While searching for control and connection, those who practice New Age spirituality — from tarot to Reiki, from manifestation to astrology — are led astray, into anxiety, depression and conflict. (Photo: Adobe Stock) By Cecilia Dietzler Across the Western world, New Age spirituality has seen a dramatic rise. From meditation apps to hair salons offering Reiki treatments, it seems to be a constant in our society. Yet, beneath the aesthetic appeal and trendy buzzwords, these pra

(Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Catholic School, Fort Collins) Halloween snuck up on you? Don’t panic — you can still show up with a costume that’s clever, holy and just the right amount of funny. Whether you’re going for divine inspiration or a blessed dad joke, here are five easy ideas you can throw together in minutes.  1. The Holy Ghost  What you need:  White sheet (ghost-style), cross necklace or taped-on paper cross, maybe a Bible as a prop. Congratulations — you’re offic

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Dr. Angela Wall Licensed Clinical & School Psychologist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities As parents and grandparents of children in 2025, we face many unique challenges strikingly different from past generations. The one thing we do have in common is our love for our children and our faith in God. We treasure our families and cherish the time we have together. We value the beauty and innocence of childhood. God's light shines on

The stigmata of St. Francis reminds the faithful that holiness is not about perfection, but about love so complete that it bears the marks of Christ. St Francis Receiving the Stigmata by Unknown Artist (The Master of Cross 434), c. 1240-1250. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Elizabeth Zelasko) We are truly rich in the lives of the saints, yet I would argue that few can rival Francis of Assisi. Called by Christ from a life of comfort and privilege, he became a livin

(Photo: Lightstock) The American holiday calendar is surprisingly rich with Catholic traditions — St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, All Hallows Eve, Christmas and Easter. All of them, however, have taken on a life of their own, shaped by American consumerism, and often bear little resemblance to their Catholic origins. Halloween, in particular, has drawn elements from the celebration of All Souls Day and various pagan traditions, especially the Celtic festival of Samhai

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Dr. Albert Pace Clinical Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many Catholics worry about taking medication for mental health concerns. This concern has only increased in recent years, as distrust of the pharmaceutical industry has grown. While the topic of psychiatric medication is very broad, there are several common concerns that Catholics express when this conversation arises in therapy. Common Concern 1: Fear of Over-Re

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Pedro Pablo St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many of us live day by day, only focused on the next thing: the next bill, the next paycheck, the next event. We often live merely to survive, with no time to think about other aspects of life. Sometimes, our only focus is on the physical needs. It’s a way of life that is understandable, but it overlooks the spiritual, interpersonal, community and psychological needs that we all have.

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Mark Sanders, LPC CAS Marketing and Operations Coordinator St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities When I began my career 25 years ago, one of the biggest obstacles was the stigma around seeking professional help. Many believed it was “weak” to ask for help, so they went without the support that could have made a difference. Catholics, in particular, often hesitated, unsure about working with a therapist who might not share their faith

Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash Nineteen years ago, Deacon David Simonton and his wife Gail experienced what David called a “seismic, life-altering event.” At an ultrasound appointment, their 18-week-old baby in utero had no heartbeat.  “No heartbeat. No movement. Our baby had died,” Deacon Simonton told the Denver Catholic in an email interview. “…in an instant, an expectant mom and dad’s worst fear became a reality.” It was not the first, nor the last time, the Simontons

(Photo: Adobe Stock) In recent weeks, communities across the country have again been shaken by tragic acts of violence. From Minneapolis...

Revisiting Gilmore Girls  this fall, I’m learning that true freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want — it’s about choosing the good....

Holiness and mental health are not mutually exclusive — in fact, God meets us precisely in our struggles. (Photo: Denver Catholic design)...

Julian Fellowes should consider adding St. Katharine Drexel to the show's cast — an example of what it means to find something worth more...

Healthy boundaries and loving accompaniment can help teens replace digital stress with lasting peace. By Aby Garcia St. Raphael...

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Dr. Angela Wall St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities   Acts of violence, especially in...

Pacino di Bonaguida, Tree of Life, 1305-1310. 248x151 cm. Accademia Gallery, Florence, Italy. (Photo: Elizabeth Zelasko) "For the word of...

(Photo: Prime Video AU & NZ, Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0) By Mary O'Gara The Summer I Turned Pretty  seems to have us all hooked this...

Cardinal J. Francis Stafford speaks during the More Than You Realize (MTYR) conference in 2018. (Photo by Jason Weinrich/Denver Catholic)...

In a world filled with fleeting images, one picture of Our Lady became the channel of grace that brought me home to the Church. Our Lady...

Ascension by Francisco Camilo, c. 1651. Background added. (Photos: Public Domain/Unsplash) There are many reasons to regret the transfer...