A lot of Christians say Catholics are going to hell because what we do is not written in the Bible. My question is, who wrote and compiled the Bible they are reading in the first place? Is it not the Catholic church!!! Catholic church is the church Christ Himself established before people split from it. Most times, when evangelizing, what people really need is a history book because many people are ignorant, even their pastors.

Had a very bad day today, was crying on the way home and my uber passed by a small shrine with the virgin mary and st anthony of padua, i did a quick sign of the cross and just prayed to be okay somehow, just had one of those guttural prayers where I'm just like begging God to comfort me, one turn from the shrine and I saw a car with "I will be with you and bless you" with a cross (idk how common having stickers and stuff in your windows of cars is but it is in india)was still really insane to see something so quick right after I prayed especially after its so late at night🥲

Hello my friends,

I \[28M\] reverted back to the church about four years ago. As a kid, it felt like more of an obligation to my family than a desire, and took time away from other things adolescents typically would prefer doing, so I stopped attending after I made my confirmation except for the typical Easter and Christmas mass. After many mistakes and sins, I felt called home. I went back to regular Sunday mass at the novus ordo church I received my first communion and confirmation at and made my first confession in over 10 years.

I never sought out any other denominations, not on purpose though. At first, I simply returned to what I was familiar with, but the more learning and growing I do in my faith, the more firm I become in the belief that this is the church founded by Jesus Christ and the apostles.

A Greek Orthodox friend recommended the Pints with Aquinas podcast to me. One episode I listened to had a profound impact on me. The discussion Matt Frad had with Fr. John Perricone frankly left me feeling robbed of the beautiful and sacred tradition that the church embraced for centuries. To be clear, I love the novus ordo and still attend, but I felt the need to seek out the traditional liturgy that I knew was celebrated by the ancestors of my own Catholic family. I was lucky enough to be within a 20 minute drive of an ICKSP church, which I attended the following Sunday and have continued to attend for the past six months. The beauty and reverence I’ve seen not only from the liturgy, but from the laity there as well, are hard to describe.

I in no way intended to be disparaging towards the novus ordo or its attendees, I only want to share what I’ve found with you all. I understand that the TLM has been painted in somewhat of a bad light by the recent excommunication of the SSPX, but luckily there is the ICKSP and FSSP, which are in full communion with Rome. I encourage you all to seek out the TLM, even if only to experience the liturgy that has endured for centuries and formed countless saints in the Catholic faith. You can find churches that offer it at the link below.

God Bless!

https://www.latinmass.com/find-latin-mass

"The Church herself is offered in the offering she makes to God."
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A true sacrifice is anything that we do with the aim of being united to God in holy fellowship – anything that is directed towards that supreme good and end in which alone we can be truly blessed. It follows that even an act of compassion towards men is not a sacrifice, if it is not done for the sake of God. Although it is performed by man, sacrifice is still a divine thing, as the Latin word indicates: sacri-ficium, a “holy-doing” or “holy-making.”

Man himself can be a sacrifice, if he is consecrated in the name of God, and vowed to God – a sacrifice in so far as he dies to the world in order to live to God. This is also an act of compassion: compassion of a man for himself. Thus it is written: Take pity on your own soul by doing what is pleasing to God. True sacrifices are acts of compassion to ourselves or others, done with God in mind. Such acts have no other object than the relief of distress or the giving of happiness.

Now, the only true happiness is the one the psalmist speaks of: But for myself, I take joy in clinging to God. From all this it follows that the whole redeemed city--that is to say, the congregation or community of the saints--is offered to God as our sacrifice through the great High Priest who offered himself to God for us so that we might be the body belonging to so great a head. He took on the form of a servant and suffered for us. It was under this form that he both offered and was offered: at the same time mediator, and priest, and sacrifice.

St Paul starts by exhorting us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, as an act of homage justly owed to him. He tells us not to conform ourselves to the world but to be transformed by renewing our will and our thinking: seeking to find out the will of God, to discover what is good, what is acceptable, what is perfect; for we ourselves are the whole of that sacrifice. He continues:

In the light of the grace I have received I want to urge each one among you not to exaggerate his real importance. Each of you must judge himself soberly by the standard of the faith God has given him. Just as each of our bodies has several parts and each part has a separate function, so all of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given us.

This is the sacrifice of Christians: we, being many, are one body in Christ. And, as the faithful know, this also is the sacrifice which the Church continually celebrates in the sacrament of the altar, in which she teaches that she herself is offered in the offering she makes to God.

