I had a priest recently mention to me : “In the seminary, they taught us that we cannot choose Marian hymns as an Offertory Hymn for Mass. The focus has to be on Christ”. As a choir director, I needed to get to the bottom of that statement. Is it really true, that Holy Mother Church teaches that we cannot choose a Marian hymn as an Offertory Hymn for Mass?

In this candid exploration of parish catechesis, we uncover the struggles, burnout, and identity crisis that plague catechetical efforts today. Nick Chui offers an honest yet hopeful look at how we can rediscover the true essence of catechesis and empower catechists to resound the Gospel with clarity and joy.

Is sexual desire good or bad? Eros, the powerful energy of attraction, was created to lead us to love, beauty, and ultimately, heaven. Yet, through sin, it became distorted into lust, turning love into use. Redemption through Christ restores eros to its original purpose, guiding us to seek what is true, good, and beautiful, and pointing us toward the divine union we were made for.

Did the Magi arrive on the same night as the shepherds? A closer look at the Gospels reveals a fascinating timeline that reshapes our understanding of the Nativity story. From the shepherds’ visit to the Magi’s journey guided by a star, uncover how tradition and scripture align to depict the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, and what this means for the timeless beauty of Nativity scenes.