News
Lecture series for Year of Faith begins Dec. 13
A year-long lecture series sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Family, Life and Laity will launch Thursday, Dec. 13 with a talk by nationally renowned speaker Dr. Timothy Gray on the topic of “Advent, a Season of Hope.”
Under the big top, traditional values thrive, are shared, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Circuses, street musicians, clowns, magicians and other itinerant performers not only bring people joy, but their traditional lifestyle is an example of hard work, sacrifice, strong families and real respect between people of different generations, Pope Benedict XVI said. "You are called to give witness to the values that are part of your tradition: love for the family, tenderness toward children, attention to those with disabilities, care for the sick and the valuing of the aged with their wealth of experience," the pope told an estimated 8,000 performers and carnival workers.
With @Pontifex, pope reaches out to new kind of followers
This is a screen capture of Pope Benedict XVI's newly created Twitter account. (CNS/Vatican)VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- To celebrate the launch of his new Twitter account @Pontifex, Pope Benedict XVI will tweet the answers to a handful of questions from his followers.
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.”