Reflecting on Discipleship: Am I Growing?
“70 percent of parishioners say they are growing in their faith.” This encouraging data report was part of a conversation with a parish leader who… Read More »Reflecting on Discipleship: Am I Growing?
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Sacred Surprises: Fun, Faithful, and Frugal Gift Ideas for Catholic Families
It started well before Thanksgiving. My dear mother-in-law started asking us for a list of Christmas gift ideas. My husband and I struggle with this… Read More »Sacred Surprises: Fun, Faithful, and Frugal Gift Ideas for Catholic Families
Watch! Be Ready! The Impact of the Responsorial Psalm
“Be present at Mass.” This simple-sounding concept is far more challenging than it seems. “Present” means a conscious awareness and active mental and physical participation… Read More »Watch! Be Ready! The Impact of the Responsorial Psalm
Confession Comeback: Strategies for Reigniting Interest in the Sacrament
“Poof!” he said. “Your sins are all gone now.” I sat in stunned silence. The “poof” came with a magician’s hand gesture, which made it… Read More »Confession Comeback: Strategies for Reigniting Interest in the Sacrament
The Big Three for Advent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the… Read More »The Big Three for Advent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Archdiocese of Baltimore Gains 360-Degree View of Parishioners
Baltimore, MD, is where Catholicism in the United States began. The Archdiocese of Baltimore was the first diocese in the United States. Through the years,… Read More »Archdiocese of Baltimore Gains 360-Degree View of Parishioners
10 Ways to “Watch!” During Advent
“What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” MK 13:37 Is THIS how we kick off Advent? With an exhortation from Jesus to… Read More »10 Ways to “Watch!” During Advent
An Epidemic of Loneliness? 5 Actions for Parishes
The surgeon general’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection and the community contains some startling but not really surprising language: “Loneliness and social… Read More »An Epidemic of Loneliness? 5 Actions for Parishes
5 Advent Sermon Ideas From Passages You Might Not Expect
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation as we await the coming of Christ. Many pastors and preachers turn to familiar passages during this… Read More »5 Advent Sermon Ideas From Passages You Might Not Expect
Keep “Thanks” in Thanksgiving
I know, it’s a corny play on the old standby “Keep Christ in Christmas.” But hear me out. Thanksgiving is the quintessential fall holiday. Falling… Read More »Keep “Thanks” in Thanksgiving
Introducing Our ACST Catholic Social Media Channels: Where We’ll Connect, Engage, and Inspire
At ACST Catholic, we believe in the power of community, faith, and education. So, we’re excited to introduce our new ACST Catholic social media channels… Read More »Introducing Our ACST Catholic Social Media Channels: Where We’ll Connect, Engage, and Inspire
The Masterpiece of God’s Mercy: Purgatory
November for Catholics is devoted to the Holy Souls in purgatory, so it’s a good time to refresh our memories on what purgatory is, what… Read More »The Masterpiece of God’s Mercy: Purgatory