News
Prayers for rain, or no more of it: U.S. grapples with drought while Ireland, India suffer from flooding
In the Midwest United States, high temperatures and the worst drought in decades are stunting crops and moving Catholics to pray for rain. But Catholic communities in Ireland and India are praying for just the opposite. In those countries heavy rains are flooding farm fields and homes. The desperation of drought-stricken farmers in the Midwest […]
Some military chaplains feel religious freedom challenged, says bishop
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNS) — While they work to defend the U.S. Constitution, some Catholic military chaplains feel that their First Amendment right to the “free exercise” of religion has been called into question. “Many have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, and of course among the first and the founding freedoms of our country was […]
Congressional plan to cut $16B in food aid called ‘unjustified and wrong’
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A proposed $16 billion cut in the nation’s Supplemental Nutritional and Assistance Program is “unjustified and wrong,” said a joint letter from the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic and international justice committees, leaders of Catholic Relief Services and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. The cuts in SNAP, once known as […]
Trouble for Church in China: One Chinese bishop ordained without Pope’s approval is excommunicated, while a validly ordained bishop faces government restrictions
The ordination in China of a bishop without papal mandate follows that of a bishop ordained with Vatican approval who rejected the Chinese government-sanctioned Catholic association. That bishop is facing Chinese restrictions on his ministry and is on retreat due to “exhaustion” after his ordination. “His witness is an encouragement for our Catholics, so we can only pray for him," a priest in Shanghai said. Catholics called for prayers and fasting for the bishop on July 9, feast of the Chinese Martyrs.
Carole Sheeran
In memory of Carole Sheeran, wife of Gerry, mother of Patrick, who entered rest Aug. 11, 2009. You left us beautiful memories and are always in our thoughts. Sadly missed by the Sheeran Clan.
Gretchen (Sheeran) O’Mara
In memory of Gretchen (Sheeran) O’Mara, who entered rest Aug. 20, 2010. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure. Loving you always, forgetting you never. Sadly missed by the Sheeran Clan.
Dorothy Gill
In loving memory of Dorothy Gill July 5, 1927 Wish we could be together on our birthday So you could be told in person How loved you are, How important you are, How often you are thought about, How continually you are cared about, How much you are missed. Wishing you were here, Happy birthday […]
Kevin Joseph Schenk
In loving memory of my son, Kevin Joseph Schenk 3/19/1985 to 7/4/2009 On his three year anniversary. “My Kevin from heaven,” July 4th will forever remain with us for the rest of our lives. We never got the chance to say goodbye. The pain of that day will live with us forever. The hole in our hearts will never heal. Kevin, you were truly sent to me from heaven above, to hold, to love. Kevin, in your brief length of time in this ordinary place we were blessed to have had you. Gone but never forgotten. We love you so and our whole lives have changed. Daddy, Mommy, Kasey, Grandmom and Molly
Of six priests on leave, four cleared to return to ministry
The fate of six priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia placed on administrative leave after the February 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report was announced today by the Archdiocese. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., decided on the cases after “a rigorous investigative process involving over 20 experts in child abuse,” a statement from the Archdiocese said July 6. Of the six priests, four were determined to have unsubstantiated allegations against them, and they have been deemed suitable for ministry.
Masses, devotions, rallies mark U.S. Church’s ‘fortnight for freedom’
WASHINGTON (CNS) — When the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops asked Catholics to dedicate 14 days to the preservation of religious freedom through prayer, education and public action, they listened. Catholics in dioceses across the United States participated in Masses, devotions, holy hours, educational presentations and rallies during the June 21 to July 4 campaign […]