News
US House passes bill to help storm-ravaged houses of worship rebuild
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Many churches "were the only shelter available to people who lost their homes" during Hurricane Sandy, said Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., in arguing for federal assistance to help houses of worship still trying to recover from the storm. On Feb. 13, the House of Representatives passed a bill in a 354-72 vote that will allow Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster funding to go to churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other houses of worship.
Austrian cardinal-theologian known for patient pastoral approach
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Since his installation as Vienna's archbishop in 1995, Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn has weathered several major storms with his patient pastoral approach. Whether it was the controversy of clergy dissenting over church teachings, massive parish closings or the scandal of clerical sex abuse, the 68-year-old theologian is quick to wield his diplomatic and administrative abilities and create an atmosphere of openness and dialogue.
Cardinal Sandri on those who doubt church: ‘We must prove them wrong’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 69, may have very little direct pastoral experience, but remarks he made to a group of U.S. bishops last year seem to show he knows the church has an image problem, and it's up to the church to fix it. "Many people today have come to doubt that there is still holiness or honesty in the church and in the clergy. We must prove them wrong," he told a group of Eastern Catholic bishops from the United States. "We can be a true community of saints who shine as models of chastity and charity before a culture in great need of this witness," the cardinal told the bishops, who were making their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican.
Cardinal Sarah known as defender of rights, promoter of charity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Robert Sarah, 67, has both the pastoral experience and the Roman Curia experience that many observers believe is necessary for a future pope. As Pope Benedict XVI prepared to leave office in late February, Cardinal Sarah was visiting Syrian refugee camps in Jordan in his capacity as president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the office that promotes and coordinates Catholic charitable giving.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul wins awards for promo video
The Philadelphia Visitors Channel presented Mgsr. Arthur E. Rodgers, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, with two awards Monday, Feb. 18 for a video on the cathedral. The video presents a tour of the cathedral that highlights its spiritual and historic significance. Considered the mother church and iconic symbol of […]
Rosemont parish hosts CRS speaker from Africa
The presentation by Jacques Kabore, a program director for CRS in Burkina Faso, will describe his work in the country. Participants will discover easy and practical resources to enliven their parish community, and have opportunities to network with other parish leaders and representatives. A simple supper will be served free of charge at 6 p.m. […]
What the church needs now: Synod gives clues to cardinals’ priorities
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — One task facing the College of Cardinals already has been completed: A job description for the Catholic Church’s chief evangelizer already is written. He must be humble, but firmly grounded in church teaching; joyful and enthusiastic; willing to listen to and dialogue with others; and courageous in defending human rights, including […]
CRS Lenten Series presents reflections by international, local speakers
The Catholic Relief Services annual Lenten Series continues in March with programs scheduled to take place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 North 17th Street in Philadelphia. Reflections by a speaker working with CRS, along with questions and answers, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. A simple meal of soup and bread will […]
Jazz festival for grade school bands coming to Mater Dei School
Mater Dei Catholic School in Lansdale will host its first-ever Archdiocesan Jazz Festival Saturday, Feb. 23. Elementary and middle school bands from around Philadelphia, including Mater Dei’s band, will perform and compete for awards. Other participating schools include Our Lady of Mercy in Maple Glen, St. Joseph in Downingtown, St. Aloysius in Bryn Mawr, and others. […]
A voice that proposed love and fulfillment
The following editorial appeared in the Feb. 13 issue of The Record, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Perth, Australia. It was written by Peter Rosengren, the editor. It seems nearly impossible to say anything that will be unique or new about the most talked about news of the week, and probably of the year. However, […]