If done with intention, digital art displays can highlight aspects of a church’s edifice that patrons never noticed before, allowing them to both experience it anew and, in some cases, embark on a unique spiritual journey.

The dark, somber spirit of Advent in the Middle Ages speaks to those looking toward the birth of Christ in a season of hardship. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/not-feeling-jolly-this-advent-medieval-christians-didnt-either/

Many annulment cases are connected to domestic violence or other forms of abuse. And the process can be difficult and time consuming. Is it time for the church to reconsider how it looks at annulments—especially for those who have experienced abuse?

The transcendence of "Horses," released 50 years ago this month, set the stage for a religious exploration that can be seen throughout Smith’s career and life. Consisting of many unexpected twists and turns, Smith’s spiritual journey ended up in a surprising place.

May we follow Jesus and become a sign of peace in a world beset by hostilities, misunderstandings, and resentments. Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-5/

The importance of giving thanks is central to our Catholic faith. We look at Jesus offering thanks to the Father, and follow his example. We see him disappointed with the nine lepers he cured who didn't go back to thank him. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202011/goodness-gracious-just-say-thanks/

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives of those who died due to transphobia. The story of the bearded folk saint Wilgefortis offers a reminder of God's loving care for all people, including those who feel they do not fit into society’s gender expectations.

The Parable of the Talents reminds us that everything we have comes from God, and we are to use these gifts wisely. For queer Catholics, being a good steward of our talents means being Christ’s hands in this world and showing every person struggling with self-hatred that God loves them.

Worship is not genuine if it is divorced from social justice. Leo writes that through the prophets, God denounces “the injustices committed against the weakest, and exhorts Israel to renew its worship from within, because one cannot pray and offer sacrifice while oppressing the weakest and poorest.”

The history of the land is often the story of severed relationships. Land justice is about healing those broken ties and making amends. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/land-justice-is-a-chance-for-the-church-to-atone-for-past-sins/

There are many reasons why current xenophobic immigration policies spell trouble for the future—including concerns about the U.S. population. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/anti-immigration-policies-accelerate-u-s-population-loss/

What does being an "active Catholic" mean to you? Should the church broaden its definition beyond liturgical participation? How important is social justice work to Catholic identity? Is there more to being Catholic than going to Mass? U.S. Catholic wants to know.

A just trade policy balances the responsibility to workers and industries alongside duties of solidarity and justice. Such a policy does not seek to exploit imbalances of wealth and power between nations.

It is not by entrenching ourselves in rehearsed testimonies and prepared defenses that we secure our lives, but by remaining open to the ever-renewed power of the word. Michael Centore reflects on the readings for the thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Historical connections between Jewish and Carmelite spiritualities offer blueprints for solidarity at times of hate. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202309/4-carmelite-saints-inspire-resistance-to-antisemitism/

Separation of church and state is bigger than just another political or legal disagreement, says political philosopher Stephen Schneck. These are essential elements of our rights in this country. Eroding that wall of separation puts these rights at risk.

Wearing a brown scapular can deepen Catholics' devotion—as long as the practice is not approached superstitiously. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/what-is-a-scapular/

Rerum Novarum is widely regarded as the first major church document on economics and social justice. Among other things it calls for the right to private property; just pay and good working conditions for workers; and support for labor unions.

Misunderstandings about divorce and annulments cause a lot of pain, especially for abuse survivors. Listening to the stories of those who have gone through annulments can help foster a culture of mercy and understanding. And it may be time for the church to reconsider how it looks at annulments.

Our government is no longer in the business of enriching spirits. The seeds of public broadcasting’s downfall were there from the beginning, because congressional funding had to be reapproved in each federal budget.

Amy Ekeh, in the 40 reflections in her beautiful new book 'Stretch Out Your Hand,' offers ways to reflect on Jesus' healing miracles that get away from problematic interpretations.

More reminds us that citizens who prize convenience over conscience are as responsible for the world’s injustice as our leaders are. “If we suffer our rulers to be wicked,” he wrote, “we make ourselves their accomplices.”

The books U.S. Catholic writers have enjoyed this month include “The Just Love Story Bible” by theologian Jacqui Lewis—and “Brigid’s Mantle,” by Nancy Fitzgerald. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/what-were-reading-this-month-october-2025-2/

We asked our readers about various issues related to migration. Of those who responded, 76% think the Catholic church doesn't talk enough about root causes of migration—such as violence and poverty. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/to-fix-our-immigration-system-promote-the-right-to-stay/

These eight holy men from Catholic history challenge the assumption that masculinity must be defined by domination, exclusion, or rigidity. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202507/8-saintly-models-for-a-healthier-masculinity/

For the gnostic Christians, salvation was only available through secret knowledge, offered only to a select few. Jesus indeed was the savior—just not for everybody. And not for any bodily resurrection into paradise as God’s free gift. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/what-is-gnosticism/

Jesus is filled with zeal for the reign of God which operates with the logic of the Eucharistic table, where there is room for everyone. Rhonda Miska reflects on the readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

This retreat center offers a new iteration of religious life, in which anyone can participate in an outward-facing monasticism.

