Where have all the altar boys gone? At the weekend Mass my wife and I regularly attend we have not seen an altar boy for many months now. The altar servers are all young girls. Are we experiencing an anomaly or is this the norm at most Masses in most parishes now? If this is…
Category: Faith & Religion
‘We’ve Got to Wake Up!’: Former Supermodel Kathy Ireland Delivers Powerful Message Defending Life, Call to Action for Church
Model-turned-entrepreneur Kathy Ireland was recently honored at an influential pro-life gala, but the business mogul told the audience she wasn’t always on the side of life. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast “As a young adult, I identified as a Pro-Abortion Christian,” Ireland reportedly said Sept. 23 while accepting an award…
‘Cowardice’: Promise Keepers Leader Hits Back After Christian Orgs Cancel Events, Calls Leaders to ‘Bravery’
The CEO of a Christian men’s ministry has a stirring message for pastors and leaders who fearfully withhold biblical truth, decrying the “cowardice” seen in some churches today. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Ken Harrison, head of Promise Keepers, is on a mission to remind believers of the importance of…
‘We Had Nothing’: Immigrant Who Came to US With $20 Is Surprised By $10,000 Tip for Restaurant Staff
When Alfonso Brito immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, he and his wife had just $20 to their names — but things have changed for the better since they first crossed the border. Now a restaurant owner in Salt Lake City, Brito received a huge surprise this week when he and his staff were handed a…
‘Resurgence of Faith’: Journalist Hits Back at Claims Christianity Is Dying
Award-winning journalist Adrienne Bankert believes the rise and prominence of “The Chosen” shows the nation’s relationship with Christianity and faith-adjacent themes might be more complex than polls show. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Bankert, a former “Good Morning America” correspondent and weekend host who now anchors “Morning in America” on…
How the Holy Spirit Saved the Heart of a Lonely Widower
I have been an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for over 25 years, and it has been a truly rewarding experience – in many different ways. I have had the honor and privilege of bringing Holy Communion to many people in many places who are unable to attend holy Mass on Sunday. These people are…
Catholic Doctrine and the Sunday Readings for October 2023
The meaning of the Sunday Mass Readings for October 2023 is made clearest by Catholic Doctrine. Let’s join the Psalmist in proclaiming, “O Lord, in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate” (Psalm 119:128). God’s precepts are most clearly found in Catholic Doctrine. Let’s learn doctrines in the Catechism of the…
PRAY: Navy Vet Risks Life to Pull Man From Blazing Inferno
A Navy veteran saved the life of a man who was trapped inside a semitrailer after a collision led the massive vehicle to become engulfed in flames. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Mark Pembleton told WRC-TV he immediately pulled over Sept. 18 after seeing truck driver Cesar Yepez’s vehicle flip…
PRAY: Navy Vet Risks Life to Pull Man From Blazing Inferno
A Navy veteran saved the life of a man who was trapped inside a semitrailer after a collision led the massive vehicle to become engulfed in flames. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Mark Pembleton told WRC-TV he immediately pulled over Sept. 18 after seeing truck driver Cesar Yepez’s vehicle flip…
Powerful: Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers Says Jesus Is the ‘One Way to Freedom’
Those who have followed Quinn Ewers have seen quite an evolution from last season to this season. The sophomore Texas Longhorns quarterback once known for his tousled mullet and unfocused persona has transformed into a clean-cut athlete honing his leadership skills — and it’s paying off. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start…
Finding God’s Calling: Former Second Lady Karen Pence Reveals Defining Moment She, Former VP Mike Pence Learned to Fully Trust in the Lord
Former second lady Karen Pence is on a mission to inspire Americans to discern God’s calling for their lives and fully trust the Lord. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Pence, author of the new book, “When It’s Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God’s Grace in His Calling for Your Life,”…
‘I…Found Jesus’: Famed TV Host Julie Chen Moonves Reveals How Faith, Forgiveness Have Transformed Her Life
Longtime “Big Brother” host Julie Chen Moonves is known for her successful TV career, but she’s also making headlines this month for another reason: her Christian faith. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Moonves released “But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery” earlier this month, a project rooted in…
Experiencing Mass – in a Domestic Church in the Middle East
