News
US bishops, Catholic bloggers discuss how tweets, blogs help evangelize
BALTIMORE (CNS) — A group of U.S. bishops and Catholic bloggers discussed — and tweeted about — how to use social media to spread the Gospel message during a Nov. 11 session prior to the start of the U.S. bishops’ annual general assembly in Baltimore. In the nearly three-hour session, the group of two dozen […]
Organists plentiful but not many parishes ‘blessed’ with budget for one
NEW YORK (CNS) — If music conservatories are producing a bumper crop of organ performance graduates, why can’t the parish down the street get a substitute organist for the 10 a.m. Mass? There’s no single answer, but liturgical musicians who spoke with Catholic News Service attribute it to parish finances, cultural changes and the pastor’s […]
By the numbers: Consistory to expand variety in College of Cardinals
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Shortly after announcing he was creating six new cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI said he was doing so to show that “the church is a church of all peoples, (and) speaks in all languages.” The six new “princes of the church” hail from six different countries in North America, Latin America, Africa […]
NDS wins $12K food grant by ConAgra Foods
A major American food producer recognized the exceptional service provided by Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. ConAgra Foods awarded NDS a Nourish Our Community grant of $12,500 Nov. 13. The money will help NDS buy food to stock the 35 food cupboards it supports in the Philadelphia region, according to NDS spokesperson Anne Ayella.
Catholic Charities benefits from Feast of Seven Fishes dinner
The Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children and archdiocesan Catholic Charities are the beneficiaries of the fourth annual Feast of the Seven Fishes held Monday, Dec. 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market Street in Philadelphia. Talk Radio 1210 WPHT presents event, which is hosted by […]
First-ever overtime Catholic League title snatched by La Salle
The word “classic” is not the same as simply being “exciting” or “entertaining.” It means that, in years to come, it is a spectacle that will stand the test of time. And so, years from now, those who witnessed the Catholic League AAAA Division football championship Nov. 10 at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School will have carte blanche to say they indeed saw a bona fide classic.
Priest projections, study of parish life undergird parish planning
Given current trends, somewhere between 2020 and 2025 the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will have more parishes than it has available priests. That fact in itself goes a long way toward explaining why there will be parish consolidations as part of the ongoing Archdiocesan Strategic Planning process.
Bishops’ economic letter fails; foes urge more consultation
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops' effort to send a pastoral message of hope in trying economic times came up short of the votes needed Nov. 13, after concerns were raised about its limitations, its expedited process and whether it actually was something that they would use to reach out to people.
Eastern Catholics explain tradition, value of married priests
ROME (CNS) — In Eastern Christianity — among both Catholics and Orthodox — a dual vocation to marriage and priesthood is seen as a call “to love more” and to broaden the boundaries of what a priest considers to be his family, said Russian Catholic Father Lawrence Cross. Father Cross, a professor at the Australian […]
Sisters, bishops begin discussions on LCWR doctrinal assessment
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Officials of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious met with three U.S. bishops charged with overseeing the organization's reform Nov. 11 in Baltimore prior to the U.S. bishops' annual fall general assembly. "The discussion was open and cordial and those present agreed to meet again to continue the conversation," according to a brief statement issued Nov. 12 by Franciscan Sister Florence Deacon, LCWR president, and Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, who was assigned by the Vatican to provide "review, guidance and approval, where necessary, of the work" of LCWR.