"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..." (Mt. 6:3) Here's a story that illustrates the meaning of this passage. Kathleen Magowan's treasure was discovered after she passed away in Connecticut, but her real treasure was where her heart is.  Read more...

Pope Francis released a document that outlines the priorities of his papacy. He clarifies many of his reform-oriented statements and commits the Catholic Church to a new direction built more upon mercy and less upon defending our identity. Read more...

The world has changed drastically over the last century, but the way parishes do ministry hasn't kept pace. This is one reason why we see numbers dropping in so many churches. What can be done to stop the bleed? Read more...

The US Bishops seem to be listening to Pope Francis. They recently held their election of officers, and the new president and vice president are known to avoid the doctrinal heavy-handed approach so often embraced by recent USCCB leaders. Read more...

What is the proper role of women in the Church? How can we foster mutual collaboration between men and women in every sphere of church life? These are important questions for men and women alike. Pope Francis is engaging the Church in a new discussion on this topic. Read more...

Pope Francis requested that bishops around the world release a survey to facilitate immediate and wide consultation about what Catholics think regarding a number of issues related to marriage and family life. In some countries the task is accomplished, but not in the U.S. Read more...

Have you ever wondered by religion and politics can be a bad mix? The German system is a lesson on how not to mix the two related but very distinct spheres of life. It appears that the so-called "Bishop of Bling" is a symptom of much bigger problems in German Catholicism. Read more...

Pope Francis wants your input on birth control, gay unions, annulments, cohabitation, and other marriage issues. He has asked bishops from every country to immediately release a survey. Read more...