In his 1998 work, Architecture in Communion, architect Steven Schloeder offers for consideration a twofold problem: first, the problem of how to design for contemporary, post-Vatican II liturgy, and second, what, if anything, should a … [Read more...]
Magazine
Contemplation and Beauty: Reclaiming Sensuality for the New Evangelization
October 27, 2023 by Michael Gray
“The aesthetic value of creation cannot be overlooked. Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity. The Bible speaks again and again of the goodness and beauty of c … [Read more...]
Give the Young the World of Good Music
October 27, 2023 by Elizabeth Altham
“[W]hen modes of music change, the fundamental mores of the state always change with them.” – Plato, Republic, 400b and 424c A few years ago, as preparation for a course in European history, I assigned the students in our high school di Lam … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – November 2023
October 27, 2023 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
The Place of Communion in the Mass Question: During the 40s and 50s, come Communion time at Mass, very few people walked up to the altar rails. Yesterday I read that one’s attendance at Mass is not complete without receiving the Eucharist ( … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – November 2023
October 27, 2023 by Book Reviews
Science at the Doorstep to God: Science and Reason in Support of God, the Soul, and Life After Death. By Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Reviewed by Thomas P. Sheahen. (skip to review) The Faith Once for All Delivered: Doctrinal Authority in … [Read more...]
Homilies for October 2023
September 22, 2023 by Fr. Louis Philip Masi
For October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, and October 29 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 1, 2023 Readings: Ez 18:25–28 • Ps 25:4–5, 6–7, 8–9 • Phil 2:1–11 • Mt 21:28–32 bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm In tod … [Read more...]
Evangelizing Catechesis
September 22, 2023 by Bishop David Toups
As a member of the USCCB’s Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis, we have spent a great deal of time developing a new vision of what we call “Evangelizing Catechesis.” We have defined it as such: At the heart of the Church’s mission to … [Read more...]
Is the Universal Call to Holiness a New Teaching?
September 22, 2023 by Alessandro Cota
It is not uncommon to find the opinion that the Church has introduced a new understanding of what it means to be holy and who is called to it through Lumen Gentium’s teaching on the universal call to holiness. Oftentimes, this claim of n … [Read more...]
On Moral Perfection
September 22, 2023 by Nate Guyear
All humans struggle with moral perfection, and temptations to sin are ever-present. Jesus tells us, “Temptations to sin are sure to come . . .” (Lk 17:1; RSV-CE). Yet Jesus, the Catholic Church, and Sacred Scripture call us to moral per … [Read more...]
Grace and Free Will in Spiritual Growth
September 22, 2023 by Deacon Carl Sommer
In the 2000-year history of theology, some of our greatest thinkers have struggled to define the precise relationship between grace and free will in the lives of individual Christians. Are we free to choose the good? Do we need grace even … [Read more...]
Through My Fault
September 22, 2023 by Brent Withers
In the beginning of the Mass in the penitential rite we all say: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – October 2023
September 22, 2023 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
The Reasons for Marian Devotion Question: Would Fr. Mullady please explain the Church’s emphasis on Mary? Since the answer could be lengthy, recommending a few core texts would be very helpful. It seems that Marian devotion is a wonderful g … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – October 2023
September 22, 2023 by Book Reviews
Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer. By John F. Boyle. Reviewed by D.M. Walker. (skip to review) Remembering Why We Preach: A Retreat to Renew Your Spirit and Skill. By Karla J. Bellinger and Michael E. Connors, CSC. Reviewed by Deacon … [Read more...]
Homilies for September 2023
August 28, 2023 by Fr. Joseph Sigur
For September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 3, 2023 Readings: Jer 20:7–9 • Ps 63:2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9 • Rom 12:1–2 • Mt 16:21–27 bible.usccb.org/bible … [Read more...]
The Work of Catechesis for Priests and Deacons
August 28, 2023 by Theodore Musco
Foreword by Rev. John P. Cush: “HPR Ressourcement, Part II” As you, as our faithful reader (or even new reader!) might know, this journal, now known as Homiletic and Pastoral Review, was founded over 123 years ago. When I think about the pr … [Read more...]
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