As regular readers of Catholic Stand may have noticed, although I live and work in Italy, I frequently spend time in the Middle East. The time I spend there is always interesting. While technically the Catholic faith is not prohibited there, in general, nor in the particular place I am writing about here, its practice…
‘It’s All God’: Butcher-Turned-Pastor Explains How He’s Monumentally Grown His Church, Led Hundreds to Christ
A Kentucky pastor who’s been preaching for decades offered a simple but powerful blueprint for sharing the Gospel — and a reminder every Christian should heed. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast In a world where it’s easy to overthink evangelism and spreading the faith, Bobby Eaton told Kentucky Today his…
‘It’s All God’: Butcher-Turned-Pastor Explains How He’s Monumentally Grown His Church, Led Hundreds to Christ
A Kentucky pastor who’s been preaching for decades offered a simple but powerful blueprint for sharing the Gospel — and a reminder every Christian should heed. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast In a world where it’s easy to overthink evangelism and spreading the faith, Bobby Eaton told Kentucky Today his…
‘It’s All God’: Butcher-Turned-Pastor Explains How He’s Monumentally Grown His Church, Led Hundreds to Christ
A Kentucky pastor who’s been preaching for decades offered a simple but powerful blueprint for sharing the Gospel — and a reminder every Christian should heed. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast In a world where it’s easy to overthink evangelism and spreading the faith, Bobby Eaton told Kentucky Today his…
Atheist Group Claims Auburn’s Football Coach Attending Revival Is ‘Unconstitutional’
A prominent atheist group is throwing cold water on an impromptu baptism service at Auburn University. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is rebuking the Alabama-based college’s football coach, Hugh Freeze, for attending and helping with a revival event, calling his association with the baptism service “unconstitutional.” In a statement, the FFRF wrote, “These ongoing and…
Atheist Group Claims Auburn’s Football Coach Attending Revival Is ‘Unconstitutional’
A prominent atheist group is throwing cold water on an impromptu baptism service at Auburn University. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is rebuking the Alabama-based college’s football coach, Hugh Freeze, for attending and helping with a revival event, calling his association with the baptism service “unconstitutional.” In a statement, the FFRF wrote, “These ongoing and…
‘We Have Lost Salt and Light’: Turnaround CEO Delivers Candid Take on Why Christianity Is in Decline, Offers Biblical Solution
Author Dennis Allen is targeting the faith crisis many believe to be afoot in America, pointing to a lack of discipleship as a core problem driving devotional declines. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Allen, author of “The Disciple Dilemma: Rethinking and Reforming How the Church Does Discipleship,” believes it’s essential…
The Sense of the Sacred – Back to the Faith of Our Fathers
In a talk that I have just recorded in a series I am giving on prayer, I tell how, as the Director of the Diocesan Retreat and Conference Centre in London, I handed out an anonymous questionnaire to priests who attended the courses from 1972 to 1981. I was horrified to discover that no priest…
Tim Ballard Speaks Out on ‘Tactics’ After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct With Decoy Females
The former government agent whose story is at the center of the hit summer blockbuster “Sound of Freedom” is in the limelight yet again — but this time, it’s casting a shadow on his work. Tim Ballard, who left his job with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to rescue children from sex slavery, has been…
‘I Will Kill You’: Good Guy With a Gun Stops Alleged Robber, Saves the Day
Two alleged thieves were in for the shock of their lives when they reportedly assaulted a store clerk and attempted to run off with $1,200. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast The incident reportedly unfolded Sept. 13 around 10 p.m. as a Family Dollar location in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, was preparing…
‘Dangerous Policies’: Teacher Who Refuses to Lie to Parents About Kids’ Gender Identities Wins Major Victory
A California teacher suing to stop a policy purportedly requiring educators to lie to parents about their children’s gender identities is speaking out after scoring a legal victory. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Lori Ann West, a physical education teacher in the Escondido Union School District, and fellow educator Elizabeth…
Anglican Minister Blasts Progressive Christianity as ‘Fake,’ an ‘Oxymoron’
A conservative Anglican minister in England is warning liberalism in the West is “the greatest threat” to Christianity, even calling it “one of the tools that the devil is using.” Calvin Robinson, a deacon in the Free Church of England, said during an interview with Fox News that the phrase “progressive Christianity” is an “oxymoron,”…
Who Do You See as a Leper?
