U.S. Catholic magazine

A new parent's prayer in a city under siege As ICE terrorizes Minneapolis, a new parent reflects on the world their baby has entered—and finds assurance in God's enduring promises.

I’ve often wondered why God, in Jesus, chose to come into this world incarnate as a baby in a vulnerable community occupied by a violent government. God could have come at any time into any group of people; could have come in power, or, at least, in peace.

Is Mardi Gras a Catholic holiday? Mardi Gras originated as a time of preparation and celebration before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.

In many cultures, Mardi Gras—or Carnival—has a double meaning as a celebration of emancipation. Whether through food or festivals, it’s well worth celebrating being free from shackles before embarking on the journey of Lent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202302/is-mardi-gras-a-catholic-holiday/

How was Pope Leo’s first year? What direction do you hope to see the church take under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership? Take our survey.

What has been your impression of Pope Leo?

How do you think his papacy compares to Pope Francis'?

What direction do you hope to see the church take under his leadership?

How was Leo's first year? Take our survey here.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/how-was-pope-leos-first-year/

The Republican Episcopalian helping the Catholic Church go solar Solar industry maverick Page Gravely works to make clean energy accessible to churches—despite political obstacles.

Solar industry maverick Page Gravely works to make clean energy accessible to churches—despite political obstacles.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/the-republican-episcopalian-helping-the-catholic-church-go-solar/

Recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Ronald Hicks aims to foster a missionary church in his new archdiocese.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/new-yorks-new-archbishop-envisions-a-church-in-service-of-all/

'Moses the Black' brings an ancient saint to the Chicago streets - U.S. Catholic Yelena Popovic’s new film, inspired by a 4th-century saint, reminds us that redemption is never out of reach.

Backed by powerful names like 50 Cent, one of the executive producers, as well as Wiz Khalifa and Omar Epps, who play prominent characters, the film tells the story of a 4th-century saint and a modern Chicago gangster, both of whom wrestle with their violent pasts.

Black Catholics’ devotion and resilience should inspire us all Sociologist Tia Noelle Pratt's new book tells the story of Black Catholics' immense contributions to the church in the United States.

Sociologist Tia Noelle Pratt's new book tells the story of Black Catholics' immense contributions to the church in the United States.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/black-catholics-devotion-and-resilience-should-inspire-us-all/

A liberatory look at Marian apparitions Though Marian apparitions have sometimes been weaponized by oppressive forces, the mother of God stands with the most vulnerable.

In 1858, Mary appeared to a poor teenager named Bernadette near a site that served as the town’s dump. The story of Lourdes continues to offer comfort to people who experience sickness, chronic pain, and disability.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202412/a-liberatory-look-at-marian-apparitions/

The Eucharist is inherently political Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.

Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/

The pro-life movement is steeped in misogyny Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, while those perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism get a pass.

By asserting the preeminence of the abortion issue and leaning into ideology that refuses to allow for dialogue, the church has ensured that many of its members would become one-issue voters, neglecting or perpetuating other harms against the vulnerable.

Will Mamdani's experiment in universal child care pay off? - U.S. Catholic Universal childcare may not be cheap, but it is a vital investment in families' well-being, and the future our children will inherit.

Universal childcare may not be cheap, but it is a vital investment in families' well-being, and the future our children will inherit.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/will-mamdanis-experiment-in-universal-child-care-pay-off/

‘Task’ shows complicated nature of forgiveness and families Starring Mark Ruffalo, HBO’s thriller miniseries brings more complexity than is usually expected of crime TV.

'Task' invites reflection on the meaning of family and the complicated nature of forgiveness. The show provides Catholics with an uncommon protagonist: a former priest who now investigates criminals and puts himself at risk of being in the line of fire.

The faith of Black Catholics inspired their activism The witness of these Black Catholic activists can inspire anti-racism and justice work, which are much needed today.

Black Power galvanized Black Catholic activists, many Black priests and nuns taking heed of its self-determinist message. Some argued that Black parishes needed Black clergy, while others joined forces with the Chicago branch of the Black Panther Party.

A light is shining through the cracks in our nation’s foundation As the fault lines in our nation's foundation show, we must shine light on the corruption, and continue caring for the most vulnerable.

We must let the cracks show, for through the cracks, the light enters. Through the cracks, we see the shaky foundation and the fault lines on which this nation was built: racism, colonialism, an obsession with power that displaced, killed, abused, and enslaved—all in the name of Jesus.

Like Veronica, offer comfort—even if you can't save the day - U.S. Catholic In wiping the face of Jesus, Veronica reminds us that easing suffering is an important and meaningful act in itself.

Veronica doesn’t fix anything. She doesn’t prevent or postpone Jesus’ crucifixion, or even lighten Jesus’ load, as Simon does before her. She simply extends an act of tender care. It’s care that isn’t a means to an end but merely is what it is: kindness shown in a moment of suffering.

