U.S. Catholic magazine
@uscatholic.bsky.social
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Covering faith and justice since 1935.
In its origins, Ash Wednesday was fundamentally oriented toward penance, which was also the focus of Lent at that time. Lent is understood differently today: Its primary focus is now, as at its origins, baptism.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202002/what-is-ash-wednesday/
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What is Ash Wednesday?
In its origins, Ash Wednesday was fundamentally oriented toward penance, which was also the focus of Lent at that time.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202002/what-is-ash-wednesday/
about 5 hours ago
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Part of living out the healing mission of Jesus entails tearing down social stigmas and barriers to health.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/public-health-is-part-of-the-churchs-mission/
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Public health is part of the churchâs mission
Part of living out the healing mission of Jesus entails tearing down social stigmas and barriers to health.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/public-health-is-part-of-the-churchs-mission/
about 7 hours ago
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What has been your impression of Pope Leo in the past year? How do you think his papacy compares to Pope Francis'? What direction do you hope to see the church take under Leo's leadership? Take our survey and let us know what you think about Leo's first year.
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How was Pope Leoâs first year?
What direction do you hope to see the church take under Pope Leo XIVâs leadership? Take our survey.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/how-was-pope-leos-first-year/
1 day ago
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Too often Christians have joined the nostalgic chorus that rejects change and diversityâbut change is necessary along the road of reconciliation, and no one is excluded from God's loving mercy. The diverse foods we partake of, on Fat Tuesday and entering Lent, remind us of these fundamental truths.
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Taste and see the many ways of being Christian
The coming of Lent conjures a complicated set of awakenings in my consciousness that rivals the coming of spring itself. Almost all of them involve food.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/201903/taste-and-see-the-many-ways-of-being-christian/
1 day ago
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Catholic doctrine is clear that God creates all human beings in Godâs own âimage and likenessâ and relates to humans as a loving parent to their children. Therefore, Godâs deepest desire is for all to be savedâwhich means that a kind of universalism is already alive in Godâs work of creation.
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Are Catholics universalists?
Whether all humans will ultimately be saved is a question that has been debated among Christians for centuries.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/are-catholics-universalists/
1 day ago
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Iâve often wondered why God, in Jesus, chose to come into this world incarnate as a baby in a vulnerable community occupied by a violent government. God could have come at any time into any group of people; could have come in power, or, at least, in peace.
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A new parent's prayer in a city under siege
As ICE terrorizes Minneapolis, a new parent reflects on the world their baby has enteredâand finds assurance in God's enduring promises.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/a-new-parents-prayer-in-a-city-under-siege/
2 days ago
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In many cultures, Mardi Grasâor Carnivalâhas a double meaning as a celebration of emancipation. Whether through food or festivals, itâs well worth celebrating being free from shackles before embarking on the journey of Lent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202302/is-mardi-gras-a-catholic-holiday/
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Is Mardi Gras a Catholic holiday?
Mardi Gras originated as a time of preparation and celebration before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202302/is-mardi-gras-a-catholic-holiday/
2 days ago
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What has been your impression of Pope Leo? How do you think his papacy compares to Pope Francis'? What direction do you hope to see the church take under his leadership? How was Leo's first year? Take our survey here.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/how-was-pope-leos-first-year/
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How was Pope Leoâs first year?
What direction do you hope to see the church take under Pope Leo XIVâs leadership? Take our survey.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/how-was-pope-leos-first-year/
5 days ago
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Solar industry maverick Page Gravely works to make clean energy accessible to churchesâdespite political obstacles.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/the-republican-episcopalian-helping-the-catholic-church-go-solar/
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The Republican Episcopalian helping the Catholic Church go solar
Solar industry maverick Page Gravely works to make clean energy accessible to churchesâdespite political obstacles.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/the-republican-episcopalian-helping-the-catholic-church-go-solar/
5 days ago
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Recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Ronald Hicks aims to foster a missionary church in his new archdiocese.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/new-yorks-new-archbishop-envisions-a-church-in-service-of-all/
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New Yorkâs new archbishop envisions a church in service of all
Recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Ronald Hicks aims to foster a missionary church in his new archdiocese.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/new-yorks-new-archbishop-envisions-a-church-in-service-of-all/
6 days ago
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Backed by powerful names like 50 Cent, one of the executive producers, as well as Wiz Khalifa and Omar Epps, who play prominent characters, the film tells the story of a 4th-century saint and a modern Chicago gangster, both of whom wrestle with their violent pasts.
