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A new "marriage gap" in the United States is
increasingly aligned with a growing income gap. Marriage, while declining among
all groups, remains the norm for adults with a college education and good income
but is now markedly less prevalent among those on the lower rungs of the
socio-economic ladder. The survey finds that those in this less- advantaged
group are as likely as others to want to marry, but they place a higher premium
on economic security as a condition for marriage. This is a bar that many may
not meet. View Full Article
Overwhelmingly, state prison chaplains consider
religious counseling and other religion-based programming an important aspect of
rehabilitating prisoners. Nearly three-quarters of the chaplains (73%), for
example, say they consider access to religion-related programs in prison to be
"absolutely critical" to successful rehabilitation of inmates. And 78% say they
consider support from religious groups after inmates are released from prison to
be absolutely critical to inmates' successful rehabilitation and re-entry into
society. Among chaplains working in prisons that have religion-related
rehabilitation or re-entry programs, more than half (57%) say the quality of
such programs has improved over the last three years and six-in-ten (61%) say
participation in such programs has gone up. View Full Article
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
congratulated the Connecticut bishops, the Connecticut Catholic Conference,
Catholic Mobilizing Network, and all dedicated advocates against the death
penalty for their work to bring about the repeal of the death penalty in
Connecticut. Governor Dan Malloy enacted the legislation April 25, making
Connecticut the 17th state to repeal the death penalty. View Full Article
Lima, Peru, Apr 25, 2012 / 12:04 pm (CNA/EWTN
News).- Fifty years after St. Martin de Porres was canonized, two Peruvian
priests from the Convent of St. Dominic in Lima where the 16th century saint
lived, praised his many contributions to the Church. "His example of intimacy
with God and holiness that he left us shines clearly in his virtues, such as his
great humility and charity with those most in need," Father Javier Abanto Silva,
director of Radio Santa Rosa, told CNA April 20. "For us Dominicans, for us
Peruvians and for all those who are devoted to this saint, he is an example for
our spiritual and Christian life and for our family life as well," he said.
View Full Article
Rome, Italy, Apr 23, 2012 / 07:06 pm (CNA/EWTN
News).- Archbishop Peter J. Sartain of Seattle praised American religious women
as a "great gift" days after being asked by Pope Benedict to help reform the
U.S.'s Leadership Conference of Women Religious. "What I hope and pray for every
day is that I, first of all, do as the Lord asks and do as the Holy Father
asks," said the archbishop, describing the task of renewal ahead to CNA on April
23. He said he hopes "to work in a positive way," recognizing "the wonderful
contribution of religious women in the United States, and to work in a way that
shows our continued love and support for their extraordinary contribution."
View Full Article
According to a new study, there are currently 2.18
billion Christians in more than 200 countries around the world, representing
nearly a third of the estimated 6.9 billion 2010 global population.The study,
conducted by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life, found
Christians to be so geographically widespread that no single continent or region
can indisputably claim to be the center of global Christianity. The Pew study,
"Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's
Christian Population," cites that 100 years ago, two-thirds of the world's
Christians lived in Europe but today only about a quarter of all Christians live
there. More than one-third of Christians reside in the Americas; about a quarter
live in sub-Saharan Africa and 13 percent live in Asia and the Pacific. View Full Article
The history of African-American Christianity is
inextricably linked to the experience of slavery: it is in captivity that the
blacks of America became aware of the Gospel and learned to adopt it. "Black
Churches have always been the backbone of black spirituality and have
historically played a key role in the liberation of the black community -
highlights a dossier of the monthly "Jesus". During the battle for civil rights,
they organized buses to bring entire communities to vote; they were meeting
places for people who sought their freedom. And still today, predominantly black
religious organizations seek to disseminate democracy and participation among
their followers, through sermons and newsletters, during catechism classes in
the parish and religious schools." View Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, February 22, 2012,
(LifeSiteNews.com)-A 14-year-old homeschooler who testified before the Maryland
state senate against a bill redefining marriage has been the subject of
cyberbullying, vicious name-calling, and death threats.
