The Catholic Perspective

The journey of the Three Wise Men who followed a start to Bethlehem, a journey which the entire Church celebrates on the Solemnity of Epiphany as the culmination of the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas, is like a living parable. The core of the parable is the Magi’s journey: The Magi undertook a journey to encounter God. And isn’t that what every Christian life is, in its essence, a jour...

Saints are not superheroes; they are not demi-gods; they are simply our older brothers and sisters in the Church, and we are all members of the same spiritual family. In other words, saints are regular, normal human beings, just like you and me, who have so generously cooperated with God's grace that they reached spiritual maturity in their lives here in earth, and so entered into heaven upon thei...

The Rosary can be a powerful instrument of grace. It is a powerful form of prayer, tried and true. To appreciate and benefit from the Rosary more fully, we have to locate it within Marian devotion in general. And that’s what this Retreat Guide, "River of Wisdom: A Retreat Guide on the Rosary", will try to do. Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th. D. for the Introduction of "River of Wisdom: A Retreat...

If companies, religious orders, and bishops can leverage the power of a good motto, why can’t every Christian? Why can’t each one of us have a motto to keep our spiritual efforts focused, to inspire us, to help bridge our deepest desires and our daily decisions? I think we can, and I think we should. And in this Retreat Guide, The Complete Christian: A Retreat Guide on the Calling of the Twelve Ap...

We can pursue so many things in life — approval, awards, comfort, fame, influence, money, pleasure, popularity, possessions, success... But which of these will truly bring us the fulfillment we yearn for? Among the vast array of all that the world offers us, what is the one thing that really matters? In this Retreat Guide, "The One Thing Needed: A Retreat Guide on Martha and Mary", that’s what we...

We have all seen pictures and sculptures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — not all of which are exactly artistic masterpieces. Some of us may have even consecrated ourselves or our families to the Sacred Heart. And yet, I think it’s safe to say that most of us, here in the twenty-first century, feel that we don’t fully understand either the beauty and the power of this devotion, or how to effectively...

The power that the Spirit gave to the first members of the Church, the power that has been transforming hearts and redeeming sinners for two thousand years, is at work in us. How can we tap in to that power? How can we allow this new, interior law to truly transform our lives and our circles of influence? That’s what this Retreat Guide, Unleashing the Power of Pentecost, will reflect on. Join Fr....

The liturgical season of Advent lasts four weeks — almost six if you tack on the days from Christmas through Epiphany. The season of Lent lasts six weeks. And the liturgical season of Easter lasts... seven weeks: from Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday. Of all the special liturgical seasons, Easter is the longest. What do you usually do for Advent and Christmas? Certainly you usually do someth...

"Welcoming the Word: A Retreat Guide on the Annunciation" God is always speaking to us; he is always thinking of us. He is not a distant God, as some philosophers have tried to describe — like a watchmaker who designed the universe, wound it up, and then lets it wind down all on its own. No, our God wants to be involved in our lives. He is the God of the Incarnation; he came to earth to be with us...

"The Colors of the Cross: A Retreat Guide for Lent" Why did God make the Cross so central to his Son’s life? Why did God make the Cross so central to our lives? And how can we carry our crosses as courageously and fruitfully as Jesus carried his? Those are the questions that this Retreat Guide, "The Colors of the Cross", will invite you to reflect on, to meditate on, and to pray about. Join Fr. Jo...

"Troubled Hearts: A Retreat Guide on Peace of Soul" Jesus told his Apostles: “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. He knows that we live in a fallen world and are constantly struggling with confusion, disillusionment, rejection, sadness, and discouragement — all of are things that trouble our hearts. And yet, he still tells us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If he says this, it must be poss...

How to User a Retreat Guide from RCSpirituality.org

"You Matter: A Retreat Guide for Advent" God has something to say to you today. He is with you right now. In fact, he never stops thinking about you: You really matter to him. This Retreat Guide will focus on getting to know God better, especially getting to know better his personal love for you, as proven so gloriously in the great mystery of Christmas. Join Fr. John Bartunek, LC for "You Matter:...