Sacraments
The Latest
Reconciliation on the rise? Catholics coming back to confession, poll suggests
In some corners of the country, the statistics were a welcome sign that the Church’s efforts are working. Read more
Vatican doctrine office releases note on discerning the validity of the sacraments
The new document signed by Pope Francis and Cardinal Victor Fernández is titled “Gestis Verbisque,” or “Deeds and Words.” Read more
Boy walks 7 miles on muddy roads to receive confirmation, gets a blessing from the pope
The night before confirmation, the boy’s parents began to worry because the family vehicles were not going to make it... Read more
Should the Church require a year of marriage prep? Catholic formators weigh in
The Vatican last week released a document with recommendations for a year-long “marriage catechumenate” to prepare Catholic couples for the... Read more
Invalid baptisms: A Catholic explainer about the facts and the fears
Baptism involves a simple formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and too... Read more
Phoenix priest who botched baptisms for decades apologizes, seeks to make amends
A Catholic priest in Phoenix has apologized, asked forgiveness, and resigned as parish pastor after a determination that he had... Read more
Analysis: The communion controversy could be far greater than just pro-abortion politicians
As U.S. bishops debate whether to deny Communion to unrepentantly pro-abortion Catholic politicians, there is a larger conversation happening that... Read more
Death in the modern age – and how to prepare as a Catholic
Death. It’s a subject seen as sad, morbid and fearful, something that people would rather not think about, and certainly... Read more
My baptism was valid...right?
Last week, the news broke that Father Matthew Hood of the Archdiocese of Detroit had this summer learned that he... Read more
Vatican: Baptisms administered 'in name of the community' are invalid
The Vatican’s doctrinal office issued Thursday a clarification on the sacrament of baptism, stating changes to the formula to emphasize... Read more
Island in English Channel permits public Masses as UK churches remain closed
The first public Masses in the British Isles since the coronavirus lockdown will be celebrated Monday on the island of... Read more
USCCB liturgy chair: No cell phones for confession, no delegation of sacramental anointing
The chair of the U.S. bishops’ committee on liturgy wrote to U.S. bishops Friday, to clarify issues related to the... Read more
New sacrament formation program released in American Sign Language
A new sacrament formation program for the deaf and hard of hearing is offering adult catechetical information in American Sign... Read more
Dublin archdiocese to shift sacrament prep from schools to parishes, families
Catholic sacramental preparation must change to stress the primary role of families and to reach students who do not go... Read more
Pope Francis' message to those suffering 'at the foot of the cross'
Pope Francis told those who are sick and suffering Friday that the world needs their prayers. Read more
Parents, parishes should have greater role in sacrament prep, Dublin survey says
A survey in the Archdiocese of Dublin suggests that parents and educators are interested in changing the model of sacramental... Read more
Pope Francis: Like holy oil, priests must pour themselves out for others
The holy oil blessed at the Chrism Mass is a reminder of the priest’s call to be close to the... Read more
Bishop confirms 15 inmates at Mexican prison visited by Pope Francis
Bishop José Guadalupe Torres Campos of Ciudad Juárez, in Chihuahua state, Mexico, conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 15 inmates... Read more
What to do if you're too ashamed to go to Confession
While Reconciliation is intended to allow Christ’s victory to overcome sin in our lives, what happens when shame over one’s... Read more
Priest's hospital room mix-up allows dying woman to receive sacraments
Shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve, Fr. Gregorio Hidalgo went to a hospital to give Communion to a patient.... Read more
