U.S. Catholic magazine
@uscatholic.bsky.social
Covering faith and justice since 1935.
Christmas is right around the corner, but the world still waits for us to give birth to Christ through our words and deeds.
Daniel P. Horan reflects on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/a-reflection-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent-5/
Daniel P. Horan reflects on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/a-reflection-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent-5/
A reflection for the third Sunday of Advent
Daniel P. Horan offers a reflection for the third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2025, year A in the Roman missal.
uscatholic.org
December 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Christmas is right around the corner, but the world still waits for us to give birth to Christ through our words and deeds.
Daniel P. Horan reflects on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/a-reflection-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent-5/
Daniel P. Horan reflects on the readings for the third Sunday of Advent.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/a-reflection-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent-5/
Like Chesterton, Johnson fills his cases with unrealistic conceits and far-fetched contrivances. But, also like Chesterton, Johnson laces these stories with things he does believe.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-wake-up-dead-man-benoit-blanc-goes-to-church/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-wake-up-dead-man-benoit-blanc-goes-to-church/
In ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ Benoit Blanc goes to church
The third installment in Rian Johnson's murder mystery series offers two contrasting visions of the church—and a reflection on mercy.
uscatholic.org
December 12, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Like Chesterton, Johnson fills his cases with unrealistic conceits and far-fetched contrivances. But, also like Chesterton, Johnson laces these stories with things he does believe.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-wake-up-dead-man-benoit-blanc-goes-to-church/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-wake-up-dead-man-benoit-blanc-goes-to-church/
We wait for a God who is here, right now, but at the same time, we must pass through the door to encounter what we cannot yet see, though it too is already happening: the realm of heaven.
Advent calendars open tiny doors to the holy
Opening the little doors and windows of an Advent calendar into a realm of the unknown reminds us of Advent's magic and mystery.
uscatholic.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We wait for a God who is here, right now, but at the same time, we must pass through the door to encounter what we cannot yet see, though it too is already happening: the realm of heaven.
Pope Francis once said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” In other words, prayer and action cannot be separated. The two nativity stories—both in the gospels and in the Quran—show the two sides of our faith. Belief and action, prayer and labor.
In the Quran, Mary’s active labor brings about God’s will
A story about Mary in the Quran reminds all people of faith that it's not enough to say yes to God; we must act on that "yes."
uscatholic.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Pope Francis once said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” In other words, prayer and action cannot be separated. The two nativity stories—both in the gospels and in the Quran—show the two sides of our faith. Belief and action, prayer and labor.
In the 21st century, when we think of refugees fleeing violence or poverty in search of a better life, we imagine people fleeing the Global South for the Global North. However, the world has changed greatly over time, and this wasn’t always the case.
When refugees fled south: a reminder of our duty to migrants
In many previous waves of migration, refugees seeking safety or a better life fled the Global North for the Global South.
uscatholic.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In the 21st century, when we think of refugees fleeing violence or poverty in search of a better life, we imagine people fleeing the Global South for the Global North. However, the world has changed greatly over time, and this wasn’t always the case.
Catholics count to mark times of waiting and of lament. Catholics count to remember the dead. Catholics count to remember our Mother, Mary. Catholics count to be connected with the faithful across time and space, across culture and language, from the earliest days of our tradition to the present.
In the hopes and fears of pregnancy, an insight into Advent - U.S. Catholic
In the act of counting time, whether in pregnancy or some other waiting, whether in longing or in fear—you are not alone.
uscatholic.org
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Catholics count to mark times of waiting and of lament. Catholics count to remember the dead. Catholics count to remember our Mother, Mary. Catholics count to be connected with the faithful across time and space, across culture and language, from the earliest days of our tradition to the present.
What do we need from a Bible translation? What's missing from current liturgical translations? What would help us encounter the gospel more deeply?
Does the liturgy need a new translation? Take the survey here!
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/does-the-liturgy-need-a-new-translation/
Does the liturgy need a new translation? Take the survey here!
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/does-the-liturgy-need-a-new-translation/
Does the liturgy need a new translation?
