The Catholic Examiner

Lent has officially begun.  Lent  is the 40 day period before Easter Sunday where Christians reflect and make some changes to be closer to Jesus. Catholics and some Christian religions give up something or add something to go further in their spiritual journey. If you haven't given up something yet and not quite sure what you want to do, here are some alternative ideas. Pick a charity that really appeals to you. Focus on helping them as much as possible by spreading the word about them, raising money, giving money or any other way you can help. Start at home. Be more positive and loving with your spouse and children even when you aren't feeling up to it. Go to church. Even if you've been away from a church for weeks or years, it's never too late to return. Put down the technology and be with those right in front of you. Go out with relatives, reconnect with friends, go make new friends. Purge your closets for clothes for the homeless. Better yet, go buy new children...

Prayer to your guardian angel: Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.

Yesterday 10 people were  killed because they were Christian and others were wounded. This all happened in Oregon at Umpqua Community College. According to news resources, the killer shot people who were Christian and shot others in the legs who didn't know. It seems that he was looking for fame since a recent blog entry talks about the fame others receive when murdered. He also died. Whatever the case or reason why he murdered people, the fact remains ten people are gone and their families will never be the same. As a Catholic, you want to forgive and pray for all involved. But it's very hard to do.  Imagine how hard it is for God to forgive for the most heinous crimes and actions to those he loves million times a day. The guy who did this wanted to be in the limelight but why over such a cowardly act? He killed people who were completely defenseless and not knowing anything would happen. If you want to be in the limelight, make it for something awesome and brave. For example...

Easter is when Christians celebrate Jesus Christ rising from the dead. Easter will be on March 27, 2016.

Pope Francis  is happy to make something clear: people who  divorce  and remarry in a civil marriage are not excommunicated. This simply means that they can still receive Communion during Mass. The couple should be encouraged to attend Mass and bring their family. Pope Francis addressed this question on Wednesday, August 5 in his talks. Children are the most important concern to Pope Francis. He realizes that divorce happens and being raised in a home that has constant arguing isn't a good thing to children. Pope Francis acknowledged that divorce isn't a thing to do for trivial reasons and ultimately needs to be the last option. However, if a divorce happens, and remarriage occurs civilly, they need to be welcomed in  church . Pope Francis explained that the Catholic Church should be seen as a mother. Mothers see the best in someone no matter the circumstances. A mother loves unconditionally and will not turn their child away because of mistakes. Mothers are quick to...

Recently a survey revealed that  church  attendance is low. This is for all Christian churches and not just the Catholic Church. Many people reason that a person can pray and worship God anywhere. Even though it's true that you can worship anywhere, going to an actual Church service or  Mass  has real benefits. 1. Fellowship - Gathering in one place with people who share common beliefs strengthens you. Jesus even asked for us to gather to praise and learn from God. There is a special feeling that you can't obtain anywhere else than Church and gathering to praise the Lord. 2. Church is for the imperfect - Many people believe that they shouldn't go to Church because they sin against God. Absolutely no one is perfect. Church is for people who sin. It is for those who want to learn and just be with God. We all have struggles and problems. Bring them to Church and let God help you. 3. Social status - Who cares if your friends think Church is uncool or stupid to attend? Th...