Maryland State Senate
Sarah Crank, 14, told the Maryland Senate
Judicial Proceedings Committee last month she believes children need a
mother and a father. " I really feel bad for the kids who have two
parents of the same gender," she told the senators. "Even though some
kids think it's fine, they have no idea what kind of wonderful
experiences they miss out on."She continued, "People say that they were
born that way, but I've met really nice adults who did change." "Today's
my 14th birthday, and it would be the best birthday present ever if you
would vote 'no' on gay marriage," she said. After audio of her
uncharacteristically mature testimony was posted on YouTube, the story
went viral on homosexual activist websites-and death threats quickly
followed. View Full Article
February 16, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Six pro-life
activists, including one Catholic priest, were arrested this morning in front of
the White House while holding a peaceful prayer vigil in protest against the
Obama administration's birth control mandate. They were released shortly
thereafter, after paying a $100 fine. Fr. Denis Wilde, the Associate Director of
Priests for Life, told LifeSiteNews that by their arrests the protesters hoped
to send a "wake-up call" to President Obama that opposition to his mandate is
not going away. Rev. Patrick Mahoney being arrested this morning The six were
arrested on a charge of "disobeying a lawful order." The priest explained that
while it is legal to hold protests in front of the White House, protesters are
not allowed to remain stationary, including if they kneel down and pray. View Full Article
The forty days of Lent can seem like a long time,
especially if one is giving up a favorite food or video game. It's helpful to
have a friend to keep us going. He or she can encourage us, challenge us, and
pick us up if we falter. And if that friend happens to be our spouse, so much
the better! This year, consider approaching Lent as a team. That doesn't mean
you have to give up-or do-the same things as your spouse, although that's a
possibility. It does mean sharing your Lenten resolution(s) and asking for each
other's prayers and active support. People often find that they're much more
likely to keep their resolutions when they hold themselves accountable to
another person. Knowing that someone walks with us, even if it's not exactly the
same path, can be a great comfort and motivator. If you're thinking about Lenten
resolutions, consider the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and
almsgiving (works of charity). View Full Article
Is God Calling You?
Come! The Church Needs You.
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CHARISM: Social Justice and Pastoral Care
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MISSION: Youth Evangelization
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WASHINGTON - Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York,
president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Cardinal John Foley,
who died December 11 in Philadelphia, "embodied the best of what it means to be
a communicator, a priest and a believer," whose "kindness and love for Christ's
Church will remain with all who encountered him."
Cardinal Foley served as president of the
Pontifical Council for Social Communications in Rome from 1984-2007, when
Pope Benedict XVI appointed his grand master of the Knights of the Holy
Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a post he held until 2011. Cardinal Foley was
elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2007.] http://www.usccb.org/news/2011/11-245.cfm
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
has been quietly lobbying Congress to keep extended unemployment insurance for
the long-term jobless. It's common for faith groups to lobby Congress on
economic issues. Catholics, however, are better known politically for their
strong opposition to abortion.
On Monday, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire sent a
letter to members of the House of Representatives urging them to focus on
the economic security of workers at year's end.
"When the economy fails to generate
sufficient jobs, there is a moral obligation to help protect the life and
dignity of unemployed workers and their families," Blaire wrote.
"Therefore, I strongly urge you and your colleagues to find effective
ways to assure continuing Unemployment Insurance and Emergency
Unemployment Compensation to protect jobless workers and their
families."] http://www.huffingtonpost.com
Please visit YOUTube to watch a video on Father
Augustus Tolton. The video was produced for the recent Gala Benefit Fundraiser
for the Cause on November 11th in Chicago. To view the video go to the You Tube
web site and type in Fr. Augustus Tolton in the search box.
