Five tips for celebrating First Communion without stress

Catholic mom Sarah Reinhard has celebrated three first Communions. That doesn’t make her an expert, but she has learned some things along the way. Online you’ll find five pointers that have helped her let go of the stress and embrace the beauty of the sacrament, from remembering to smile to keeping in mind the sacredness of the day.

3 ways to tackle marriage stress

Catholic husband Cory Busse writes, if your marriage is anything like mine, there’s only one thing you can count on: perfect marital bliss 24/7! Only kidding! Marriage is hard work. Go online to find three ways to turn some of the most stressful marital moments into opportunities for a stronger union.

Saint Blaise • Saint stories

St. Blaise, whose feast is celebrated on February 3, is another saint who lived a LONG time ago–during the 4th century, when being a Christian was a crime. He was a bishop and a doctor for people and animals. To avoid being caught, he lived in a cave outside of the city. Legend has it that sick animals would come to him to be cured. But if St. Blaise was praying, the animals would patiently wait so as not to disturb his prayers. On his feast day, some people go to church to have their throats blessed. You’ll find a St. Blaise activity online.

8 ways parents can get the most out of their Catholic school investment

Approximately 2 million young people, from preschool to high school, currently are being educated in Catholic schools in the United States. The cost of this education is not insignificant, with the average elementary school tuition just under $4,000 and the average freshman tuition for secondary school just under $10,000, according to 2015 statistics from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. So how can parents be sure that their hard-earned money is being put to the best use? Online you’ll find some strategies for how parents can make the most of their family’s investment in Catholic schools.