Catholic social teaching offers us principles for reflection, criteria for judgment, guidelines for action which can guide our individual, institutional and national choices.

Self-denial is a kind of training. What we are aiming for is the spiritual athleticism that equips us to meet the demands that will come.

Nothing is more certain than death. Yet normally, nothing is more hidden from our view. We do most everything that we can to not look death in the face.

To help Catholics support their local parishes, the Archdiocese of Chicago has created a website that donors can use to make a one-time or recurring gift to any parish they choose.

"We pray for the sick and their families, for health workers and those who help them, for civic leaders, police and volunteers and for the ministers of our communities," the pope said.

Baseball didn’t fall from the sky. It is a gift, made by humans. It is exciting. It could disappear.