The television series The Chosen has inspired many since its first season in 2017. It is truly an exceptional television series. Unlike some attempts to convey the story of Christ in film, The Chosen has invested heavily in historical context. It brings alive many aspects of life in Jesus’ time that are frequently misunderstood by…
Bearing Our Burdens
Much to everyone’s surprise – and my own as well – when it came time to pick a patron for my reception into the Roman Catholic Church, I chose Simon of Cyrene. Right up to that point I was going to pick of St. Augustine of Hippo. Why did I choose Simon of Cyrene? The…
Responding to the Voice of Jesus
When we hear the voice of Jesus, how do we respond? This question has two parts. We first have to hear the voice of God. How do we do that? We only truly hear the voice of God by opening up our hearts and surrendering ourselves to His Most Holy Will. We must be present…
Bill Maher Goes to Bible School with Dr. Jordan Peterson
This summer, Bill Maher, a well-known comedian and anti-religious atheist, hosted Dr. Jordan Peterson on his show, ‘Club Random with Bill Maher’. Maher, who created the mockumentary, Religulous, has a particular animus toward Christians. He is known for his blunt and hard-hitting one-liners that discredit religion and the Bible as good for nothing. Recently, however,…
‘Did Jesus Teach Hell Is Real?’ Apologist Explains Biblical Reality of a ‘Literal Hell’
Hell is a topic many tend to avoid, yet the questions surrounding its existence, what the Bible proclaims, and what the afterlife entails are essential to ask, answer, and ponder. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast It’s a subject apologist Jason Jimenez of Stand Strong Ministries recently tackled on his “Challenging…
UK Drops Charge Against Woman Arrested for Silent Prayer ‘Thought Crime’ in Abortion ‘Buffer Zone’
The U.K.’s West Midlands Police have finally dropped the charge against the woman who was arrested last March for a second time for the “offense” of silently praying in her head within an abortion facility censorship zone or “buffer zone.” The faith-based law firm Alliance Defending Freedom UK (ADF UK) reports their client, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, also received an…
‘Recipe for Mass Atrocities’: Why This Might Be the ‘Most Dangerous Moment’ Yet as Genocide Fears Rage in Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis
Videos and images showing thousands of ethnic Armenians trying to flee Nagorno-Karabakh earlier this week have shocked human rights activists. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Joel Veldkamp, a spokesman for Christian Solidarity International, fears the worst is yet to come for the people living in the landlocked region between Armenia…
Being a Type of Monstrance
I was in high school at a Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio. It came time for some Saturday night Eucharistic Adoration. In other words, Jesus, the Eucharist, the Host, the Body and Blood of Christ was exposed for the hundreds of youths gathered to see Him. What did He look like? A little white circular,…
‘He Had Some Devil Qualities’: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star’s Stunning Conversion From ‘Heathen’ to Jesus
“Duck Dynasty” stars Phil and Kay Robertson are two of the most beloved reality TV personalities in cable history, but their lives weren’t always filled with so much laughter and love. Long before their A&E glory days, the Robertsons struggled in their marriage, with Phil finding himself lost, aloof, disconnected from his wife and children,…
Welcoming Wisdom as a Homeschooler
The leaves are turning and there’s a bit of chill in the air. The days are slowly shortening – in the early morning, when I get up to make coffee, I light a candle or two to brighten up my counter. While some kids are hopping on the bus to head off to school, my…
‘God Never Gives Up on You’: Max Lucado Reveals He Fought a Secret Battle with Alcohol
On the outside, author and minister Max Lucado had it all together. He was part of a thriving church, had top-selling books in the hands of people all over the country, and was designated the “Best Preacher in America.” But Lucado recently opened up about how he secretly drank alcohol to deal with the stress…
End Times Author on Antichrist, Tribulation, and Biggest Error Made Surrounding Book of Revelation
Prophecy expert and author Jeff Kinley believes the book of Revelation is unique and important as it’s the “last book of the Bible” and the final word God gave “His church.” Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Kinley, whose latest book, “God’s Grand Finale: Wrath, Grace, and Glory in Earth’s Last…
‘It’s Been Very Dark’: Horror, Genocide Fears in Nagorno-Karabakh as Babies Die at ‘Point of Delivery’
Tensions mounted this week in Nagorno-Karabakh, a small, landlocked region between Armenia and Azerbaijan home to 120,000 ethnic and Christian Armenians. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Azerbaijan said its forces undertook “antiterror measures” inside the region, though there’s much debate around the land dispute some fear could lead to genocide….