In this time of rising authoritarianism and political violence, Jeanné Lewis, the chief executive officer of Faith in Public Life, draws on the strength and faith of ancestors, saints, and loved ones, as she organizes faith leaders to create a more equitable country.

Pope Leo XIII's encyclical on capital and labor was promulgated over a century ago, but its precepts are still desperately needed. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/rerum-novarum-is-still-relevant-to-labor-justice-read-it/

What does being an "active Catholic" mean to you? Should the church broaden its definition beyond liturgical participation? How important is social justice work to Catholic identity? Take our survey? https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/is-there-more-to-being-catholic-than-going-to-mass/

Anna Bruno’s new novel explores the corrosive nature of privilege—and the stubborn wisdom of the young. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/in-fine-young-people-an-indictment-of-sports-idolatry/

"We can be both people of action and people of contemplation. For me, I feel empowered to fight on for a better world with greater confidence knowing that this world is not where it ends. For not even death can hold down the just." Jamie Marich reflects on the readings for the Feast of All Souls.

On this episode of Glad You Asked, the hosts talk to journalist and Catholic worker Renée Roden about whether Catholics can be anarchists. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/can-catholics-be-anarchists-renee-roden/

Pope Leo XIV's first apostolic exhortation is a timely reminder that Christ summons us to care for the poor. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/in-dilexi-te-pope-leo-connects-liturgy-with-the-work-of-justice/

The verse about “beating swords into ploughshares” reminds us that we have choices about the things we make and how we use them. Do we make machines for destruction or for healing? What do we love more, our guns or our children?

Should the church broaden its definition of “active Catholics” beyond liturgical participation? Take our survey. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/is-there-more-to-being-catholic-than-going-to-mass/

In this conversation, political philosopher and activist Stephen F. Schneck talks about how separation of church and state is closely connected with the rights of conscience and freedom of religion—matters that Catholics take seriously.

The books U.S. Catholic writers have enjoyed this month, including “Nervous Systems” by Sara Billups, and “Beyond Priests" by Paul Collins. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/what-were-reading-this-month-october-2025/

Teilhard perceived the Heart of Christ as a “fire with the power to penetrate all things.” At the root of this vision was a fidelity to the divine will that undergirded his spiritual life. This eminently Christian attitude, he wrote, “connected my love of Christ and my love of [t]hings.”

On October 24 the church remembers St. Anthony Mary Claret: missionary, writer, publisher, archbishop, and reluctant confessor to the Queen of Spain in the 19th century. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202110/remembering-the-life-and-ministry-of-st-anthony-claret/

The ancient practice of providing sanctuary has a rich history, although it has morphed over the centuries to adapt to needs of the time. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/the-catholics-bringing-back-the-tradition-of-sanctuary/

The U.S. incarceration rate is three to five times higher than Western peer states—second only to non-peer El Salvador. Yet despite high incarceration rates, our justice system is notoriously ineffective. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/the-u-s-justice-system-is-both-severe-and-ineffective/

Key to John Paul’s gift was his theology of freedom: Freedom is not “empty,” the sanction to do whatever we want. Rather, it is the freedom to do the good out of love for goodness itself. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202010/st-john-paul-ii-my-other-grandfather/

Public broadcasting has been an ally for parents against commercial culture. But in July, Congress pulled back the funding it had previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/pbs-funding-cuts-take-valuable-resources-from-families/

For centuries, Catholics recognized churches as places of sanctuary, where people accused of lawbreaking could take refuge. But does the church have an actual teaching on this tradition? Join the hosts of Glad You Ask as they talk with theologian Leo Guardado about sanctuary churches.

Although we tend to read the parables as straightforward, Jesus’ short stories are profoundly complex. Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/a-reflection-for-the-twenty-ninth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-5/

Pixar’s latest feature film approaches lofty questions with a balance of gravity and humor, and without crashing into overly trite territory: Are we alone in the universe? What moral obligations might Earthlings have terrestrially and beyond our atmosphere?

The pilgrim seeks shelter in trust that hospitality will be offered—and hospitality is a requirement of Christian faith. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/the-immigrants-journey-is-also-apilgrimage/

Catholic theology has long affirmed the equal dignity of women. Yet in practice, theological reflection has largely centered male experience as the norm for humanity. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/can-the-church-make-space-for-women-to-lead/