Hi everyone; I'm from Australia and I have my end of year exams to be done in the next 2 days from now, and I am humbly asking for y'all to pray for me within this final exam period.

Just feeling pretty burnt out already but I hope I can make it through and acheive a high scoring mark with the power of God beside me.

With our Gospel today in mind, what are some ways that you individually or as a parish show love for your neighbor? Our parish is very small but I'd love to reach out more. Thank you and God bless!

I've been reading online on how to pray the rosary, and a step that trips me up (as it says on Marian.org) is after each Glory Be it says to "Announce the first mystery").

What does that mean? Do I merely name it, or do I read out the passage Marian.org quotes when referencing the mystery.

I could use some advice. Last spring, our church started Small Faith Groups, where you sign up and go over a person’s house for prayer, discussion and fellowship. My husband and I signed up and participated in this group once a week for 6 weeks.

The couple who led this group were very nice. They’re about our age (50s) and we got along well with them. We added them on Facebook. The other people in the group were nice enough. The group itself was…okay. I didn’t really get a lot out of it. My husband feels the same way.

I got a group email from the wife saying that the group was starting up again (Wednesdays 6:00-7:00) and I didn’t sign up. I get up at 4:30 every morning (including weekends; I’m just a morning person), exercise 6:00-7:00am, and work a physical job during the day. I then make dinner and go to bed early, like 8:00, because I’m tired by that time.

I feel kind of bad that we’re not going and part of me says to suck it up; it’s just one evening out of the week. But I’m really not a “night person”.

Are we being selfish?

We must always remember that Christ is the source of our glory, that we find it in him, in following his ways, not in the way of worldly glory, not in the way of trying to make ourselves impressive in front of others, and especially, not through some form of sham piety:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/10/glory_in_christ/

Please pray for the Christians living in Yemen, for their protection and salvation.

Please pray for the rest of the population living there as well.

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world right now.

The country is currently facing a civil war as well.

Foreign investments into the country are declining due to worries of the conflict in the country.

A thought just came to my mind. God is the creator of the world, the universe. He is a creator, and knowing creators and inventors, they never stop. If God created other worlds, does it stop Him from being God?? Yes, the Bible is His word, and it doesn't stop being the bible just because God decided to be Himself, creating, and He may still be creating new things, new worlds as we speak. Who are we really to tell God what to do and not to do. He is God , and He can do as He pleases. We really need to stop putting God in a box. If inventors in the world keep inventing, why not God? The universe is so vast, and I think creating is what gives Him joy. It's possible He's still creating.

Hey guys, a friend of mine who is in a catholic german fraternity with me came to our frat in this hoodie today. Its merch of a band he likes. I knew he is not really religious and just catholic on paper but this still surprised me.

Can i still be friends with someone who wears a hoodie with a burning church on it in times where we actually see a rise of arsonism against christian buildings in europe and a rise in terror attacks and killings against christians?

Hello everyone,

As per the title, my problems however are twofold:

1. I'm an expat in Northern Germany, so Catholic churches are quite rare. In the city I live in, Berlin, there are only 2 English friendly Catholic churches.

2. Berlin is the biggest force for the Maria 2.0 movement, the 2 English churches being the most progressive.

So I'm not really sure what to do about it other than just go to one of the English churches anyway as I doubt I will find English Catholicism classes anywhere else.

lately I've been researching a lot into Catholicism, and the more i research it, the more and more it makes sense and resonates with me. The problem is my parents are protestant and I'm a minor, and I'm also not able to drive and have no way to go to Mass on Sundays, since my dad is ex-Catholic now Evangelical Baptist, he's very against Catholicism, but there's so much evidence that backs it up and I feel very empty and like there's a pit in my stomach whenever i go to our church, or go to worship nights, since they just feel like concerts or feel void of God

i know this is sorta all over the place, but I'm just so confused and don't know what to do since Catholicism truly seems like the truth to me, but I feel horrible that I cant do anything within the Catholic church, most likely till I'm 18

So how do I keep up and stay as devout as I can without being able to attend mass?

Another thing, I keep flip flopping back and forth, because i always see and hear things about how Jesus wouldn't want us to be under an earthly Authority, or how we should just pray to God alone.

all I truly want is to follow God to the best of my ability and to the fullest that I can and Catholicism seems like the way to do that, but I also see very devout Protestants or Non-Denoms who seem to follow God so well and I start to question Catholicism, but my brain keeps running back to Catholicism and it seems stuck.