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'Moses the Black' brings an ancient saint to the Chicago streets - U.S. Catholic
Yelena Popovicâs new film, inspired by a 4th-century saint, reminds us that redemption is never out of reach.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/moses-the-black-brings-an-ancient-saint-to-the-chicago-streets/
6 days ago
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Sociologist Tia Noelle Pratt's new book tells the story of Black Catholics' immense contributions to the church in the United States.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/black-catholics-devotion-and-resilience-should-inspire-us-all/
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Black Catholicsâ devotion and resilience should inspire us all
Sociologist Tia Noelle Pratt's new book tells the story of Black Catholics' immense contributions to the church in the United States.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/black-catholics-devotion-and-resilience-should-inspire-us-all/
7 days ago
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In 1858, Mary appeared to a poor teenager named Bernadette near a site that served as the townâs dump. The story of Lourdes continues to offer comfort to people who experience sickness, chronic pain, and disability.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202412/a-liberatory-look-at-marian-apparitions/
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A liberatory look at Marian apparitions
Though Marian apparitions have sometimes been weaponized by oppressive forces, the mother of God stands with the most vulnerable.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202412/a-liberatory-look-at-marian-apparitions/
7 days ago
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Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/
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The Eucharist is inherently political
Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/
8 days ago
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By asserting the preeminence of the abortion issue and leaning into ideology that refuses to allow for dialogue, the church has ensured that many of its members would become one-issue voters, neglecting or perpetuating other harms against the vulnerable.
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The pro-life movement is steeped in misogyny
Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, while those perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism get a pass.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-pro-life-movement-is-steeped-in-misogyny/
8 days ago
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Universal childcare may not be cheap, but it is a vital investment in families' well-being, and the future our children will inherit.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/will-mamdanis-experiment-in-universal-child-care-pay-off/
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Will Mamdani's experiment in universal child care pay off? - U.S. Catholic
Universal childcare may not be cheap, but it is a vital investment in families' well-being, and the future our children will inherit.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/will-mamdanis-experiment-in-universal-child-care-pay-off/
9 days ago
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'Task' invites reflection on the meaning of family and the complicated nature of forgiveness. The show provides Catholics with an uncommon protagonist: a former priest who now investigates criminals and puts himself at risk of being in the line of fire.
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âTaskâ shows complicated nature of forgiveness and families
Starring Mark Ruffalo, HBOâs thriller miniseries brings more complexity than is usually expected of crime TV.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/task-shows-complicated-nature-of-forgiveness-and-families/
12 days ago
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Black Power galvanized Black Catholic activists, many Black priests and nuns taking heed of its self-determinist message. Some argued that Black parishes needed Black clergy, while others joined forces with the Chicago branch of the Black Panther Party.
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The faith of Black Catholics inspired their activism
The witness of these Black Catholic activists can inspire anti-racism and justice work, which are much needed today.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202302/the-faith-of-black-catholics-inspired-their-activism/
12 days ago
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We must let the cracks show, for through the cracks, the light enters. Through the cracks, we see the shaky foundation and the fault lines on which this nation was built: racism, colonialism, an obsession with power that displaced, killed, abused, and enslavedâall in the name of Jesus.
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A light is shining through the cracks in our nationâs foundation
As the fault lines in our nation's foundation show, we must shine light on the corruption, and continue caring for the most vulnerable.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/a-light-is-shining-through-the-cracks-in-our-nations-foundation/
13 days ago
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Veronica doesnât fix anything. She doesnât prevent or postpone Jesusâ crucifixion, or even lighten Jesusâ load, as Simon does before her. She simply extends an act of tender care. Itâs care that isnât a means to an end but merely is what it is: kindness shown in a moment of suffering.