What impact do liturgical and scriptural translations have on your spiritual life? Take our survey.
uscatholic.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
What do we need from a Bible translation? What's missing from current liturgical translations? What would help us encounter the gospel more deeply?
Does the liturgy need a new translation? Take the survey here!
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/does-the-liturgy-need-a-new-translation/
Does the liturgy need a new translation? Take the survey here!
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/does-the-liturgy-need-a-new-translation/
Opportunities for Catholic women to preach are limited, but these women preachers use their gifts to educate priests and deacons.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/the-catholic-women-teaching-priests-how-to-preach/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/the-catholic-women-teaching-priests-how-to-preach/
The Catholic women teaching priests how to preach
Opportunities for Catholic women to preach are limited, but these women preachers use their gifts to educate priests and deacons.
uscatholic.org
December 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Opportunities for Catholic women to preach are limited, but these women preachers use their gifts to educate priests and deacons.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/the-catholic-women-teaching-priests-how-to-preach/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/the-catholic-women-teaching-priests-how-to-preach/
At the end of the year, some of us prefer our Christmas cheer muddled with memories of the dead. We come by it honestly. And, for those of us who are Christians, this gloom heightens the joy that enters the world on December 25.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/christmas-is-spooky-season-too/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/christmas-is-spooky-season-too/
Christmas is spooky season, too
Many beloved holiday stories and traditions from around the world remind us that Christmas and horror go well together.
uscatholic.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
At the end of the year, some of us prefer our Christmas cheer muddled with memories of the dead. We come by it honestly. And, for those of us who are Christians, this gloom heightens the joy that enters the world on December 25.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/christmas-is-spooky-season-too/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/christmas-is-spooky-season-too/
Acts of aggression like this, against civilians, with no evidence of criminal action and no declaration of war, are antitheses of what it means to be pro-life. They do not even meet the basic requirements of Just War Theory.
U.S. strikes on Caribbean boats violate pro-life principles
In the face of the government's immoral drone strikes on boats, Catholics must defend the intrinsic dignity of all life.
uscatholic.org
December 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Acts of aggression like this, against civilians, with no evidence of criminal action and no declaration of war, are antitheses of what it means to be pro-life. They do not even meet the basic requirements of Just War Theory.
Claretian Father Richard Todd collected numerous nativity scenes, now housed in the Claretian archives in Chicago.
As we set up our own nativity scenes this year, we are invited to see, in the objects we arrange, the God who is with us, and for us.
As we set up our own nativity scenes this year, we are invited to see, in the objects we arrange, the God who is with us, and for us.
A nativity collection shows different imaginings of Christmas
This collection of nativity scenes from around the world shows how different cultures see the miraculous act of God.
uscatholic.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Claretian Father Richard Todd collected numerous nativity scenes, now housed in the Claretian archives in Chicago.
As we set up our own nativity scenes this year, we are invited to see, in the objects we arrange, the God who is with us, and for us.
As we set up our own nativity scenes this year, we are invited to see, in the objects we arrange, the God who is with us, and for us.
The good news is not just the imminence of justice and peace, but that it is through our lives and ministry that the justice and peace of God will flourish.
William Orbih reflects on the readings for the second Sunday of Advent.
William Orbih reflects on the readings for the second Sunday of Advent.
A reflection for the second Sunday of Advent
Wiliam Orbih offers a reflection for the second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025, year A in the Roman missal.
uscatholic.org
December 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The good news is not just the imminence of justice and peace, but that it is through our lives and ministry that the justice and peace of God will flourish.
William Orbih reflects on the readings for the second Sunday of Advent.
William Orbih reflects on the readings for the second Sunday of Advent.
