Guides & Resources

The Chrism Mass of Holy Week, when the bishop blesses the holy oils and consecrates the chrism and priests renew their promises: what happens and the three oils.

Spy Wednesday, the Wednesday of Holy Week, is March 24, 2027: why it is named for Judas’s betrayal, the Gospel of the day, the Tenebrae service and a prayer.

The Feast of the Visitation, May 31: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in Luke 1, the leap of John the Baptist, the Magnificat and the prayer of the feast.

Catholic prayers for financial help: for money worries, debt and bills, for a family in need, St. Anthony’s Bread, the saints to ask and what Scripture says.

Ember Days are the Church’s four seasons of fasting and prayer: the 2026–2027 dates, what the name means, their history from Leo the Great and how to keep them.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, the image of Genazzano near Rome: its history, Leo XIII’s prayer to her, the title in the Litany of Loreto and her April 26 feast.

Catholic prayers for forgiveness of sins: the publican’s prayer, Psalm 50, the Act of Contrition, a prayer before confession, and prayers to forgive others.

Catholic prayers for the dying to pray at a loved one’s bedside: short prayers, the traditional commendation, prayers to St. Joseph and what to do.

What the Catholic last rites are (Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum), who can receive them, what happens, how to call a priest and prayers for the dying.

Pentecost 2027 is Sunday, May 16: the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birthday of the Church and the end of Easter, with the readings, the sequence and prayers.