CatholicCommons.com publishes several new articles and editorials each and every week. Unlike some Catholic "supersites", we don't crank out multiple 3,000 - 5,000 word articles every day. We understand that even though you want to stay connected with your faith, the time you have available is limited. With that in mind, we won't overload you with info. Instead, we'll offer you 3 or 4 short articles each week (average length is 700 words). Each article includes 3 questions for you to reflect upon if you have a few extra minutes.

And that's it! We are simply offering a reasonable way for you to focus on your Catholic faith during the week and apart from Liturgy.

Here's what's new...

Scripture Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Cycle C)

by Angie Ledbetter

The Christian Life

Today's readings don't seem to fit together at all. Life sometimes feels like that too. But if we pause to ponder and see the connectedness of things and events, we'll just as often see a beautiful tapestry of interwoven threads.

The Nicene Creed: Part 7

What Do We Believe?

by Brandon Jubar

"What do you believe?" That was basically how it all started.

As we stood on that vacant stage, the work lights casting eerie shadows all around us, this Christian Rock guitar player had started to "witness" to me. He went on for many minutes about his conversion and acceptance of Christ as his "personal Lord and Savior". Eventually, he worked his oration back around to me.

"If you've been a Catholic all your life, you must be able to share with me your understanding of our Savior."

It was a challenge, not a request. So I answered it the only way I knew how -- by reciting our profession of faith. It wasn't going that bad, either, until I reached a certain part...

"We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church."

He almost leaped out of his shoes in his haste to stop me from continuing. "That is such an arrogant statement! The Catholic Church has it roots in paganism. And it's based upon the traditions of men, practically ignoring God's Word! How can you claim that you are more holy than other true Christians?"

He Has Spoken Through the Prophets

by Rich Maffeo

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Walter, a nursing assistant on my staff, was in the middle of his complaint when I entered the room. "Life has no purpose," he said.

I slipped into my seat at the table where the rest of the day crew waited for the night nurse to join us for change-of-shift report.

"It's meaningless," he continued. "We live, and then we die."

I'm not usually at a loss for words, but this time was different. I knew Walter claimed to be an atheist, but I puzzled why a 20-year-old man held such somber sentiments about life. By the time I recovered enough to introduce my opinion into the gloom hovering about us, the night nurse breezed through the door, sat down and began the summary of her patients. I held my tongue -- and kicked myself for letting the opportunity with Walter slip by.

Play Time! (Round 2)

by Brandon Jubar

In this crazy, hectic world of ours, we often forget to stop and play. For those of us with children, however, playing can be extremely constructive -- and an important part of a child's growth and development. In "Round 1" of this article, we discussed the ways in which play are a completely natural and beneficial part of a child's development. We then looked at specific factors relating to children aged 6 to 18 months. Here in "Round 2", we'll look at symbolic play and the developmental differences in 4 and 5 year olds.

Coping with the Winter Blues

by Aaron Jubar

An icy wind blowing into an uncovered ear and the sun setting at 5 o'clock make me think of one thing- winter depression. Late fall and early winter mark the onset of seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, in many people. Fortunately, there are a number of ways we can prevent, or at least alleviate, the effects of SAD.

Liturgical Dance Aerobics Scores High With Seniors

by Bobby Jo Clifford
St. Petersburg Senior Gazette

First there was the old Shaker tune, "I Danced in the Morning." Then there was Michael Flattley and "The Lord of the Dance." Oh, and we mustn't forget that country hit from a few years ago, "I Hope you Dance." It seems everyone wants to shake their groove thing these days. Well, now one area Catholic Church is incorporating dance into Sunday liturgy.

3 Ways to Overcome Evil

by Angie Ledbetter

We hear about the battle of good vs. evil and see horror movies with a wide variety of demonic images. The real question is not whether evil exists, but what form it (Satan) takes.

3 Ways to Be Free

by Brandon Jubar

"It's not my fault."

It could be the motto of millions of people these days -- young and old alike. Everywhere we look there are examples of people not taking responsibility for their actions -- or inaction.

There are more resources planned for the future...

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Peace,
~Brandon