Why go to confession? Jesus gave us the sacrament of Confession when He breathed on the Apostles saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:22-23). This authority to forgive sins has been passed on from the apostles to the priests of our own time through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Confession is the only ordinary means of forgiveness for mortal sins committed after baptism. Though other extraordinary means are possible, they are never guaranteed and should not be presumed upon. As all sacraments do, it also bestows an increase of grace.

Essential to a good confession is contrition: “turning away” from past sin with a resolve to sin no more (see Ezek 33:11; Jn 8:11). Since contrition implies a knowledge of one’s own sins, we should examine our conscience before confession. During confession, we should state our sins humbly and frankly, avoiding any details that go beyond the nature of the sin or the circumstances affecting its gravity.

Most Catholics have gone to adoration to visit our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle. For some of us this visit is a recurring pilgrimage, part of our weekly or even daily routine. Some of us may have gone once or twice but remain uncertain about the difference between common prayer and adoration. We might wonder about the purpose and meaning of frequent adoration, and whether we should do it more often.

What exactly is happening when we receive the Eucharist during Mass or pray in front of the Eucharist in the Blessed Sacrament? Is it worth our time? Is something real taking place?

The Stations of the Cross is one of the most simple, yet powerful, ways to prayerfully walk alongside Jesus and encounter him like never before.

There are fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each is an invitation to contemplate and experience a pivotal moment from Jesus’ sentencing to his death to his burial. They are a powerful way to step into some of the most significant moments in human history and encounter Jesus like never before. One of the most impactful times to pray the Stations of the Cross is during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.

For over 1000 years, Catholics have been devoted to praying the Stations of the Cross. And for over 1000 years, this deep spiritual exercise has been transforming lives. Dive into this ancient and powerful meditation on the sacrifice of Jesus and it will change your life too.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before He was crucified. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey to praise of the townspeople who threw clothes, or possibly palms or small branches, in front of Him as a sign of homage.

At Palm Sunday Mass, you’ll also receive blessed palm branches. Many people keep these palm branches all year, using them as a religious decoration in their home or weaving them into a cross shape. Since palm branches are a blessed item, they should not be thrown in the trash. If you do not want to keep your branch, you can return it to the church where it will be burned for ashes the following Ash Wednesday!