News
Missio: Pope Francis unlocks app for Pontifical Mission Societies
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With slightly more of a swipe than a tap, Pope Francis helped the Pontifical Mission Societies of the United States broaden its reach around the world by unlocking a smartphone app. At the end of an audience with national directors of pontifical mission societies from around the world May 17, Oblate Father Andrew Small, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, brought an iPad up to the pope for the launch.
Helen Alvare blasts ‘sexual expressionism,’ government interference
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In dealing with several serious issues confronting the church and society today, "the only question is how you respond, not whether you should," said Helen Alvare at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, held May 9 in Washington. The response Alvare suggested to her audience: "As our leader (Pope Francis) is fearless, let us be fearless leaders."
Papal honors come to two lay Catholics in Archdiocese
One of the last acts of Pope Benedict XVI before his surprising retirement in February was to bestow papal honors to two Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Donna Farrell, the former director of communications for the archdiocese and Richard V. McCarron, the former secretary for Catholic education, both received letters dated May 8 from Archbishop Charles Chaput conveying the good news and inviting them to a formal award ceremony during the 6:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, June 2 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Little Flower High School partners with Holy Family U to expand courses, cut costs
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls and Holy Family University in Philadelphia agreed to work together closely in a partnership announced May 16. The agreement will enable students of the girls-only high school who graduate with at least a 2.5 grade point average to apply to the university without paying application fees. Dual-credit courses will be available for the students at Holy Family and credits will count toward both high school and college requirements.
Catholics called to mark May 24 as day of prayer for culture of life
Abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell will likely spend the rest of his life in prison but the efforts to oppose abortion and build a culture of life continue through prayer and sacrifice. All parishes are being “strongly encouraged” to participate in a day of prayer and penance on Friday, May 24, according to an unsigned letter […]
Archbishop says people returning to confession because of pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The head of the Vatican office promoting new evangelization said that while he does not like the terms “Francis effect” or “Francis bump,” it is true that “Pope Francis has touched the hearts and minds of many people.” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, said […]
Researchers’ embryonic stem-cell advance decried as morally troubling
WASHINGTON (CNS) — As Oregon scientists announced May 15 that they had successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities warned that the technique is morally troubling on many levels. Scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon National Primate Research […]
Pope calls for global, ethical finance reform, end to ‘cult of money’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis called for global financial reform that respects human dignity, helps the poor, promotes the common good and allows states to regulate markets. "Money has to serve, not to rule," he said in his strongest remarks yet as pope concerning the world's economic and financial crises.
County-level boards advising growth, governance of Catholic grade schools
Parish and regional elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have just received a new ally in their quest to sustain viability in these challenging times. A new governance model has been established with an Executive Board of Elementary Education chaired by Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, with five County Advisory Councils, representing the five counties of the Archdiocese working on the local level.
Alvare talk on women, religious freedom, draws hundreds to seminary
Approximately 240 people came to hear the lecture of noted Catholic speaker Helen Alvare May 14 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Alvare's talk, “Women’s Freedom and Religious Freedom: Collaboration or Clash?” was followed by a question and answer session with the audience, which included Archbishop Charles Chaput.