News
In announcing new encyclical, Pope Francis reveals his decisive style
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told members of the ordinary council of the Synod of Bishops that he was preparing to publish an encyclical on faith written “with four hands” — his own and those of Pope Benedict XVI. While a formal speech was prepared for the pope’s meeting with the council responsible for […]
50 million new jobs needed to boost global economy, Vatican urges U.N.
GENEVA (CNS) -- Job creation must become a key component of any United Nations plan to lift people out of poverty around the world, said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's observer to the United Nations. He also stressed that people must be seen as more than consumers but as integral members of society whose dignity can be upheld through employment.
Pope Francis talks with bishops about working together more closely
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A meeting with Pope Francis designed as reflection on the last Synod of Bishops turned into a group reflection on strengthening the synod itself and the way the world's bishops assist the pope.
Theologian urges church to give Holy Spirit more ‘breathing room’
MIAMI (CNS) -- Although the Second Vatican Council called on the Catholic Church to mirror the life of the Trinity, the church is still far from being converted to that vision, a leading Australian theologian said June 8. "The major issue is that the Holy Spirit is given very little institutional breathing room," Father Ormond Rush said in a plenary address to the annual convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America in Miami.
Cardinal Monsengwo sees church’s pastoral work helping stabilize Congo
MONTREAL (CNS) -- The Catholic Church, through its pastoral work and the promotion of justice, can help bring stability and peace in violence-torn Congo, said a cardinal who once helped guide the country from dictatorship to democracy.
Holy Redeemer Thrift Store hosts antiques auction
The Holy Redeemer Thrift Store will host a live auction of its finest antiques, art, jewelry and collectibles on Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. Registration, light refreshments, and a preview of the more than 25 auction items will be available prior to the event, beginning at 2 p.m. The auction is free to the public […]
Obama administration drops fight to limit age restrictions on Plan B
WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. Catholic officials expressed disappointment with the June 10 announcement that the federal government will comply with a judge’s ruling to allow girls of any age to buy the morning-after pill without a prescription. The decision reversed recent course of action by the federal government. On May 1, the Justice Department announced […]
Hope for those ‘living in shadows’ seen in immigration reform debate
AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) — With the debate on immigration underway in the U.S. Senate, the nation may finally be making some headway on long-overdue comprehensive reform of its immigration policies, said Austin Bishop Joe S. Vasquez. “Our country has needed this legislation for years,” he said. “With the help of all in the Catholic community, […]
Theologians give Pope Francis thumbs up for ‘good pastoral directions’
MIAMI (CNS) -- The new papacy of Francis has thus far been inspiring, challenging and accessible and is giving "new traction" to Catholic social teachings, according to a cross section of distinguished scholars on hand for a convention of theologians.
Maple Glen parish marks 50 years of close ‘family bond’
In 1963, as part of the great migration of Catholics from the Philadelphia core to its outlying areas and the suburbs, nine parishes were founded. One of them, a spin-off of St. Anthony in Ambler, was St. Alphonsus, Maple Glen. With about 1,700 households and almost 1,300 in Mass attendance each week, it has a lot going for it. In addition to the many long-running and some new parish programs are 75 or so men and women who attend daily Mass.