WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Many young Catholics today choose to be married in a special location, with the beauty of a mountaintop or the stunning sunset at the beach as a backdrop -- a destination wedding. But there are some good reasons to reconsider and reflect on this, and to intentionally decide to get married in the sacred beauty of the Church. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
THE LAW OF THE GIFT. Vatican II proclaimed that the human person cannot fully find himself except through the sincere gift of himself. The Council referred to Jesus' teaching that "whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Pope St. John Paul II said, "In this way Jesus proclaims that life finds its center, its meaning, and its fulfillment, when it is given up as a gift to God." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF VIRTUE. To grow in virtue is to improve as a human being - to become a better person today than I was yesterday. Virtue must be sought out and acquired intentionally. You become virtuous by continually striving for virtue. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
HEAVEN, BUT ON WHOSE TERMS? Jesus taught that entry into Heaven goes through a narrow gate, "and those who find it are few." But many people believe that all will be saved, and just being a good person will be enough. If we truly aspire to eternal life with God, we must prepare ourselves by embracing heavenly values — mercy, forgiveness, non-judgment — and thus enter into Heaven on God's terms. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
THE BREVITY OF LIFE. Life is too short to be unhappy, hold grudges, or have regrets. The brevity of our lives should induce us to live in a state of readiness, to be prepared spiritually, and to actively serve God, appreciating each moment we have left, until He calls us into the life that never ends. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
TRY NOT TO COMPLAIN. We all do it, sometimes without being aware, but it is harmful to our spiritual health and well-being. We need to find a way to identify it in ourselves and limit its effect on us and others. St. Paul reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances, and rejoice always!" Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
TAKING GUILT TOO FAR. A guilty conscience can warn us that we've done something wrong, and prompt us to admit our fault and ask for forgiveness. But if guilt becomes a persistent feeling of doubt and uncertainty, a fear that you can never be saved, then it becomes an unhealthy obsession and blocks our relationship with God. That is taking guilt too far. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
IS GEN Z DISCOVERING THE CATHOLIC FAITH? After years of secularization and indifference to God and religion, there are real signs that Gen Z is discovering the beauty of Catholicism as a better way of living. Let's invite and welcome young people today to join us on this "noble path to happiness." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
SILENCING HABITS THAT SEPARATE US FROM GOD. We know that "God speaks in silence," so there is a need for us to quiet those internal disturbances within us that prevent intimacy with God. The scholars and saints tell us we must cultivate a "holy silence" that penetrates all the faculties of our bodies and souls, and thus hasten our return to God. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
WHAT THE PROPHETS TELL US. The great Jewish prophets of the Old Testament were understood to be messengers from God, intermediaries between God and the community. They exhorted and encouraged people to change their ways, to live better lives, and to prepare for the light that was coming into the world. Even today, the prophets provide a roadmap to follow the one who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
SACRAMENTALS. Holy Water, Rosary Beads, the Angelus, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy; these are the objects and prayer-rituals that the Church provides to elevate our minds and direct our thoughts to God. They express the beauty of our faith and "dispose us to holiness." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
INGRATITUDE. Jesus said, “Ten were cleansed, were there not? Where are the other nine?” If we do not stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist and in prayer, we can fall prey to ego, pride, and a lack of humility. As St. Thérèse of Lisieux said, "Jesus does not demand great action from us, but simply surrender, and gratitude." Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN. These four Evangelists all had the same goal — to proclaim that Jesus Christ was the Son of God who came into the world, suffered, died, and rose from the dead, so that all mankind would be saved from sin. But they each came to the story from a different point of view and wrote to different audiences. Knowing more about these subtle differences helps increase our understanding and appreciation of the Bible, and enhances our daily prayer lives. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
THE LORD'S PRAYER. Jesus said to His disciples, "This is how you are to pray; 'Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name.'" This prayer is said when we are baptized, and when we are buried, and at every Mass, every day, in every church throughout the world. It is said to be the perfect prayer, because Our Lord Himself connects us to God Our Father in an intimate way, every time we say it. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
HOW IS IT GOING THIS LENT? We start on Ash Wednesday with good intentions, but as the days wear on, we may start falling short. It's a good time to readjust and strengthen an abstinence you may have taken on. And remember to check the ego for envy or jealousy, so that you will remain free to love with a joyful and forgiving heart. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
STOP WORRYING! When we worry, we are focusing outside of the present moment. We are overthinking the past, and harboring anxiety about the future. But Jesus insists that we place our trust completely in our heavenly Father, and He challenges our lack of faith; "Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?" Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
JUBILEE YEAR. The Church celebrates a Jubilee every 25 years, and in 2025 the theme is 'Pilgrims of Hope,' a year dedicated to hope for a world that is suffering. In this "Holy Year," the Pope calls all Christians to re-establish a proper relationship with God and with one another. It is a time for the true joy that comes from spiritual renewal, personal restoration, and sincere forgiveness. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY. Although Carmelite Spirituality traces back to the Middle Ages, it still helps us today because of its focus on prayer, contemplation, and service to God. It includes devotion to our Blessed Mother and is based on a deep desire to experience God's presence in everyday life. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
A DEMON SPEAKS. We all experience the presence of evil in our lives in different ways, and Jesus Himself confronts Satan directly in the Bible. What if the Devil spoke, and explained how he deceives and destroys people, especially those of us who have faith? Let's listen to the voice of evil, when a demon speaks. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com
THE NINE CHOIRS OF ANGELS. We don’t notice them or think about them much, but upon reflection, they are always with us. They are bearers of good news; they are there to protect us, and to assure us of God’s love and mercy. Our Angels exist to help us know the will of God, for each and every one of us. Join the conversation: anycatholicconversation@gmail.com