In their pastoral letter “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, ” the U.S. bishops define the Christian steward as “one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.” 

Since the 2002 publication of the bishops’ letter, there has been an increase in the number of organizations designed to help Catholics answer the call to stewardship. One of these groups is Faith Direct (FaithDirect.net), whose electronic-giving program allows parishioners to support their church through automatic contributions. Faith Direct works the same way as other...READ MORE

WASHINGTON — Kaitlin Martinez climbed to the top of Capitol Hill Oct. 13 to figure out whether she should paint her nursery pink or blue.

“Many events have occurred here in the Capitol Building,” said the Rev. Pat Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. “But today Kaitlin’s going to find out whether she’s going to have a boy or a girl.”

Martinez was one of many pregnant mothers who volunteered for Voices From the Womb, a pro-life event held in the Congressional Auditorium. Live ultrasounds of their unborn children were displayed for a large audience, which included current members of Congress.

Voices From the Womb was sponsored by Idaho-based Stanton Healthcare and co-sponsored...READ MORE

We found many beautiful items for giving this Christmas 2011.

These gifts will extend the faith-filled meaning of Christ’s birth to all ages on your list.

Click HERE to see the complete guide.

Dan Burke, the executive Director of the Register, will be on EWTN’s Journey Home on Monday, Nov. 7 at 8pm EST. Dan will talk with host Marcus Grodi, about his spiritual journey, which began in Judaism, matured into a living relationship with Christ in evangelical Christianity, and after 15 years of exploration found his home in the Catholic Church.

Dan has been published on the topics of teamwork, communication, corporate strategy, and technology and has a book coming out next year on the topic of spiritual direction and the interior life. His passion is serving others to deepen their relationship with Christ and his glorious Church.

If you would like to have Dan come and speak to your...READ MORE

Curious art aficionados flock to the Venice Biennale, a prestigious 100-year-old art festival that is held every two years in Venice, Italy. It runs through Nov. 27.

The Venice Biennale is known as the art world’s version of the international Olympics: More than 100 countries showcase top talent in national pavilions located in charming pre-war Italian villas. 

This year’s artwork presents an instructive contrast between political agitprop, as exemplified in the American pavilion, and a new respect for spiritual themes in contemporary art, as seen in the German pavilion, where an exhibit honoring the art of Christoph Schlingensief won the “Golden Lion” for best national pavilion, the...READ MORE

Liturgical Overview

By John Grondelski

With only days remaining before the most extensive changes to the prayers of the English Mass in two generations, The Mass is a very timely and important book. The book offers a liturgical, historical and spiritual overview of the Mass. It is designed to deepen one’s love for and active participation in this central act of Catholic faith while enriching one’s personal spiritual experience of the Mass.

One of the key lessons the Church should have learned from the 1969 introduction of the Novus Ordo Missae was the importance of explaining the rationale behind changes in the prayers and practices with which Catholics were long familiar. This book is clearly...READ MORE

The Revival of Catholic Musical Creativity - Jeffrey A. Tucker, The Chant Café

Avoiding Fatal Attractions - Dr. Edward Sri, Integrated Catholic Life™

Capitals Sculpted By Andrew W. Smith at Clear Creek Abbey - David Clayton, New Liturgical Movement

Anything But Anonymous: Shakespeare the Catholic - Joseph Pearce, Crisis Magazine

“To Be Black and Catholic” - Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia

Don’t Put Off Sanctity, for You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour - Chelsea Zimmerman, VirtuousPla.net

Irish TV Defames Innocent Priest, Issues Apology - Dave Pierre, TheMediaReport.com

The Super-Magisterium of the SSPX - Anthony S. Layne, Outside the Asylum

The Problem with Half-truths and IVF...READ MORE

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has given a measured response to Ireland’s decision to close its embassy to the Holy See, saying it is free to do so based on what a state believes is practically possible.

The Irish government will maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See but says it has decided to close the mission – one of the country’s oldest – as part of a cost-cutting programme prompted by the country’s budget cuts imposed by the European Union and International Monetary Fund. It has also decided to shutter its embassies in Iran and East Timor.

In a statement issued Nov. 4, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said: “Naturally, every state that has diplomatic relations with...READ MORE