On this episode of the podcast, theologian Julie Hanlon Rubio discusses Mary as a figure of women’s liberation.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/was-mary-a-feminist-julie-hanlon-rubio/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/was-mary-a-feminist-julie-hanlon-rubio/
Was Mary a feminist? | Julie Hanlon Rubio - U.S. Catholic
On this episode of the podcast, theologian Julie Hanlon Rubio discusses Mary as a figure of women’s liberation.
uscatholic.org
December 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
On this episode of the podcast, theologian Julie Hanlon Rubio discusses Mary as a figure of women’s liberation.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/was-mary-a-feminist-julie-hanlon-rubio/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/was-mary-a-feminist-julie-hanlon-rubio/
Just as the cross looms over the crib, so does the light of resurrection shine upon it. The resurrection is God’s assurance that tragedy and death are not the final realities of the human condition. These are not God’s will.
This Christmas, remember that the cross looms over the crib
An omitted verse of a Christmas carol reminds us that Jesus' death on the cross is prefigured in the Christmas story.
uscatholic.org
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Just as the cross looms over the crib, so does the light of resurrection shine upon it. The resurrection is God’s assurance that tragedy and death are not the final realities of the human condition. These are not God’s will.
The New Testament is filled with mothers—real and metaphorical—who reshape our understanding of parenthood and of God. The theme of motherhood was one of the ways the writers expressed Jesus’ mission.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-scripture-motherhood-conveys-the-heart-of-jesus-message/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-scripture-motherhood-conveys-the-heart-of-jesus-message/
In scripture, motherhood conveys the heart of Jesus’ message - U.S. Catholic
The New Testament is filled with mothers—real and metaphorical—who reshape our understanding of parenthood and of God, says Jennifer Houston McNeel.
uscatholic.org
December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The New Testament is filled with mothers—real and metaphorical—who reshape our understanding of parenthood and of God. The theme of motherhood was one of the ways the writers expressed Jesus’ mission.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-scripture-motherhood-conveys-the-heart-of-jesus-message/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-scripture-motherhood-conveys-the-heart-of-jesus-message/
39% of readers who responded to U.S. Catholic's recent survey on migration think governments’ top priority, when it comes to immigration policy, should be promoting human rights regardless of borders.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/to-fix-our-immigration-system-promote-the-right-to-stay/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/to-fix-our-immigration-system-promote-the-right-to-stay/
Migration should be a choice, not a necessity
Yes, people have the right to migrate. But they also have the right to stay in their homes. Catholics should support both.
uscatholic.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
39% of readers who responded to U.S. Catholic's recent survey on migration think governments’ top priority, when it comes to immigration policy, should be promoting human rights regardless of borders.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/to-fix-our-immigration-system-promote-the-right-to-stay/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/to-fix-our-immigration-system-promote-the-right-to-stay/
The Mass is supposed to be a ritual of unity. Yet disputes over liturgy in one diocese mirror a widespread fragmentation.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-charlotte-disputes-over-liturgy-fracture-a-community/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-charlotte-disputes-over-liturgy-fracture-a-community/
In Charlotte, disputes over liturgy fracture a community
The Mass is supposed to be a ritual of unity. Yet disputes over liturgy in one diocese mirror a widespread fragmentation.
uscatholic.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The Mass is supposed to be a ritual of unity. Yet disputes over liturgy in one diocese mirror a widespread fragmentation.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-charlotte-disputes-over-liturgy-fracture-a-community/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202512/in-charlotte-disputes-over-liturgy-fracture-a-community/
In the season of Advent, we look to our savior, born into this broken world to bring healing—not just of personal wounds, but of systemic injustice.
Here are nine articles that we hope will inspire you to reflect on the centrality of justice for Advent practice.
Here are nine articles that we hope will inspire you to reflect on the centrality of justice for Advent practice.
9 Advent readings for the social justice advocate
U.S. Catholic has selected 9 articles that we hope will inspire you to reflect on the centrality of justice in the Advent season.
uscatholic.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In the season of Advent, we look to our savior, born into this broken world to bring healing—not just of personal wounds, but of systemic injustice.
Here are nine articles that we hope will inspire you to reflect on the centrality of justice for Advent practice.
Here are nine articles that we hope will inspire you to reflect on the centrality of justice for Advent practice.
Springsteen often explains why his corrupt, violent characters do what they do, without justifying their actions, but with crisp, sympathetic understanding that mirrors the divine compassionate justice I hope we’ll all receive someday.
Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’ can help us imagine divine compassion - U.S. Catholic
The album that inspired the biopic 'Deliver Me from Nowhere' tells bleak stories of broken people—the people Jesus came to save.
uscatholic.org
December 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Springsteen often explains why his corrupt, violent characters do what they do, without justifying their actions, but with crisp, sympathetic understanding that mirrors the divine compassionate justice I hope we’ll all receive someday.
"Gregory Pierce’s new version of Rerum Novarum, in updated and accessible language, can inspire Catholics to defend justice and human dignity against the forces of technocratic oligarchy," writes @rbratten.bsky.social
U.S. Catholic's Book Club pick for November.
U.S. Catholic's Book Club pick for November.
December 1, 2025 at 3:12 PM
"Gregory Pierce’s new version of Rerum Novarum, in updated and accessible language, can inspire Catholics to defend justice and human dignity against the forces of technocratic oligarchy," writes @rbratten.bsky.social
U.S. Catholic's Book Club pick for November.
U.S. Catholic's Book Club pick for November.
If done with intention, digital art displays can highlight aspects of a church’s edifice that patrons never noticed before, allowing them to both experience it anew and, in some cases, embark on a unique spiritual journey.
Digital art installations bring new beauty to ancient churches
Church light shows utilize new tech and media to enhance appreciation of those spaces' artistic grandeur and spiritual significance.
uscatholic.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
If done with intention, digital art displays can highlight aspects of a church’s edifice that patrons never noticed before, allowing them to both experience it anew and, in some cases, embark on a unique spiritual journey.
The dark, somber spirit of Advent in the Middle Ages speaks to those looking toward the birth of Christ in a season of hardship.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/not-feeling-jolly-this-advent-medieval-christians-didnt-either/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/not-feeling-jolly-this-advent-medieval-christians-didnt-either/
Not feeling jolly this Advent? Medieval Christians didn’t either.
The dark, somber spirit of Advent in the Middle Ages speaks to those looking toward the birth of Christ in a season of hardship.
uscatholic.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The dark, somber spirit of Advent in the Middle Ages speaks to those looking toward the birth of Christ in a season of hardship.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/not-feeling-jolly-this-advent-medieval-christians-didnt-either/
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/not-feeling-jolly-this-advent-medieval-christians-didnt-either/
Many annulment cases are connected to domestic violence or other forms of abuse. And the process can be difficult and time consuming. Is it time for the church to reconsider how it looks at annulments—especially for those who have experienced abuse?
A harsh annulment process places heavy burdens on Catholics - U.S. Catholic
Is it time for the church to reconsider how it looks at annulments—especially for those who have experienced abuse?
uscatholic.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Many annulment cases are connected to domestic violence or other forms of abuse. And the process can be difficult and time consuming. Is it time for the church to reconsider how it looks at annulments—especially for those who have experienced abuse?
The transcendence of "Horses," released 50 years ago this month, set the stage for a religious exploration that can be seen throughout Smith’s career and life. Consisting of many unexpected twists and turns, Smith’s spiritual journey ended up in a surprising place.
Patti Smith: An unlikely religious poet
Musician, poet, and visual artist Patti Smith's rebellious challenge to God ended up opening a pathway to faith and spirituality.
uscatholic.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The transcendence of "Horses," released 50 years ago this month, set the stage for a religious exploration that can be seen throughout Smith’s career and life. Consisting of many unexpected twists and turns, Smith’s spiritual journey ended up in a surprising place.
May we follow Jesus and become a sign of peace in a world beset by hostilities, misunderstandings, and resentments.
Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-5/
Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-5/
A reflection for the Feast of Christ the King
Brandon Ambrosino offers a reflection for the Feast of Christ the King, November 23, 2025, year C in the Roman missal.
uscatholic.org
November 22, 2025 at 7:09 PM
May we follow Jesus and become a sign of peace in a world beset by hostilities, misunderstandings, and resentments.
Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-5/
Brandon Ambrosino reflects on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202511/a-reflection-for-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-5/