News
Bishops send ‘special message’ reiterating objections to HHS mandate
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- In a "special message" released Nov. 13, the U.S. bishops reiterated their objections to the Affordable Care Act's requirement that employee insurance include contraceptive coverage and said they remain "united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom."
Pope reiterates call for Catholics to adopt missionary mindset
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis once again called for Catholics to adopt a missionary mindset and make mission the priority of all pastoral activities. The pope, speaking from the Vatican via video to an audience of clergy, religious and laity at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, also called for participants to cast aside clericalism and to get out of their churches to serve people where they are.
Archdiocese invites lay, clergy input on marriage and family life for Vatican meeting
In what is billed as a “unique opportunity for the clergy and faithful,” Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are now able to participate in a “consultation” with the Vatican in preparation for next year’s Synod of Bishops in Rome. The archdiocese announced Nov. 15 that it has posted a form on the archdiocesan website for Catholics to provide input on current challenges to marriage and the family.
In Philippines, signs of faith among ruins of typhoon
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- In the week after Super Typhoon Haiyan cut a path of devastation across the central Philippines, faith remained strong among the hardest hit. A storm surge that Haiyan churned up brought 15-foot waves to Tacloban, the obliterated city on Leyte's east coast that took the worst hit from the typhoon. "All of a sudden all the houses were gone," including his, said Gonzales, who lived right outside Tacloban. "You can't find any trace of it, not one piece."
‘Catholicism’ creator likes new media’s impact ‘way outside’ churches
SMYRNA, Ga. (CNS) -- Chicago priest Father Robert Barron has a dream -- for another grand, sweeping documentary on Catholicism. It's the latest goal for the priest who more than a dozen years ago was asked to jump-start an evangelical endeavor to "invade that space" where the church's message was not often heard. "If you want to reach people who are under 40, you have to use media. Things like YouTube had just come into being and we jumped into that with two feet," said Father Barron. "If you want to find the unchurched Catholics and the secularists, you aren't going to find them by staying in church and inviting them to programs. You have to use this new means. We have to invade that space."
Archbishop announces 8 clergy assignment changes
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: PASTOR Reverend John F. Babowitch, from Pastor, Saint Barnabas Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia, effective December 2, 2013 Reverend Robert G. Suskey, from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Southampton, to […]
U.S. Filipinos, churches organize emergency relief for Philippines
If the Filipino-American community of Southern California has anything to say about it, the upcoming holiday season in Southeast Asia will not be completely obscured by the effects of Super Typhoon Haiyan. "If we ship goods from Los Angeles to Cebu's port, it will take up to 45 days; it can still arrive during Christmas," said a priest who heads the Filipino ministry in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, adding that the local Knights of Columbus have gotten behind the drive.
Aston parish sixth graders serve community before confirmation
As part of their preparation for the sacrament of confirmation, sixth graders from St. Francis de Sales School and Parish CCD program in Aston, Delaware County, participated in several service projects. Some students worked as a team to package items from the St. Francis de Sales Home and School Association’s annual Fall Outgrown Clothing […]
Seminarians seek support as they race in Philadelphia Marathon
Seminarians from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary are warming up to run in the Philadelphia Marathon and Half-Marathon races Sunday, Nov. 17, and are asking for help from friends. About 20 members of the “Race for Seminarians” team are running to raise financial support and awareness for the mission of the seminary and priestly vocations. [hotblock] […]
Roman Catholic basketball stars headed to Drexel, Penn State next fall
Roman Catholic High School announced Nov. 13 that two seniors and star basketball players, Rashann London and Shep Garner, will sign their letters of intent to attend Division I colleges in the fall. London intends to attend Drexel University and Garner expects to go to Penn State University.