Lent
When Lenten fasting is indistinguishable from a New Age cleanse
By Tara Isabella Burton — February 28, 2019
(RNS) — Modern Lent has come to have more in common with Dry January — the viral sensation encouraging New Year's resolvers to give up alcohol for a month — than with its ecclesiastic antecedents.
During Lent, a Christian tried praying 5 times a day
By Kate Chance — April 3, 2018
(RNS) — The more time I’ve spent around my Muslim friends, the more I’ve considered being more deliberate about my prayer life.
Pope presides over Good Friday amid security, controversy
By Nicole Winfield — March 30, 2018
ROME (AP) — The services come amid a new communications controversy at home over the existence of hell.
On Palm Sunday, pope urges youth to raise their voices
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 25, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The pope's message comes on the heels of a meeting of young Catholics who told the Vatican they want a more transparent and authentic church, and a day after hundreds of thousands marched in youth-led rallies across the United States to demand greater gun control.
Protesters, fans turn out for Rev. James Martin’s talk in Chicago
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 23, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — For Catholics, a talk about Jesus doesn’t seem controversial. But a lecture by the Rev. James Martin drew about 150 protesters Thursday (March 22) over his views on the church and LGBT people.
Thought and prayers
By Shannon Craig Straw — February 15, 2018
(RNS) — We are a people of active faith. Jesus did not simply call us to believe but to go into the world.
When Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, what’s a clergyperson to do?
By Adelle M. Banks — February 14, 2018
(RNS) — A pastor of an Episcopal church plans to say 'Remember that you are beloved, and to love you shall return,' during the imposition of ashes (instead of the traditional 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return').
Lent + Prayer Wheel = Aha. Finally.
By Jana Riess — February 13, 2018
I've given up chocolate, TV, spending . . . but this year I'm trying something different with a medieval prayer wheel, and I hope you'll join in.
Spending Lent with Alexa
By Thomas Reese — February 5, 2018
(RNS) — A Catholic priest should not have a woman in his bedroom at night, but the Rev. Thomas Reese confesses he has become quite dependent on this "smart lady" and is not planning to give her up.
Saints, American Christianity face off in religious March Madness alternatives
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 17, 2017
(RNS) While many approach filling out their NCAA brackets with something like religious fervor, two long-running online competitions are swapping faith for hoops.
Photo Gallery: Christians receive ashes in a variety of ways
By Kit Doyle — March 1, 2017
(RNS) Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, the period of penance and fasting preceding Easter.
Digital devotion: Christians get social media, other online tools to observe Lent
By Catherine Guiles — February 24, 2017
(RNS) Catholics and Protestants alike are using social media, email and websites to encourage people to pray and reflect in preparation for Easter.
‘Glitter Ash Wednesday’ sparkles for LGBT Christians and others
By Kimberly Winston — February 14, 2017
(RNS) Usually the stuff of princesses and unicorns, purple "glitter ashes" will be available in some churches.
Cardinal Dolan: ‘Where’s the Catholic Sandy Koufax?’
By David Gibson — March 10, 2016
NEW YORK (RNS) The city's archbishop is none too happy that Jews and Muslims seem to observe their rituals and holy days while Catholics prefer to play games and hang at Starbucks through Lent and Holy Week.
No time on Ash Wednesday? There’s a drive-thru for that
By Sally Morrow — February 10, 2016
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. (RNS) This United Church of Christ congregation is part of a growing trend.