Please watch a four minute video from seminarian,
Desmond Drummer who gives a wonderful witness on his call to the priesthood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywIlEQazAzI
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When young people recognize
the dignity and beauty of every human life, including their own, and are
supported in their natural desire to make the world a better place, they become
agents of justice and peace in the world, Pope Benedict XVI said. Peace and
justice are built on "a profound respect for every human being and helping
others to live a life consonant with this supreme dignity," the pope said in his
message for the World Day of Peace 2012. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104930.htm
Parishes throughout the United States begin using
the new translation of the Roman Missal, 3rd edition on the first Sunday of
Advent. The USCCB has published a webpage explaining answers to ten commonly
asked questions about the new liturgical texts, available at: http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09/roman-missal-two-months-and-counting.html
Bishop John H. Ricard SSJ is the new rector of St.
Joseph Seminary, the major seminary of the Josephites, in Washington DC. Bishop
Ricard, who is the president of the board of trustees of the National Black
Catholic Congress, recently retired from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
and returns to the capital where he spent many years as a priest and auxiliary
bishop.
Almost two decades ago, the American bishops issued
the pastoral statement, "When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic
Violence against Women." This October, the USCCB published an updated statement
for national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, describing priests, deacons, and
lay ministers as "first responders" to domestic violence. See the full statement
at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/domestic-violence/when-i-call-for-help.cfm
Millions of Ethiopians, Kenyans, and Somalians are
in a "humanitarian emergency" because of the drought and famine in the Horn of
Africa. Pope Benedict XVI gathered leading Catholic aid agencies at the Vatican
in early October to "verify and give further energy to the initiatives aimed at
facing this humanitarian emergency," according to a report from Catholic News
Service (10/5/11). Learn more about the crisis and how to help, at http://www.crs.org/emergency/east-africa-drought/index.cfm
Catholic schools must be unabashed in promoting and
celebrating the Catholic faith that is their distinctive mission, according to
speakers at the "Catholic Identity of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools"
conference held at Catholic University in Washington DC in early October. More
on this story at: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103940.htm
Father William L. Norvel, SSJ, is the new superior
general of the Josephite Priests and Brothers. Father Norvel, 76, a native of
Pascagoula, Mississippi, and current pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in
Washington DC, is the first African American to lead the Josephites. See the full
story at: http://josephite.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=222&Itemid=108
Catholic families with great economic needs have a
new opportunity for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, where
the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have just opened Depaul Cristo Rey High
School. This is the 24th school in the nationwide Cristo Rey network, which
combines college preparatory education with corporate work study for teams of
students. More information at: http://www.depaulcristorey.org/
The Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) of
Xavier University of Louisiana celebrated commencement on Friday, July 22nd in
the University Chapel. President Norman C. Francis awarded the Master's of
Theology degree to Ms. Audrey M. Browder of St. Katharine Drexel Church in the
Archdiocese of New Orleans (LA) and to the Very Rev. Marcos A. Leon-Angulo,V.F.
pastor of Sacred Heart Church in the Diocese of Raleigh (NC). IBCS director, Sr.
Dr. Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., presented Youth Ministry certificates to Mr. Tipp
Harris of St. Katharine Drexel Church in the Archdiocese of Boston (MA) and Ms.
Evelyn Wells of Blessed Sacrament Church in the Diocese of Beaumont (TX).
The Catholic Church Remembers is a website developed
to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11, including six short videos with
Catholics-priests, parents, firefighters, Cardinal Egan, and others--whose lives
were intimately touched by that tragedy. See: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/september-11/
Bishop Cornelius Arap Korir publicly criticized the
government in late July for its failures to deal with the hunger crisis in
Kenya. Contrary to the claims of government officials, the bishops said that
starvation in Kenya is happening, with two parishioners in the Diocese of Lodwar
recently buried after starving to death. The bishops noted government
responsibility to protect human dignity and decried the fact that in some areas,
food is rotting in the fields while high inflation and inadequate irrigation and
land use policies create food insecurity elsewhere. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103044.htm
In its annual survey of the ordination class of
diocesan and religious priests, the Center for Applied Research in the
Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University found 5% of the 2011 class is black.
(The survey does not distinguish among African Americans, Africans, and others.)
