News
Pope makes new rules to strengthen charities’ Catholic identity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Warning that Catholic charitable activity must not become “just another form of organized social assistance,” Pope Benedict XVI issued new rules to strengthen the religious identity of Catholic charities and ensure that their activities conform to church teaching. The pope’s apostolic letter on the “service of charity,” (see the full text […]
Pope Benedict’s apostolic letter, ‘The Service of Charity’
The following apostolic letter of Pope Benedict XVI issued "motu proprio" on "The Service of Charity," dated Nov. 11, was issued by Vatican Information Service Dec. 1.
Faith-based groups seek protection for countries hit by climate change
DOHA, Qatar (CNS) — Representatives of faith-based development networks participating in the U.N. climate change conference urged governments to put aside national interests and protect the common good, especially those most vulnerable to climate change. Emilie Johann of the international alliance of Catholic development agencies, CIDSE, said the arrival of government ministers Dec. 4 should […]
Pope calls for world authority as ‘moral force’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The world authority envisioned by two popes as a way to ensure global peace and justice would not be a superpower, but primarily a moral force with limited jurisdiction, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope made his remarks Dec. 3 to a plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Justice and […]
St. Pius X hosts meditation on birth of Jesus
Catholic writer, teacher and evangelist Bill Donaghy will present on “The Birth that Changed Everything” Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, Broomall. Discover the beauty of the birth of the God-man through sacred art and song, joining the community of St. Pius X for a meditation on the love that […]
Msgr. McLoone named pastor of St. Joseph’s, Downingtown
Msgr. Joseph C. McCloone has been named pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. Parishioners of St. Joseph’s were informed of the appointment at weekend Masses Dec. 1-2.
Secretary for Catholic Education Richard McCarron announces retirement
Richard V. McCarron Jr., the top lay official for Catholic education in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, tendered his resignation last weekend. After serving as superintendent of schools before being named secretary for Catholic education in 2001, the 68-year-old McCarron will conclude 25 years in leadership with the archdiocese when his resignation becomes effective Feb. 1, 2013. “It is time for me to step down so that new leadership can guide and direct the mission of Catholic education,” McCarron said in a statement. “While it is difficult to step back from this role and from those whose dedication, commitment and passion for Catholic education have helped to mold thousands of students in the Catholic faith, I feel blessed for the opportunity to have worked with such devoted people.”
Archbishop Chaput receives anointing of the sick
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and other Catholics received the anointing of the sick during Mass Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Father Dennis Gill and Msgr. Arthur Rodgers, rector of the Cathedral, administered the sacrament. Archbishop Chaput will undergo knee surgery on Tuesday, Dec. 4. He asks via his Facebook […]
La Salle University award goes to CRS for agency’s humanitarian efforts
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — La Salle University gave one of its highest honors, the Signum Fidei Award, to Catholic Relief Services for its humanitarian outreach around the world. The university’s Alumni Association presents the award each year to an individual or organization “that has made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of humanitarian principles in keeping with […]
Is capitalism Catholic? A priest defends free-market economics
Father Robert Sirico insists that applying principles of the church's social teaching is a matter of prudential judgment, allowing for a range of legitimate approaches, including market-based solutions.