News
Civilian chaplains now returning to ministry despite federal shutdown
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Civilian Catholic chaplains, unable to perform religious duties at U.S. military bases during the first weekend of the federal government shutdown, were getting back on the job as the shutdown continued into its second week. “We’re now being told priests can return to work,” said John Schlageter, general counsel for the Archdiocese […]
Immigration reform focus of prayer vigils in Virginia, Rhode Island
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (CNS) — As Catholics in more than 150 cities rallied and prayed for Congress to restructure the country’s immigration laws, parishioners at a northern Virginia parish asked God to “grant the miracle of reform” at a bilingual prayer vigil. Members and guests of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church Oct. […]
Cardinal Dolan, in Rome, lauds pope’s ‘new strategy’ of evangelization
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ recent warning against overemphasizing moral teachings against abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception means that U.S. bishops should emulate his positive approach to evangelization, not shift the priorities of their public policy agenda, said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York. “What he’s saying is that if the perception of […]
Archbishop says synod theme shows importance of family for pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ decision to call an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family in 2014 demonstrates how important he believes the family is and the urgency he sees in responding to problems Christian families face, said the head of the Pontifical Council for the Family. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, council president, said […]
Church workers: Honduran mine concessions fuel human rights abuses
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS) — Four years after a coup d’etat threw Honduras into crisis, church workers said human rights abuses continue unabated, fueled by disputes over mining concessions. A new Honduran mining law passed in January has opened up huge swaths of the countryside to mining exploration. But the mining industry has increasingly […]
Doylestown school honors top 7th graders, welcomes graduate broadcaster
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Doylestown held an induction ceremony Monday, Oct. 7 for 21 academically flourishing seventh grade students who were welcomed into the Blessed Duns Scotus Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Marc Farzetta, host of sports radio station 610 WIP, who is an alumnus of the Bucks County School.
Clergy assignment changes announced
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: PASTOR EMERITUS Reverend Donald G. Birch, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Fallsington, effective October 14, 2013 Father Birch is retiring and will reside at a private residence. PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR Reverend Michael F. Hennelly, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Joseph […]
Cathedral Concert Series presents music in space for which it was meant
Music is alive and well in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and at a level of excellence it hasn’t seen in years, thanks to John Romeri, archdiocesan director of liturgical music who is entering his fourth year in the City of Brotherly Love since his arrival from St. Louis. The Cathedral Choir, originally formed by Dr. Peter LaManna for the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia and reconstituted by Romeri, has 89 members drawn from 50 parishes. The Girls’ Choir formed by him two years ago has 42 girls representing more than 20 parishes.
New Jersey pro-lifers cite power of prayer in effort to end abortion
MANVILLE, N.J. (CNS) -- Some pro-lifers get discouraged that bringing an end to abortion isn't happening overnight, but the power of prayer is making a difference, said Kevin Dugan, a parish pro-life ministry leader. For years members of Dugan's parish, Immaculate Conception in Somerville, have been joined by other faith communities in the Diocese of Metuchen to pray near a Planned Parenthood clinic in Manville. The effort is part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Britain’s top prosecutor confirms gender-based abortions are legal
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- Abortions on grounds of gender are legal in Britain, the country's top prosecutor clarified in a letter to the government. Keir Starmer, director of public prosecutions, said in an Oct. 7 letter to Attorney General Dominic Grieve that the 1967 Abortion Act "does not ... expressly prohibit gender-specific abortions."