Some Protestants suggest that Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:17 are an unconditional prohibition of the use of ashes in association with fasting (and presumably that their use at the beginning of Lent is therefore unwarranted): But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. (Matthew 6:17) For them it seems pretty clear […]

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent in the western Church, a 40-day season of penance. During this time, Christians traditionally show our sorrow for our sins by making a voluntary sacrifice, and possibly by taking up additional forms of self-discipline. These are, contra pop culture, to be done discretely, privately, without […]

The following is a guest post written by Brent Stubbs, re-presenting material originally appearing at his blog, Almost Not Catholic. Brent majored in theological-historical studies with a minor in law at Oral Roberts University. His studies emphasized pre-Nicene and late Protestant Church history. Under the Reformed tutelage of Dr. Daniel Thimell–professor, former pastor, author of […]

Today we observe the Solemnity of the Chair of St. Peter, as the 22nd of February falls on Ash Wednesday this liturgical year.  The Church has celebrated this occasion since at least the mid-4th century.  Called to Communion has given it attention in the past, including Bryan Cross’s detailed survey of references from the early centuries […]

David Anders “Open Forum for Non-Catholics” David Anders on Catholic Answers, Monday, February 13, 2012.

Imagine this conversation ca. A.D. 49 – Malachi: “Have you heard news yet about the Council’s decision regarding Gentile circumcision?” Phineas: “I knew the apostles were meeting in Jerusalem last week to decide the question, but no, I haven’t heard anything. Everybody’s waiting to hear. Have you heard something?” Malachi: “Yes, I was there. I had […]

Readers of Called To Communion will recognize the name Fred Noltie, since in July of last year he wrote a guest post for us titled “The Accidental Catholic.” Recently we invited Fred to join the CTC team, and we’re delighted that he has agreed. Fred was in the Presbyterian Church in America for twenty years, […]

Please welcome our first of two newly added authors at Called To Communion, Jason Stewart. Jason was an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) before he and his wife Cindy entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in January of 2011. He earned his Master of Divinity from Mid-America Reformed Seminary (Dyer, […]