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Like Veronica, offer comfortâeven if you can't save the day - U.S. Catholic
In wiping the face of Jesus, Veronica reminds us that easing suffering is an important and meaningful act in itself.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/like-veronica-offer-comfort-even-if-you-cant-save-the-day/
13 days ago
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Volume two of Father James Martin's popular prayer guide "is a lovely and accessible resource for anyone seeking to get closer to Godâwhether they consider themselves proficient at praying or donât know where to start building a prayer practice of their own."
https://uscatholic.org/usc-book-club/
14 days ago
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The Haitian refugeesâ deep Christian faith makes them rely on God. And the church will remain at their side. âWe are here to provide the works of mercy,â says Tony Stieritz, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio.
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Haitian parish in Springfield, Ohio maintains faith amid crisis
In Springfield, Ohio, Haitian refugees in the parish of St. Raphael's look to God for strength, in the face of anti-immigrant prejudice.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202510/haitian-parish-in-springfield-ohio-maintains-faith-amid-crisis/
14 days ago
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âGod is on the side of the oppressed. How can we stay silent? The church always has to raise its voice.â
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/at-an-ice-detention-center-liturgy-becomes-protest/
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At an ICE detention center, liturgy becomes protest
In celebrating the liturgy publicly, at a place of state violence, the body of Christ reaches out to those who feel they have been forgotten.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/at-an-ice-detention-center-liturgy-becomes-protest/
15 days ago
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When we flatten narratives about Black Catholics, we miss out on a rich cultural tradition of activism, spirituality, and scholarship.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/the-black-catholic-intellectual-tradition-is-vital-to-the-church/
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The Black Catholic intellectual tradition is vital to the church - U.S. Catholic
When we flatten narratives about Black Catholics, we miss out on a rich cultural tradition of activism, spirituality, and scholarship.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/the-black-catholic-intellectual-tradition-is-vital-to-the-church/
16 days ago
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In this month's Sounding Board essay, theologian Dan Horan challenges us to expand our concept of personhood beyond humanity. Do you believe non-human animals can be persons? What makes a being a person in the first place? Take our survey here.
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Are animals people, too?
Is there room in Catholic theology to expand the category of personhood to nonhuman animals? Maybe animals are persons too.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/are-animals-people-too/
16 days ago
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A new ESPN documentary shows how this athlete was a gamechanger for equal rights on and off the court.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/tennis-champion-billie-jean-king-is-a-role-model-for-reconciliation/
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Tennis champion Billie Jean King is a role model for reconciliation
A new ESPN documentary shows how this pioneering athlete was a gamechanger for equal rights on and off the court.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/tennis-champion-billie-jean-king-is-a-role-model-for-reconciliation/
16 days ago
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Given his radical availability to individuals and crowds, itâs no surprise that sometimes Jesus needed to get away from it all for the sake of his own healing and restoration.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/jesus-beckons-us-to-silence-as-a-source-of-healing/
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Jesus beckons us to silence as a source of healing
In a world full of brokenness, sometimes healers need healing too. Jesus reminds us that silence can restore our strength.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/jesus-beckons-us-to-silence-as-a-source-of-healing/
19 days ago
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Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/
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The Eucharist is inherently political
Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/
21 days ago
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Catholic sisters are using shareholder advocacy to hold companies accountable and leverage real change that supports the common good and human dignity.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/sisters-use-corporate-investments-to-push-for-reform/
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Sisters use corporate investments to push for reform
Shareholders advocacy enables Catholic sisters to hold companies accountable and leverage real change in a way that supports the common good.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/sisters-use-corporate-investments-to-push-for-reform/
21 days ago
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In some circles, Aquinas has become equated with black-and-white thinking. Yet such branding is not only inaccurate but ironic, since Aquinasâ theological method is antithetical to culture war thinking. Aquinas modeled how to engage with other, even non-Christian, ideas of his day.
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Would Thomas Aquinas be a Thomist?
