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Mass is a time of silence and prayer, not idle chitchat, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mass is the highest form of prayer and not an appropriate moment for small talk, Pope Francis said. At church, Catholics should spend their time in silence before Mass, preparing “to meet with Jesus” instead of engaging in “chitchat,” the pope said …
Beatification will see ‘Jesus planting his cross’ in heart of Detroit
IMAGE: CNS illustration/Michigan Catholic By Mike Stechschulte DETROIT (CNS) — On Nov. 18, more than a few Hail Marys will be thrown around inside Ford Field. And unlike a football game, every single prayer will be answered. That day jerseys and helmets will be replaced by chasubles and miters as …
Bishops to put together pastoral plan for marriage, family life ministry
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann BALTIMORE (CNS) — U.S. Catholic bishops acknowledged that Catholic families and married couples need more support from the church at large and hope to offer it by giving parishes plenty of resources through a pastoral plan for marriage and family life. A proposal …
British Catholic schools remove ‘mother,’ ‘father’ from admission forms
By Simon Caldwell MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — The terms “mother” and “father” will be banned from Catholic schools’ admissions forms in England and Wales following a complaint the terms discriminated against gay and stepparents. The Office of the Schools Adjudicator, which settles disputes on behalf of the government, upheld the …
Vatican releases pope’s schedule for visit to Chile, Peru
IMAGE: CNS photo/Felipe Trueba, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During his visit to Chile and Peru, Pope Francis will honor the country’s religious roots and underline the plight of indigenous men and women. The Vatican said Pope Francis will be in Chile Jan. 15-18, visiting the …
Catholic Church sometimes has been part of racism problem, says bishop
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Rhina Guidos BALTIMORE (CNS) — Though the Catholic Church has responded to racism for many years, some leaders and church institutions have at times been part of the problem, said a bishop who is heading a committee against racism. Bishop George V. Murry, speaking to …
Young people want to be heard, be part of leadership, report says
By Carol Zimmermann BALTIMORE (CNS) — Young people in the church want to be heard and be invited to be a part of church leadership, according to a report by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in preparation for next year’s Synod of Bishops on youth. They are often at …
Civility must guide debate on social challenges, USCCB president says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski BALTIMORE (CNS) — Acknowledging wide divisions in the country over issues such as health care, immigration reform, taxes and abortion, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for civility to return to the public debate. Contemporary challenges are great, but …
Couples need help forming, following their consciences, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marriage and family life are blessings for individuals and for society, but both are filled with difficult choices that Catholic couples must be helped to face prayerfully and in the light of their consciences, Pope Francis said. Unfortunately, too …
Global cooperation needed in response to climate change, pope says
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Global problems associated with climate change demand global cooperation, Pope Francis told a group of heads of state from the Pacific Islands. The planet Earth, when viewed from space, is a world without borders, he said, and “it reminds us of the need …