Archbishop Chaput’s weekly column: Religious freedom and the need to wake up
Posted on May 24th, 2013
Even with the financial and structural flaws that critics believe undermine the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the bishops continue to share the goal of real health-care reform and affordable medical care for all Americans.
But health care has now morphed into a religious liberty issue provoked entirely – and needlessly — by the current White House. Despite a few small concessions under pressure, the administration refuses to withdraw or reasonably modify a Health and Human Services (HHS) contraceptive mandate that violates the moral and religious convictions of many individuals, private employers and religiously affiliated and inspired organizations.
The day when Americans could take the Founders’ understanding of religious freedom as a given is over. We need to wake up.
Read More →Rosary gave courage to soldier who recalls one of WWII’s last European battles
Posted on May 24th, 2013
As a nation we’ve fought many wars, some necessary, others questionable. Very few people would deny that World War II, which was the deadliest war in human history, was truly necessary. Decency and civilization itself were in the balance.
Most of the men and women who served and survived are now dead and gone, but their stories need to be remembered on Memorial Day — stories like those of Norbert McGettigan, still going strong at 88.
Read More →Prendergast upsets St. Hubert’s for first league softball title in 31 years
Posted on May 24th, 2013
On a hot afternoon May 22 on an immaculately landscaped field at Arcadia University, Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School — aka Prendergast when talking only girls’ sports — produced a memorable performance in the Catholic League softball championship.
Led by senior pitcher Brooke Lachette’s steady pitching and a barrage of 10-hit, four-walk offense, Prendergast stunned defending champion St. Hubert’s, 6-3, for the school’s first softball title since 1982.
Read More →Boy Scouts vote to allow openly gay youths to belong to Scout troops | May 24, 2013
Immigration bill moves to full Senate after approval by Judiciary Committee | May 24, 2013
Vatican financial investigator says laws, roles will be strengthened | May 22, 2013
God and His people bound together by Trinitarian love | May 22, 2013
U.S. appeals court strikes down Arizona law banning late-term abortions | May 22, 2013
Local Catholic News
Old St. Mary Parish at 250 years: older than the diocese, and U.S.
Posted on May 24th, 2013Parish anniversaries are always worth celebrating. A 250th anniversary is awesome — think about it, that’s older than the United States itself.
Old St. Mary’s in Philadelphia, where Archbishop Chaput will celebrate a quarter millennium anniversary Mass on May 26, traces back to 1763. St. Mary Chapel, established by Jesuit Father Robert Harding, was really an offshoot of Old St. Joseph’s which was established in 1733.
At that time Catholic houses of worship were technically illegal in most of the British Empire, but Catholics were generally left alone provided they didn’t make waves. This was especially so in Philadelphia where Quaker tolerance held sway.
Read More →Commentary
Confronting cruelty in children
Posted on May 24th, 2013
Character development and the cultivation of empathy are key components in any strategy to confront cruelty in children.
The topic of bullying has been in the headlines on and off for many years. A fine book by Emily Bazelon, “Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy,” caught the attention of prominent reviewers and provides a balanced picture for the consideration of parents and educators who are understandably concerned.
Read More →National Catholic News
No prayers at public meetings? Supreme Court will take up the case
Posted on May 24th, 2013ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court in the fall will hear oral arguments in a case from upstate New York about the practice of praying at open public meetings.
One of the questions the high court may consider is what steps a municipality should take to ensure the religious diversity of prayers offered at such meetings.
Read More →World Catholic News
Pope prays for Chinese Catholics, talks about loving one’s enemies
Posted on May 24th, 2013VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the face of difficulty, it’s natural to hope just to get by, but being Christian means patiently enduring trials and overcoming oppression with love, Pope Francis said at a Mass that included special prayers for China.
During the Mass May 24, Pope Francis concluded the prayers of the faithful with an [...]