The "Angelic Doctor" has become an icon for conservative Catholics. But are his biggest fans misrepresenting his legacy?
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202406/would-thomas-aquinas-be-a-thomist/
22 days ago
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Since Pope Francisâ 2018 amendment to the Catechism of the Catholic Church stating that the death penalty was âmorally inadmissibleâ and that the church âworks for its abolition worldwide,â the American church has become increasingly coherent in its anti-death penalty stance.
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Efforts to repeal the death penalty model bipartisan advocacy
In Kansas, advocates of death penalty abolition find a common ground based on Catholic teaching and a shared ethic of life.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/efforts-to-repeal-the-death-penalty-model-bipartisan-advocacy/
22 days ago
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Christians are called to look past the flags and bumper stickers, denominations and political parties: The Catholic church is inclusive by design.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/being-catholic-means-putting-universal-community-first/
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Being Catholic means putting universal community first - U.S. Catholic
Christians are called to look past flags and bumper stickers, denominations and factions: The catholic church is inclusive by design.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/being-catholic-means-putting-universal-community-first/
23 days ago
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In this month's Sounding Board essay, theologian Dan Horan challenges us to expand our concept of personhood beyond humanity. What do you think? Do you believe non-human animals can be persons? Take our survey here.
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Are animals people too?
Is there room in Catholic theology to expand personhood to nonhuman animals? Take our survey.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/are-animals-people-too/
26 days ago
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While Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, Catholics perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism are given a pass. By focusing on one type of harm while acquiescing to other grave harms, the church has given the impression that those other harms are permissible.
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The pro-life movement is steeped in misogyny
Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, while those perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism get a pass.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-pro-life-movement-is-steeped-in-misogyny/
26 days ago
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The practice of listening for a guiding word comes from the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, who sought the presence of the divine. This tradition was a way of seeking something to ponder for days, weeks, months, or sometimes a whole lifetime.
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Listen for a word, and let it guide your year
The practice of listening for a guiding word comes from the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, who sought the presence of the divine.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/listen-for-a-word-and-let-it-guide-your-year/
26 days ago
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The perennial question of womenâs roles in the life of the church is not limited to the diaconate alone. But the larger conversation on womenâs roles has often lacked urgency, transparency, and genuine discernmentâand in some spaces, even compassion.
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Advancing women's vocations is the work of the entire church -
The responsibility of promoting women's roles in the church falls to all Catholicsâincluding the men.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/advancing-womens-vocations-is-the-work-of-the-entire-church/
27 days ago
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In her biography of Augustine, Conybeare reclaims his North African identity, exploring how his cultural context set the stage for his writings. She demonstrates how Augustineâand, by extension, core ideas of Christian thoughtâare grounded in this context.
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How Augustineâs North African context shaped his theology
Seeing Augustine in his North African context is essential for understanding his thoughtâand, by extension, core ideas of Christian theology.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/how-augustines-north-african-context-shaped-his-theology/
28 days ago
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In place of our current binary approach to abortion, consider a holistic perspective informed by Scripture and the example of Jesus.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/pro-life-pro-choice-try-being-pro-grace-instead/
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Pro-life? Pro-choice? Try being pro-grace instead.
In place of our current binary approach to discussing abortion, consider a holistic perspective informed by Scripture and the life of Jesus.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/pro-life-pro-choice-try-being-pro-grace-instead/
28 days ago
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When words lose their force, when we donât know what to say, neutrality starts to feel tempting. If we canât add anything to the conversation, if itâs all been said before, then why should we raise our voice? This, too, is how violence advances.
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Catholic silence in the face of ICE violence is not neutral
When outrage no longer feels adequate, the temptation to fall silent grows, but neutrality is how violence advances.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/catholic-silence-in-the-face-of-ice-violence-is-not-neutral/
29 days ago
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Like with Chinaâs one-child error, the damage to the United States, from the administration's xenophobic hostility to immigrants, is completely self-inflicted.
