News
Canon law sets specific steps to follow before a parish can be closed
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Rarely is closing a parish easy. Even though the task has been undertaken countless times in the history of the U.S. Catholic Church as neighborhoods change and faith communities evolve, the process has received wider attention in recent years as the number of closings has escalated, prompted by changing demographics, fewer priests […]
Catholic Charities Appeal launches with goal to ‘transform reality’ via annual fund drive
The reality is, human needs abound in any community. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia those needs include shelter for those without a home, care for special-needs people, a safe environment for children after school, and many others. Charity – the material outreach of love – can transform those realities and improve the human condition.
To reach youths who have drifted from church, go ‘where they are’
OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) — Todd Christensen can’t really pinpoint when he started to drift away from the Catholic Church. Growing up, the 27-year-old attended Mass with his family and religious education classes at St. Leo the Great Parish in Omaha. But like so many young adult Catholics, that changed after high school when Christensen moved […]
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 […]