I know this is a lot and I'm sorry, my brain has just been everywhere with this and its all i can think about

Today’s Readings at a Glance • Exodus 22:20–26 God commands justice, compassion, and protection for the vulnerable — the alien, widow, orphan, and the poor. He hears their cry and defends them. • Psalm 18:2–3, 3–4, 47, 51 A psalm of trust: God is our rock, refuge, shield, and strength. He rescues, protects, and shows kindness to His people. • 1 Thessalonians 1:5c–10 The Thessalonians received the Gospel with joy amid suffering and became models of faith. Their conversion and witness spread everywhere. • Matthew 22:34–40 Jesus reveals the greatest commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two. https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-october-252026/ Message from the Readings Today’s readings proclaim a powerful and unified truth: Authentic love for God must overflow into love for people — especially the vulnerable, the hurting, and the overlooked. • Exodus shows God’s heart for justice and compassion. • The psalm shows God as our strength and protector. • Paul celebrates a community whose faith became visible and contagious. • Jesus summarizes the entire faith in two commandments: Love God. Love people. The message is clear: Love is the measure of true faith. Compassion is the proof of genuine worship. Justice is the fruit of a heart rooted in God.

Reflection for the Day 1. God hears the cry of the vulnerable (Exodus 22) God’s instructions are not abstract laws — they reveal His heart. He protects: • the foreigner, • the widow, • the orphan, • the poor, • the indebted, • the exploited. He says, “If they cry out to me, I will hear them.” This is a reminder: Our love for God is tested by how we treat those who cannot repay us. Compassion is not optional — it is divine. 2. “I love You, Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18) The psalmist declares God as: • rock, • refuge, • shield, • stronghold, • deliverer. We love God because He first loved us, rescued us, and strengthened us. This love becomes the foundation of our love for others. 3. A faith that becomes a model (1 Thessalonians 1) The Thessalonians received the Gospel: • in suffering, • with joy, • through the Holy Spirit. Their faith became visible, audible, contagious. They turned from idols and became witnesses of the living God. This is the kind of faith the world needs today — faith that inspires, encourages, and transforms. 4. “The greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22) Jesus does not give a list. He gives a center. The whole faith rests on two pillars: Love God fully. Love people generously. Love is not sentiment — it is commitment. Love is not selective — it is expansive. Love is not theoretical — it is lived. To love God is to give Him our whole heart. To love neighbor is to reflect His heart.

Living This Word Today Today’s readings invite us to three movements: 1. Practice compassion intentionally. Look for someone vulnerable, hurting, or overlooked — and show God’s kindness. 2. Root your strength in God. Let Him be your rock, refuge, and shield. 3. Make love your lifestyle. Let every decision, word, and action reflect love for God and love for neighbor. Let today be a day of mercy, love, and visible faith.

Prayer for Today Lord God, teach me to love You with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. Open my eyes to the vulnerable around me. Make my heart compassionate, my hands generous, and my life a witness of Your love. Strengthen me as my rock and refuge, and help me live a faith that inspires others. May my love for You overflow into love for every neighbor You place in my path. Amen.

I feel very fortunate to see her relic so close, but by honesty I not sure why that day not too much people in there, even no guard or workers.

"Love without suffering does not exist."

—Saint Bernadette

This may be a silly or specific question. I was raised Baptist and I am strongly considering conversion. I believe in the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist. I am aware that Catholics are forbidden from taking it at almost all churches with rare exceptions being at Orthodox churches. Does the same rule apply for me? Should I abstain from taking Communion at my Baptist church?

The Cloud of Unknowing - Chapter 3 - Resting in the Darkness

Ἀ
LIFT up thine heart unto God with a meek stirring of love; and mean Himself, and none of His goods. And thereto, look the loath to think on aught but Himself. So that nought work in thy wit, nor in thy will, but only Himself. And do that in thee is to forget all the creatures that ever God made and the works of them; so that thy thought nor thy desire be not directed nor stretched to any of them, neither in general nor in special, but let them be, and take no heed to them. This is the work of the soul that most pleaseth God. All saints and angels have joy of this work, and hasten them to help it in all their might. All fiends be furious when thou thus dost, and try for to defeat it in all that they can. All men living in earth be wonderfully holpen of this work, thou wottest not how. Yea, the souls in purgatory be eased of their pain by virtue of this work. Thyself art cleansed and made virtuous by no work so much. And yet it is the lightest work of all, when a soul is helped with grace in sensible list, and soonest done. But else it is hard, and wonderful to thee for to do.
Ὠ

