Catholics must learn to make mission a priority, says Boston cardinal

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The United States is experiencing a "transition from a strong cultural Catholicism to an intentional Catholicism," and that requires "a new evangelization (that) responds to the questions of today," said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley.

‘Bishop Bling’ pays fine in perjury case

HAMBURG, Germany (CNS) -- The so-called "luxury bishop" or "Bishop Bling" of Limburg agreed to pay a fine of 20,000 euros rather than contest charges that he perjured himself before the Hamburg District Court.

Boehner remarks raise questions on immigration reform

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Depending on how one interprets House Speaker John Boehner's recent comments on the prospects for immigration reform legislation to be passed in the House, it might be out of the question or the measure might just take a different form than the bill already passed by the Senate. According to one advocate of reform, the House can instead move to the floor five separate bills that deal with aspects of immigration reform, which have already moved through relevant committees.

The New Evangelization: Responsibilities and challenges for the American continent

Archbishop Charles Chaput spoke at a meeting of bishops from Canada, the United States and Latin America, sponsored by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Saturday, Nov. 16 in Mexico City, Mexico. He spoke of the challenges the Church faces in America – pastoral, social, economic and political -- which are as many as they are serious. He focused on several of those problems, poverty and drugs, plus a third in his conclusion.

Archdiocese invites lay, clergy input on marriage and family life for Vatican meeting

In what is billed as a “unique opportunity for the clergy and faithful,” Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are now able to participate in a “consultation” with the Vatican in preparation for next year’s Synod of Bishops in Rome. The archdiocese announced Nov. 15 that it has posted a form on the archdiocesan website for Catholics to provide input on current challenges to marriage and the family.

‘Catholicism’ creator likes new media’s impact ‘way outside’ churches

SMYRNA, Ga. (CNS) -- Chicago priest Father Robert Barron has a dream -- for another grand, sweeping documentary on Catholicism. It's the latest goal for the priest who more than a dozen years ago was asked to jump-start an evangelical endeavor to "invade that space" where the church's message was not often heard. "If you want to reach people who are under 40, you have to use media. Things like YouTube had just come into being and we jumped into that with two feet," said Father Barron. "If you want to find the unchurched Catholics and the secularists, you aren't going to find them by staying in church and inviting them to programs. You have to use this new means. We have to invade that space."

Can cremated remains be buried at sea?

Q. There was a photo in our local Catholic newspaper of a pastor presiding over a burial at sea. Please clarify the church's teaching on cremation and the proper final resting place of the cremated remains. (I thought that the "cremains" were to be buried.) (Davenport, Iowa) Q. I am a longtime practicing Catholic, but there is a question that has been bothering me: with respect to the canonization process for Pope John Paul II. How did the devil's advocate treat the issue of the clergy sexual abuse scandal? (Marlboro, N.J.)

Legatus marks 25 years of helping executives spread Catholic faith

The Philadelphia Chapter of Legatus, an organization for Catholic CEOs and other very high ranking executives, has often held its monthly meeting at the Union League, so it was a logical choice for its 25th anniversary celebration Nov. 12. When you think of a gathering of CEOs, it’s easy to imagine a bunch of rich guys sitting around and plotting for ways they can all become richer. Nothing could be further from the truth in this case.

Honolulu bishop calls same-sex marriage a ‘manufactured civil right’

HONOLULU (CNS) -- Following a special session of the Hawaii Legislature that for two weeks turned the state Capitol into high-spirited exhibition of populous democracy, Gov. Neil Abercrombie Nov. 13 signed the bill causing all the commotion and made Hawaii the 15th state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Newly elected USCCB president says he is rooted in simple values

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz grew up in Mahanoy City, Pa., in the Allentown Diocese. He graduated from St. Charles Seminary before ordination in Allentown, after which he was named a bishop in Tennessee and now Kentucky. He recognizes the need for "reaching out to people on the margins," he said.