Faith & Culture

A Catholic reflection on communion, identity and resisting the lies that isolate us. (Photo: Stranger Things ' Facebook page) By Catriona Kerwin I’m not usually a fan of science fiction or horror, but the Netflix original series, Stranger Things , has recently captured my heart and imagination.  Reader, be warned — it is not a Catholic series, nor is it appropriate for all audiences. The series contains violence, excessive gore, mature content and themes that are inconsistent with a Catholic...

(Photo: Unsplash) What would the collapse of civilization look like? We might immediately think of cutoff utilities, disruptions in the supply chain, violence in the streets and the lack of functional government. While it’s true these might serve as external indicators of a functioning modern society, they do not constitute the essence of civilization. A civilized person doesn’t just live in the city (the civitas that gives civilization its name) but conforms to an ideal of culture. A...

A Colorado Catholic artist explains the symbolism behind sacred icons, especially those depicting Mary, and invites us to step into the divine mystery. Our Lady of the Sign from Yaroslavl, Kiev School, c. 1114. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) So, what is an icon actually? I give talks all around the country on the topic, so if you don’t know what an icon is, please know that you are not alone! I get asked this question often. Simply put, icon means “image.” In the context of art in...

‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ blend faith, humor and humanity in stories that continue to lift spirits at Christmastime. L to R: ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Productions/RKO Pictures; free Canva background, Register illustration) By Joseph Pronechen/National Catholic Register The Christmas season brings with it some enjoyable films, the best of which move and cheer hearts while reminding viewers what is important about the...

The beloved holiday film’s church scenes, misunderstood neighbor and surprising rescue reveal a deeper Catholic story hiding in plain sight. (Photo courtesy of Home Alone's Facebook page) By Gigi Duncan/National Catholic Register More than 30 years after its release, Home Alone remains cherished as pure Christmas fun: slapstick booby traps, a wisecracking 8-year-old, and two burglars who refuse to quit despite the bodily harm they sustain along the way. Yet woven into the movie’s charm are...

Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man is a moving depiction of the faith in the modern age.   (Photo courtesy of Wake Up Dead Man 's social media) Wake Up Dead Man is the best movie I’ve seen in theaters in a while.   Since seeing the movie before Thanksgiving with Risen Christ Parish in Denver, I’ve been talking it up to friends nonstop. Just this past weekend, some friends shared that they’d seen it and were floored. One, who hadn’t read the Denver Catholic in a bit, even commented, “That...

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Michelle Connor Harris, Psy.D. Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Bring to mind your best Christmas memory. Was it receiving a particular gift that you longed for? Decorating the Christmas tree? Maybe it was baking Christmas cookies with your mom and getting to lick the last bit of frosting from the spatula. If you’re a parent, perhaps you recall the giddy anticipation of your children on Christmas Eve and their excitement on...

In a weary world, his unapologetic joy reveals the bold hope Christmas demands of us. (Photo courtesy of Elf 's Facebook page) Those who know me know that I am obsessed with the movie Elf . Like I can quote the whole thing obsessed. It’s a weird thing to admit in writing, in a Catholic magazine, I know, but stay with me. Beyond how absolutely hilarious I’ve always found the movie to be, and the magic of New York City at Christmastime, there’s something deeper that’s always caught my...

Tired of warning signs and alarm bells over television content? Korean drama may just provide your family and you with a friendlier alternative. (Photo: Lightstock) I recently viewed the Korean drama, “Lovely Runner,” which took me on an emotional rollercoaster through its tale of a fan traveling through time to save her Korean pop idol's life and change both their destinies. Across 16 episodes, I laughed, raged and bawled my eyes out, and I did so without sitting through a single gratuitous...

Between shopping lists and Nativity plays, Seinfeld, Elf and St. Paul offer us a reminder: God became man to dwell in our mess. That changes everything. (Photo: Lightstock) On a famous episode of the TV comedy Seinfeld , George Costanza follows this advice: “Do the opposite.” His life decisions have turned out disastrously in work, romance, finance and more. He has always trusted his instincts, but he has been wrong every time. Now, he will “Do the opposite.” If every instinct he has is...

(Photo: Lightstock) By Michael T. Meurer, Meurer & Potter, P.C. “The good leave an inheritance to their children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just.” (Proverbs 13:22) As Catholics, we are called to be faithful stewards of the blessings God has given us — not only in life, but in how we prepare for death. Estate planning is not merely a legal exercise; it is a spiritual act of love, a way to leave behind peace, clarity and harmony for those we cherish. A...

(Photo: Lightstock) As Advent draws near, many Catholic homes and parishes are preparing more than wreaths and lights. They’re setting up a Jesse Tree — a beautiful, hands-on tradition that invites families to journey through salvation history, reflect on Christ’s coming and serve those in need. A Tradition Rooted in Scripture and History The Jesse Tree takes its name from the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his...