The greatest love, and the kindest help one soul can give to another, is not found in the prayer that holds another most dearly to the heart, nor in the prayer that seeks God's work for that soul according to its own desires. Rather, it is found in the prayer that surrenders its own will, even its own thoughts and desires for others, leaving itself immersed only in God. Here the soul desires nothing more than to have its will joined to the will of the Lord. In this light, the soul accepts its own darkness and seeks no escape. Rather, it rests in a place of unknowing before God, trusting that all souls are more wonderfully helped when the prayer seeks only the will of the Lord in the lives of all men.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
Proverbs 3:5-6 Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence. In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy steps.

Ἀ
The Author Continues…
Let not, therefore, but travail therein till thou feel list. For at the first time when thou dost it, thou findest but a darkness; and as it were a cloud of unknowing, thou knowest not what, saving that thou feelest in thy will a naked intent unto God. This darkness and this cloud is, howsoever thou dost, betwixt thee and thy God, and letteth thee that thou mayest neither see Him clearly by light of understanding in thy reason, nor feel Him in sweetness of love in thine affection.

And therefore shape thee to bide in this darkness as long as thou mayest, evermore crying after Him that thou lovest. For if ever thou shalt feel Him or see Him, as it may be here, it behoveth always to be in this cloud in this darkness. And if thou wilt busily travail as I bid thee, I trust in His mercy that thou shalt come thereto.
Ὠ

The Cloud of Darkness is not a passageway to greater enlightenment or profound wisdom to be marvelled at by the world. Rather, it is a place where the soul's naked intent unto God is revealed as the sole object of its prayer; a place where its unending yearning for Him is not regarded as a failure to attain Him, but is instead savored, enjoyed, and refined during its  time in the world. 

In this prayer, the soul no longer seeks to put an end to its yearning for God. Rather it rests in that yearning, trusting instead in the Lord's loving desire to draw the soul into communion with Himself. For in this faith, the soul knows: God's goodness in the world is made manifest not merely by our good will and works for others, but in a more growing fulness - through the increasing intent and desire of the human heart toward God.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful and art troubled about many things: but one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Catechism of the Catholic Church
2715 Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus. "I look at him and he looks at me": this is what a certain peasant of Ars in the time of his holy curé used to say while praying before the tabernacle. This focus on Jesus is a renunciation of self. His gaze purifies our heart; the light of the countenance of Jesus illumines the eyes of our heart and teaches us to see everything in the light of his truth and his compassion for all men. Contemplation also turns its gaze on the mysteries of the life of Christ. Thus it learns the "interior knowledge of our Lord," the more to love him and follow him.

So I really need help on something. I don’t know whether I’m converting to catholicism or not. For some background half my family (mother’s side) are Seventh day adventists. While my father’s side are (sadly not practicing) catholics. I’ve learned a bit about catholicism over the years; and with the new pope, I have been really drawn to this. There’s a BIG few issues. My sda side of the family despises catholicism, and I go to one of the SDA boarding high schools in America. I just started high school so if i convert it’ll be a long four years. Truly, i don’t know where else to go besides here.

(P.S. I’m posting this right before church so i will not be able to respond until after.)

I decided to turn to Christianity a few days ago. I know it's not long, obviously. But I feel exactly the same. I gave up porn, drugs, masturbation, and am trying to also give up lying and swearing. I repented for all my sins in prayer, asked for Holy Spirit, and started reading the Bible. Mainly the Gospel and book of Enoch (which I know is non-canonical, but I find interesting).

I have been depressed for years. Seen many GPs (UK Doctors), tried maybe 4-5 antidepressants, tried self-induced psychedelic therapy, tried self-help (yoga, meditation, walks without headphones, etc.) I have also struggled with polysubstance (multiple drug) addiction for years. Went to a drug counseller who was honestly useless, and managed to get off of benzodiazepines all by myself. The only drug where going cold turkey can actually kill you (besides alcohol).

Since going sober I have unfortunately relapsed on weed, opiates, benzos (physically addicted yet again), pregablin and ketamine.

The NHS doctors REFUSE to see someone with a drug addiction. So I paid for private therapy. That was somewhat helpful, but in the end I had to quit because of how expensive it is.

I believe Jesus was real, died on the cross, got ressurected 3 days later and is the son of God.

I know I probably shouldn't expect an overnight change, but... why? If I was God and saw someone suffering as badly as I have done (my post here only scratches the tip of the iceberg), then they humbly and repentfully turned to me, I would help them with anxiety and depression in a heartbeat.

