Ever since I first learned the Hail Mary, I have loved prayer. Perhaps Sister taught us the Glory Be first. It’s shorter, more repetitious; if you know the...
Liturgy
Read U.S. Catholic articles on liturgy, sacraments, and worship. Explore expert commentary, reflections, and resources for parish and personal prayer.
I recently went back to Mass at my home parish for the first time since returning from college. My eyes snapped to the altar servers, and I watched closely...
In 1955, Pius XII reformed the liturgy to make foot washing part of the Holy Thursday Mass. Since the 14th century, it had been practiced in a separate liturgy...
Holding hands (or not) is less important than praying in a “commonly bodily posture,” as the body of Christ. One of my first memories of Sunday Mass was my...
Whether the sound of music has them singing to the mountains or running for the hills, U.S. Catholic readers agree that Mass to the sounds of silence would...
Does your parish have Mass appeal? Try these tips to help liven up your Sunday liturgies. Let’s start with a confession from a Vatican II Catholic. About 15...
A seminary pal of mine once remarked that he had no difficulty believing that Christ is present in holy communion. What he did question was the proposition...
With the church at a crossroads, Catholics look to Pope Francis for guidance. Father John Baldovin says that much needed renewal of the church begins with the...
The new missal has made priests watch their language, but after one year most say the meaning of the Mass is getting lost in translation. There was plenty of...
Reporting straight from the pews after a year of the new translations, U.S. Catholic readers say they are still stumbling through the prayers. Stilted...
