Articles Index
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary. Learn more about Pentecost Sunday.
Ascension of Our Lord
The Ascension of Our Lord occurred on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Easter Sunday, when the risen Christ ascended bodily into Heaven.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. The three levels of the sacrament are the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.
The Office of Bishop in the Catholic Church
The bishop is a successor to the Apostles, deriving his authority directly from Christ's Great Commission to "Go and make disciples of all nations." As the head of a local church (a diocese), he is responsible for the spiritual welfare of both the Christians and the non-Christians who live therein.
Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church
Most people know that Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time of preparation before Easter. But how is it celebrated? And why do Catholics wear ashes on their foreheads on this day? Find out more about Ash Wednesday here.
Rogation Days
Rogation Days are days set aside every spring to observe the change in the seasons. Learn more about the Rogation Days.
Good Friday
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. What is Good Friday?
Divine Mercy Devotions
Devotions to the Divine Mercy are most often practiced between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday, but they can be prayed at any time of the year. Find out about the origins of Divine Mercy Sunday and the devotions that the Roman Catholic Church encourages the faithful to practice in honor of the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples. Learn more about the history and practice of Holy Thursday.
Easter in the Catholic Church
What does the Catholic Church teach about Easter, the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Learn about the history and significance of Easter, the greatest feast in the Catholic Church.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Octave of Easter (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), celebrates the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ, as revealed by Christ Himself to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
The Annunciation of the Lord
The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the angel Gabriel's appearance to the Virgin Mary to announce that she had been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord.
Abstinence as Spiritual Discipline
What does abstinence mean? Why and when do Catholics abstain from meat? Learn more about abstinence in the Catholic Church.
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes
This Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes can be prayed at any time, but it is especially appropriate in the days before February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The Presentation of the Lord
Known popularly as Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His Birth.
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is best known as the visitation of the Magi or Wise Men. Learn more about one of the oldest Christian feasts.
Saint Stephen, the First Marytr
Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons and the first Christian martyr. Learn more about the life of Saint Stephen.
Fasting: A Powerful Spiritual Tool
What does fasting mean? Why and when do Catholics fast? Learn more about the spiritual discipline of fasting in the Catholic Church.
Christmas
Christmas is the feast of the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Learn more about the history of Christmas.
Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bishop and Wonder-Worker
Saint Nicholas of Myra is a Christmas icon and one of the most beloved saints of all time. Learn more about this bishop and wonder-worker.
All Souls Day
All Souls Day is a solemn feast in the Roman Catholic Church commemorating all of those who have died and now are in Purgatory.
The Season of Advent in the Catholic Church
Advent is a period of preparation before Christmas. Learn more about the season of Advent in the Catholic Church.
Preparing for Christmas With the Advent Wreath
Learn about the history of the Advent wreath and how to incorporate it into your celebration of Advent.
Indulgence for a Visit to a Cemetery
This indulgence for a visit to a cemetery encourages us to spend a moment in prayer for the souls in Purgatory.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day celebrates all the saints, known and unknown, especially those who suffered martyrdom for Christ.