About half of all the new religious priests who responded to the survey and
seventy percent of the diocesan ones were U.S.-born. On average, those not born
in the United States have lived here for 13 years. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre,
auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, ordained three Josephites
this spring, all from Nigeria: Father Christopher C. Amadi, SSJ, Father
Ugochukwu Jerome Cletus, SSJ, and Father Michael K. Okechukwu, SSJ. For more
information about the demographics, backgrounds, hobbies, and vocational paths
of the 2011 ordination class, see the full CARA report at:
http://usccb.org/vocations/classof2011/ordination-class-2011-report.pdf.
On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan becomes
independent, following a referendum early in the year in which 98% of voters
approved separation from the north. To prepare for Independence Day, the
Sudanese Catholic bishops created a 40-day period of prayer, action,
reconciliation, and celebration, including a Novena focusing on nine principles
of Catholic Social Teaching, including peace, reconciliation, and a preferential
option for the poor. The Catholic News Service reported that, "the novena
program will be used in all dioceses across the South, but is adaptable for use
worldwide." More information at: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102116.htm
Sexual abuse of minors is not a current "crisis," as
nearly all current cases occurred decades ago, nor is this crime explained by
celibacy, sexual orientation, or mood or personality disorders. These and other
conclusions were reported to the U.S. bishops in an exhaustive statistical study
by a team of scholars at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City
University of New York. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
commissioned the research, The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by
Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010. The incidence of abuse was
highest in the 1960s and 1970s, "consistent with the patterns of increased
deviance of society during that time," according to lead researcher, Karen
Terry, Ph.D., and abuses declined sharply after 1985. Since no single set of
characteristics identifies an abuser and many abuses were crimes of opportunity,
the report emphasized that a combination of education, situational prevention,
and oversight and accountability will guard against future abuses. In the 21st
century, the U.S. Catholic Church mandates safe-environment trainings, has
no-tolerance policies, and in nearly every diocese, has annual independent
audits. The full report is available at:
http://usccb.org/mr/causes-and-context.shtml
Explosions damaged windows and doors at St.
Patrick's Cathedral in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on June 7.
Two police stations were also bombed and eleven people died. It appeared that
the attacks were carried out by an extremist Sunni group that had assassinated a
Muslim cleric the previous day. Maiduguri Bishop Oliver Doeme described
conditions in the region as "very tense." More information at:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102263.htm
Vincent D. Rougeau, an expert on Catholic social
teaching in relation to law and policy, has been appointed Dean of the Law
School at Boston College. Rougeau, a graduate of Brown University and Harvard
Law School, had been on the faculty of the University of Notre Dame Law School
for twelve years. Full story at: http://www.bc.edu/offices/pubaf/news/2011/rougeau_.html
When the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks made it to
the NBA championship, their hometown ordinaries decided to wage a friendly bet
on the outcome. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski said he would pay up with key
lime pie, handmade cigars, and a bowlful of Florida sand and sunshine, while
Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell said if his hometown team lost, he'd pay up with
barbecue ribs, pecan pie, tortillas, salsa, and a "Don't Mess with Texas" ball
cap.
Click image to see larger picture.
"I hope and pray that in my remaining years that I can
continue to significantly serve the Church as a retired bishop and that I will
be able to continue to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed,"
Bishop John H. Ricard SSJ said as he announced his retirement on March 11, 2011.
An avid exerciser, Bishop Ricard recovered well from a December 2009 stroke and
subsequent surgeries, returning to the daily duties of ordinary, in 2010. Early
this year, he petitioned the Vatican for early retirement for health reasons.
With a doctorate in counseling and a deep spirituality, his "retirement" plans
include spiritual direction of seminarians, ongoing leadership on the board of
the National Black Catholic Congress and continuing travel to support the Church
in Africa.
Tens of thousands of north Africans have fled
political unrest in Libya and Tunisia this year. Dozens have died in the
perilous trip across the straits to the Italian island of Lampedusa. The
European bishops have called upon the European Union countries to aid Italy in
welcoming the refugees, but the Vatican's public defense of migrants' rights has
provoked some political backlash in Italy. Read more at: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101407.htm
The USCCB Roman Missal, Third Edition can be
pre-ordered starting March 1, at www.usccbpublishing.org or by phone, mail, or
fax. Parishes in the United States will begin using the new translation of the
Mass on the first Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2011.
