News
Pope’s chief of staff gives behind-the-scenes talk on media, reform
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A native Oklahoma priest who serves on a new, key Vatican council praised social media's role in telling the pope's message without filters. Still there is no method better than the pope's personal style. "One of the best things to happen to Vatican communications in years is Pope Francis," said Msgr. Peter Wells. Things changed "overnight" with the pope's open manner and the way he interacts with people.
New video to help Catholics intensify prayer, penance, sacrifice in face of threats
The U.S. Catholic bishops have developed a one-minute video to help Catholics around the country pray for the renewal of a culture of life, marriage and religious liberty in the United States. Archbishop Charles Chaput was among all the bishops who received a letter from the chairmen of four committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including Cardinal Sean O'Malley, encouraging use of the video and prayer resources in every diocese.
Keeping with tradition, Colbert lobs good-natured barbs at Smith dinner
Comedian Steven Colbert said at a charity fundraiser Oct. 17 that the robust New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan came "this close" to being selected pope "but he blew it in the swimsuit competition." Colbert claimed Cardinal Dolan was the first runner-up in the election and should be "warming up his blessing arm in the papal bullpen" in the event of a steroid issue with the winner.
SS. Simon and Jude School names student council officers
SS. Simon and Jude School, West Chester, proudly announces the new student council for the 2013-2014 school year. Members of the council and teachers and administrators shown above include: First row, from left: Christina DiGiulio, Abigail Foster, Julia Repetto, Brendan McLaughlin, Aidan Rae, Christopher Datz and Joseph Magnotta. Second row, from left: teacher Jackie Dryfoos; […]
Pope Francis prefigured: Discovering the real John Paul I
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "May God forgive you for what you have done," the newly elected pope told the cardinals who elevated him to the highest office in the Catholic Church.
Christian persecution around world has intensified, study finds
Not only are Christians in the Middle East and Africa suffering increasingly from Islamist terror attacks, but they continue to endure severe persecution and hardship in Communist, Marxist or post-Communist states, according to a report published Oct. 17. For Christians, the so-called "Arab spring" has in many cases become what the report calls a "Christian winter," a news release said.
Life in the Spirit seminars continue at Delaware County parish
Life in the Spirit seminars for Charismatic prayer groups in the Philadelphia Archdiocese continue in October at the parish hall of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Glen Mills. Father Francis Groarke leads the prayer meetings Oct. 21 and 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information call at 610-627-1581
Theology on Tap, NE Phila., hosts evenings for young adults
Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to the Theology on Tap series in Northeast Philadelphia that continues Oct. 21 and 28. Gearo’s Grille, 1913 Welsh Road in Philadelphia, hosts the evenings of casual eating, drinking, and faith-related discussion Mondays beginning at 7:30 p.m. Father Shaun Mahoney, Catholic campus minister at Temple University, […]
At ‘Justice for Immigrants’ Mass, bishop calls Jesus ‘divine immigrant’
TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- Jesus was the "divine immigrant" who lived his life "traveling from place to place," Bishop David M. O'Connell of Trenton told the congregation at a mid-day "Justice for Immigrants" Mass Oct. 11 at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.
Agencies deal with cash crunch, more clients to serve during shutdown
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The federal government shutdown is over, but the early prognosticators are picking winners and losers only on the political end of the equation.