Chicago Archdiocese to release documents on past child sex abuse cases

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, in a letter to be published Jan. 12 in parish bulletins, said "any abuse of a young person is heartbreaking" and such cases have put "a heavy burden on all of us in the church."

Papal preacher says concern for unborn should extend to poor

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians cannot hope to abolish abortion and euthanasia unless they live out their faith, extending their concern for victims of such practices to those who suffer from poverty, illness and oppression, said the preacher of the papal household.

It’s about time: Kairos retreat open to public school students, home schoolers

Kate Greenhalgh loved the experience of retreats as a Catholic high school student. So she began an effort to offer them for all students. It has the archbishop's blessing, and the first regional Kairos retreat is in February 2014.

Prayer, song, reflection, procession: Thousands enjoy Magnificat Day

In one of the best-run liturgical celebrations for Philadelphia in years, Magnificat Day drew some 3,500 people to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The day included an encouraging talk for Philadelphia Catholics by speakers such as Father Robert Barron, and began and ended with eucharistic liturgies led by Archbishop Charles Chaput.

Theology on Tap, NE Phila., hosts evenings for young adults

Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to the Theology on Tap series in Northeast Philadelphia that continues Oct. 21 and 28. Gearo’s Grille, 1913 Welsh Road in Philadelphia, hosts the evenings of casual eating, drinking, and faith-related discussion Mondays beginning at 7:30 p.m. Father Shaun Mahoney, Catholic campus minister at Temple University, […]

Ambassador, priest pay tribute to Jesuits who perished in Holocaust

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CNS) — Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See joined Oblate Father Thomas B. Curran, president of Jesuit-run Rockhurst University in Kansas City, in laying a wreath Oct. 9 at a plaque on campus that pays tribute to the more than 150 Jesuits who died at the hands of the Nazis. “It is […]

Eucharistic congress celebrates ‘youth, vitality’ of Knoxville Diocese

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) — The Diocese of Knoxville celebrated its 25th anniversary in grand fashion by holding its first eucharistic congress, which drew about 5,000 Catholics from throughout Tennessee and around the country to gather in prayer and song, fellowship and worship. “My wife, Karen, and I attended this conference and were just blown away […]

The Church is holy, and open to all, not only the pure

Vatican City, 2 October 2013 (VIS) – The holiness of the Church was the theme chosen by Francis for his catechesis during today's general audience, which took place in St. Peter's Square and was attended by more than 50,000 people.

The Internet must transmit a church which is home to all

Vatican City, 21 September 2013 (VIS) – The Pontifical Council for Social Communications, whose president is Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, held its plenary assembly from 19 to 21 September, on the theme of “The internet and the Church.” This morning the participants in the meeting were received in audience by the Pope who, in his […]

St. Aloysius School in Pottstown turns 100, keeps up with the times

When it opened in 1913 St. Aloysius School had 178 students, and over the years there have been ups and downs. But this year, according to principal Sarah Kerins, there are 250 children from pre-school through grade eight. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald visited the Pottstown school on Sunday, Sept. 15, to celebrate a centennial Mass in the parish church for this singular milestone.