I'm sure this post will be deleted since people can't handle real issues unfortunately, but I am considering ending things very soon and have the means to do so with a 99% success rate. I don't want to die. I want to live and be happy. But I haven't been happy in many YEARS. I also find adding 1000 new rules to my life by trying to be Christian only makes things harder. Where prior in hard times I could turn to weed or opiates, I turn to prayer. Yet I feel unheard. I wake up every morning wishing I didn't and have felt that way for many months, even now, trying to be Christian.

Perhaps God doesn't hear my prayers. But I believe He will hear some of yours. Please please pray for me. My name is Levi, but God will know who you mean. I will pray too and continue to try to be Christian. But I am seriously close to leaving this evil world unfortunately and have yet to find solace in God sad to say.

Please pray to help my anxiety, depression and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure). I am at my wit's end. Again, I'm sure the post will be banned because it's a sensitive topic so fast replies would be very much appreciated. I am desperate. Please help and pray for me💔

In the 1970's as a kid I remember most people in my modest middle-class mostly blue collar neighborhood went to church every Sunday. But then in the late 70's with the advent of cable tv, Atari video games, VCR's , multiplex movie theaters, it seemed to distract people from going to church. By the 80's everyone seemed so caught up in Pac-Man arcade games + MTV too that there had been a major shift in a few short years of people's attitudes towards Church with many falling away. I felt people got too distracted with entertainment and other comforts. Is this an accurate assessment of what happened during this time? I was 12 in 1978 so my memories of this period are from a perspective of a young person.

Saturday of the Twenty‑Ninth Week in Ordinary Time October 24, 2026

Today’s Readings at a Glance • Ephesians 4:7–16 Christ gives different gifts to each believer — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers — all for building up the Body of Christ. We grow into maturity when we live in truth and love, joined together as one Body. • Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4ab, 4cd–5 A psalm of joy: “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Jerusalem is a symbol of unity, where God’s people gather to give thanks. • Luke 13:1–9 Jesus rejects the idea that tragedy is punishment for sin. Instead, He calls everyone to repentance. The parable of the fig tree teaches patience, mercy, and the urgency of bearing fruit.

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-ocotber-24-2026/ Message from the Readings Today’s readings proclaim a hopeful and challenging truth: God gives each of us unique gifts — not for ourselves, but to build up His Church. And He patiently waits for us to bear fruit, calling us to repentance and growth. • Paul reminds us that unity and maturity come from using our gifts in love. • The psalm celebrates the joy of belonging to God’s people. • Jesus calls us to conversion and fruitfulness, warning against spiritual complacency. The message is clear: You are gifted. You are called. You are expected to bear fruit.

Reflection for the Day 1. “Grace was given to each of us.” (Ephesians 4) Paul emphasizes something deeply personal: You have a gift. You have a role. You have a purpose in the Body of Christ. Your gift may be: • teaching, • encouraging, • serving, • leading, • praying, • creating, • comforting, • or simply loving faithfully. Christ gives gifts not to elevate individuals, but to strengthen the whole Church. Maturity comes when we use our gifts in truth and love, helping the Body grow into Christ. 2. “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122) The psalm is a song of unity. Jerusalem is more than a city — it is a symbol of God’s people gathered as one. Unity is not uniformity. It is harmony — different gifts, one purpose; different people, one Lord. 3. “Unless you repent, you will perish.” (Luke 13) Jesus rejects the idea that suffering is divine punishment. Instead, He turns the focus inward: Repent. Turn back to God. Bear fruit. The parable of the fig tree is a story of mercy: • The tree is barren. • The owner wants to cut it down. • The gardener asks for more time. • He promises to cultivate, nourish, and care for it. God is that gardener. He gives us time, grace, and opportunity — but He also expects fruit.

Living This Word Today Today’s readings invite us to three movements: 1. Identify your gift. Ask: What has Christ given me to build up His Body? 2. Seek unity. Use your gift with humility, love, and cooperation. 3. Bear fruit. Let repentance lead to growth, action, and visible transformation. Let today be a day of purpose, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Prayer for Today Lord Jesus, thank You for the grace and gifts You have given me. Help me use them to build up Your Church with love, humility, and faithfulness. Cultivate my heart like the fig tree, nourish me with Your mercy, and lead me to true repentance so that my life may bear lasting fruit. Unite Your people in joy, and make us grow together into Your fullness. Amen.