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Anti-immigration policies accelerate U.S. population loss
There are many reasons why current xenophobic immigration policies spell trouble for the futureâincluding concerns about the U.S. population.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/anti-immigration-policies-accelerate-u-s-population-loss/
29 days ago
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Today, women and Black Americans have the right to vote. Jim Crow laws are a thing of the past. Our workdays last eight hours. Children donât work in the mines. There is a minimum wage. All these basic protections were won by protesters.
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We are all called to protest, says this civil rights lawyer
In the United States, protest is baked into our DNA. But what is protest? It doesnât always look like strikes or big rallies.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202502/we-are-all-called-to-protest-says-this-civil-rights-lawyer/
about 1 month ago
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The loss of USAID has been devastating for Nigeria. But Catholic sisters continue to care for those in need, even when the world turns away.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/despite-usaid-cuts-nigerian-sisters-continue-mission-of-care/
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Despite USAID cuts, Nigerian sisters continue mission of care
The loss of USAID has been devastating for Nigeria. But Catholic sisters continue to care for those in need, even when the world turns away.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/despite-usaid-cuts-nigerian-sisters-continue-mission-of-care/
about 1 month ago
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One potential problem is that a depiction of Jesusâ life that tells us only what everyone âalready knowsâ actually tells us less than thatâbecause what we know so well in one sense, we see only dimly in another. Paradoxically, overfamiliarity obscures the text.
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Do comfort-food Jesus movies have a place on your watchlist?
U.S. Catholic readers weigh in on whether feel-good depictions of Jesus do more harm than good.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/are-there-too-many-jesus-movies/
about 1 month ago
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Christians are called to look past the flags and bumper stickers, denominations and political parties: The catholic church is inclusive by design.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/being-catholic-means-putting-universal-community-first/
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Being Catholic means putting universal community first - U.S. Catholic
Christians are called to look past the flags and bumper stickers, denominations and political parties: The catholic church is inclusive by design.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/being-catholic-means-putting-universal-community-first/
about 1 month ago
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According to a 2022 Pew Research Center study, 39 percent of Americans believe that âwe are living in the end times.â That number jumps to 63 precent for evangelical Protestants, but is still 27 percent for Catholics.
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What do Catholics actually believe about the apocalypse?
We asked U.S. Catholic readersâand a humanities scholarâwhat American Catholics really believe about the apocalypse.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/what-do-catholics-actually-believe-about-the-apocalypse/
about 1 month ago
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Bishops in the United States have threatened to deny communion to politicians such as John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, and former President Joe Biden over their public support for legal abortionâan approach many people decried as weaponizing the sacrament.
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The Eucharist is inherently political
Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/
about 1 month ago
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Shelleyâs novel places Victor in the role of an abandoning motherâbirthing his child then, horrified by his abnormal appearance, running away. In del Toroâs version, Victor is framed more as a bad father who is overly demanding in his expectations for his offspring.
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Del Toroâs âFrankensteinâ invites reflection on forgiveness - U.S. Catholic
Guillermo del Toroâs alterations to Mary Shelleyâs classic horror novel make generational trauma the real monster.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/del-toros-frankenstein-invites-reflection-on-forgiveness/
about 1 month ago
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Calling all poets! See our website for submission details.
about 1 month ago
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The problem is, practically no one outside of the White House is interested in reviving coal. The president may succeed only in driving up energy costs for American consumers, who will be deprived of new capacity from what had been a rapidly expanding clean energy sector.
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Trying to revive coal makes neither moral nor practical sense
As U.S. leaders fixate on bringing back the coal industry, the Vatican insists on our need for clean energy.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/trying-to-revive-coal-makes-neither-moral-nor-practical-sense/
about 1 month ago
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How has being online shaped your identity, faith, or politics? Has your online experience been positive or negative? And how might the church address the moral impact of our digital lives? Take U.S. Catholic's survey on internet culture and ethics.
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Can we imagine a better internet? - U.S. Catholic
If logging off isn't realistic, how do we make peace with the many issues in our online world? Take our survey.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/can-we-imagine-a-better-internet/
about 1 month ago
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