Volume two of Father James Martin's popular prayer guide "is a lovely and accessible resource for anyone seeking to get closer to God—whether they consider themselves proficient at praying or don’t know where to start building a prayer practice of their own."
https://uscatholic.org/usc-book-club/

Haitian parish in Springfield, Ohio maintains faith amid crisis In Springfield, Ohio, Haitian refugees in the parish of St. Raphael's look to God for strength, in the face of anti-immigrant prejudice.

The Haitian refugees’ deep Christian faith makes them rely on God. And the church will remain at their side. “We are here to provide the works of mercy,” says Tony Stieritz, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio.

At an ICE detention center, liturgy becomes protest In celebrating the liturgy publicly, at a place of state violence, the body of Christ reaches out to those who feel they have been forgotten.

“God is on the side of the oppressed. How can we stay silent? The church always has to raise its voice.”
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202602/at-an-ice-detention-center-liturgy-becomes-protest/

The Black Catholic intellectual tradition is vital to the church - U.S. Catholic When we flatten narratives about Black Catholics, we miss out on a rich cultural tradition of activism, spirituality, and scholarship.

When we flatten narratives about Black Catholics, we miss out on a rich cultural tradition of activism, spirituality, and scholarship.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/the-black-catholic-intellectual-tradition-is-vital-to-the-church/

Are animals people, too? Is there room in Catholic theology to expand the category of personhood to nonhuman animals? Maybe animals are persons too.

In this month's Sounding Board essay, theologian Dan Horan challenges us to expand our concept of personhood beyond humanity.

Do you believe non-human animals can be persons? What makes a being a person in the first place?

Take our survey here.

Tennis champion Billie Jean King is a role model for reconciliation A new ESPN documentary shows how this pioneering athlete was a gamechanger for equal rights on and off the court.

A new ESPN documentary shows how this athlete was a gamechanger for equal rights on and off the court.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/tennis-champion-billie-jean-king-is-a-role-model-for-reconciliation/

Jesus beckons us to silence as a source of healing In a world full of brokenness, sometimes healers need healing too. Jesus reminds us that silence can restore our strength.

Given his radical availability to individuals and crowds, it’s no surprise that sometimes Jesus needed to get away from it all for the sake of his own healing and restoration. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/jesus-beckons-us-to-silence-as-a-source-of-healing/

The Eucharist is inherently political Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.

Well-intentioned pleas not to politicize the Eucharist miss this theological truth: the Body of Christ can't be disconnected from politics.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/the-eucharist-is-inherently-political/

Sisters use corporate investments to push for reform Shareholders advocacy enables Catholic sisters to hold companies accountable and leverage real change in a way that supports the common good.

Catholic sisters are using shareholder advocacy to hold companies accountable and leverage real change that supports the common good and human dignity.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/sisters-use-corporate-investments-to-push-for-reform/

Would Thomas Aquinas be a Thomist? The "Angelic Doctor" has become an icon for conservative Catholics. But are his biggest fans misrepresenting his legacy?

In some circles, Aquinas has become equated with black-and-white thinking. Yet such branding is not only inaccurate but ironic, since Aquinas’ theological method is antithetical to culture war thinking. Aquinas modeled how to engage with other, even non-Christian, ideas of his day.

Efforts to repeal the death penalty model bipartisan advocacy In Kansas, advocates of death penalty abolition find a common ground based on Catholic teaching and a shared ethic of life.

Since Pope Francis’ 2018 amendment to the Catechism of the Catholic Church stating that the death penalty was “morally inadmissible” and that the church “works for its abolition worldwide,” the American church has become increasingly coherent in its anti-death penalty stance.

Being Catholic means putting universal community first - U.S. Catholic Christians are called to look past flags and bumper stickers, denominations and factions: The catholic church is inclusive by design.

Christians are called to look past the flags and bumper stickers, denominations and political parties: The Catholic church is inclusive by design.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202601/being-catholic-means-putting-universal-community-first/

Are animals people too? Is there room in Catholic theology to expand personhood to nonhuman animals? Take our survey.

In this month's Sounding Board essay, theologian Dan Horan challenges us to expand our concept of personhood beyond humanity.

What do you think? Do you believe non-human animals can be persons?

Take our survey here.

The pro-life movement is steeped in misogyny Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, while those perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism get a pass.

While Catholics who oppose legal prohibitions against abortion are censured, Catholics perpetuating violence, misogyny, and racism are given a pass. By focusing on one type of harm while acquiescing to other grave harms, the church has given the impression that those other harms are permissible.

Listen for a word, and let it guide your year The practice of listening for a guiding word comes from the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, who sought the presence of the divine.

The practice of listening for a guiding word comes from the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, who sought the presence of the divine. This tradition was a way of seeking something to ponder for days, weeks, months, or sometimes a whole lifetime.