bishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. The blessed chrism is then traditionally received by the parish community at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the preparation of the catechumens and candidates who will be received in to the Church this Easter.

April 1, 2010

Holy Thursday

This evening begins the Triduum , the culmination of the entire liturgical year in the Church as we remember the passion and resurrection of Christ. To facilitate the effective celebration of these most sacred days, the USCC Secretariat of Divine Worship has prepared this Q & A.

April 2, 2010

Good Friday

As we mark the day on which Jesus was crucified, praying the Stations of the Cross is an optimal way to enhance your reflection on Christ’s Passion of the. Join with others in your parish and community to pray the stations or pray along with our podcast.

Collection for the Holy Land
The Collection for the Holy Land supports the Church’s pastoral, charitable, educational, and social works in the Holy Land and helps preserve the Holy Places there. The Holy Land collection is taken up in most parishes on Good Friday. For more information, visit www.myfranciscan.org.

April 3, 2010

Holy Saturday

This evening at the Easter Vigil, the Catholic Church welcomes new members who have embraced the faith through participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Welcome these new Catholics to your community by attending Easter Vigil services in your parish or at your diocesan cathedral.

April 4, 2010

Easter Sunday

Learn about one community that is experiencing a resurrection of hope. Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, or HOPE, is a group of congregations in Florida which, inspired by faith, are working for important changes in their community.