Changes in the Roman Missal
Suggested Timeline for Music Ministries for
the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal
Submitted by Dr. Kevin P. Johnson
(Similar to Implementation Timeline of the Archdiocese of Atlanta)
Stage 1: Building a Parish Team (Fall
2010-Spring 2011)
Work with your parish to develop a plan to
prepare choirs and parishioners for the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal:
its revised translation and meaning:
- Help familiarize your parish with new Mass settings from publishers
- Consult regarding new music / Hymnal Selection
- One-on-one worship style analysis and development
- Music Ministry development and training
- Become familiar with Online Subscription services with information and new music for the liturgical year
Stage 2:
Building Initial Awareness (Spring /Summer 2011)
Budget for any new materials needed for the
coming fiscal year.
Select a (musical) Mass setting of the new
translation to teach the parish (consider making
this decision in collaboration with other leaders and the parishioners of
the parish).
Select and purchase musical participation
aids that will be in the pews/shared with all parishioners.
Stage 3:
Catechizing the Parish (Fall 2011)
Teach the new musical setting to all choirs
and music groups.
Rehearse new music with priests and deacons,
especially music that will be sung primarily by the celebrant.
Stage 4:
Implementing the New Translation
October 2011: Begin teaching the congregation
the new musical setting for the Mass (delay start
of Mass by five minutes to teach).
The latest Hollywood movie about exorcism may yield
more fright than insight. A Catholic perspective on the rarity of exorcism and
the more common need for deliverance is explored in a short book by Neal Lozano,
Resisting the Devil: A Catholic Perspective on Deliverance (Our Sunday Visitor,
2009). More information at:
https://catalog.osv.com/Catalog.aspx?SimpleDisplay=true&ProductCode=T1030
A $1 million gift from a New Jersey couple will
boost enrollments and strengthen programs at the Catholic Partnership Schools in
Camden. The gift follows at least a decade of previous financial and volunteer
support by John Langan and Judy Nadell. Five elementary schools in the heart of
Camden, will benefit: Holy Name, Sacred Heart, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint
Joseph Pro-Cathedral, and Saint Cecilia. More information at;
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110125006307/en/Local-Authors-1-Million-Gift-Benefit-Catholic
Please click on the video below and see an
incredible proof of Our Lord's presence in the Eucharist in a modern-day
Eucharistic miracle.
Watch Video
The National Museum of African American History and
Culture is working to collect artifacts that preserve our history through a
"national collections initiative." For more information about this effort, as
well as to add your family's story to the museum's Memory Book, go to:
http://nmaahc.si.edu/section/collections/view/100
The latest Pew Research Center surveys show
Americans now evenly divided about whether or not abortion should be legal. A
series of questions in the survey all showed declining support for abortion
compared to polls in 2007 and 2008. The survey found no change in the abortion
stance of African Americans, but the report does not disaggregate Black
Catholics' views. Among Catholics who are white, non-Hispanic, and weekly
Mass-goers, the 2009 survey showed a substantial (10 point) pro-life shift. For
the full report, see
http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=441.
Respect for human life and dignity, affordability,
and the inclusion of legal immigrants are three fundamental criteria for
assessing the justice of any health care reform, according to a September 30
letter to the U.S. Senate from three leading bishops. More information at:
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2009/09-190.shtml.
A study of 4,000 men and women in the early
years of their vocations to religious life finds growing demographic
diversity among those in formation. While 94% of men and women
finally-professed are white, among those in formation, 6% are African or
African American, 21% are Hispanic, and 14% are Asian or Pacific
Islander. The study of religious did not include diocesan priests. The
Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown
University conducted the for the National Religious Vocation Conference
(NRVC) in order to identify effective practices for attracting and
retaining members. For the full report, see
http://www.nrvc.net/
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