Pray that the “Synod on Synodality” Will Not Be a “Synod on Insanity”
If faithful Catholics were asked what is the most pressing issue of the day that they wish the Church hierarchy would tackle, the top answers would include the shortage of priestly vocations, the decline in Catholics’ belief in the Real Presence, attendance at Mass, and the secular culture’s indoctrination of our youth. Nowhere in the…
God Work
Last Sunday I began preaching a series I’m calling God Work. This series has to do with how the church recognizes the work of God and joins in that work as followers of Jesus. Of course, recognizing and participating in the work of God stems from how we are formed as God’s people. So I…
Pro Golfer Opens Up About Gambling Addiction, Credits Wife as ‘Strong and Supportive Partner’
All bets are off for Phil Mickelson, the professional golfer owning up to his gambling addiction after it was alleged he squandered more than $1 billion over the last three decades. The three-time Masters champ opened up about the struggle in a lengthy post to X. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start…
‘God Uses Broken People’: After Childhood in War-Torn Nation, She Is Bringing the Gospel to Millions
Rita El-Mounayer, CEO of the Christian media ministry SAT-7, knows what it’s like to grow up amid violence and chaos. El-Mounayer recently shared her journey and testimony of being born in war-torn Lebanon in the 1970s, explaining how her early years shaped her later quest to spread the Gospel. Listen to the latest episode of…
Can Artificial Intelligence Save Churches From Mass Shooters? Ex-Navy SEALs Are Using Technology to Do Just That
With artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolving and expanding in its size, scope, and abilities, houses of worship are beginning to look at ways to harness its power to protect congregants from mass shootings. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Matt Montana, director of safety at Valley Baptist Church out in Bakersfield,…
Naturally, the Mother of the Son of Man is Called Woman
In the four Gospel accounts, Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man over 80 times. But the term did not originate with Jesus. It is used 107 times in the books of the Old Testament. It is clearly a messianic title in the Old Testament, especially in the Book of Daniel. Jesus by…
‘Revival Is Happening’: Hundreds Choose Christ at Auburn, Get Spontaneously Baptized in a Lake
God is moving on college campuses across the country. Revival hit campuses like Asbury University, Lee University, and Samford University, earlier this year. And now Auburn University students are testifying that God moved at an event earlier this week that still has them “speechless and in awe.” Thousand of students at Auburn packed out Neville…
Ex-Mexican Congressman Details ‘Brainwashing,’ Public Humiliation as Court Fines Him Over Transgender Comments: ‘A Man Can Never Be a Woman’
A former Mexican congressman who was fined, forced to apologize, and punished by a court of law for calling a trans-identifying politician a “man who self-describes as a woman” is refusing to back down. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast Rodrigo Iván Cortés lost his appeal last month before the Superior…
Best Buy Fires Whistleblower for Expressing Christian Belief on Sexuality
A now-former Best Buy employee is planning to sue the big-box chain, claiming he was fired from his job for expressing his biblical views on sexuality. Enis Sujak, a Serbian immigrant who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, worked for the Geek Squad at a local Best Buy until Sept. 1, when he was reportedly dismissed for…
Atheists Dismantle Longstanding Prayer Tradition, Reportedly Convince School Board to Remove ‘Offensive’ Invocations Before Meetings
A Connecticut school board has reportedly axed prayers before board meetings following a complaint from a “concerned community member” and an atheist organization. Listen to the latest episode of CBN’s Quick Start podcast The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist activist group, contacted the Enfield School District to complain about the prayers purportedly routinely…
