Open your heart to that small splendor born in Bethlehem, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christmas is a time to open your heart to the little and wondrous things found in baby Jesus — born poor and defenseless so he could be near and bring hope to everyone, Pope Francis said. “The most beautiful joy …
A picture says a thousand words: UC Bearcat visits St. James 3rd Graders

St. James the Greater Third graders in White Oak enjoyed some time with the University of Cincinnati Bearcat on the basketball court
Organizers announce ‘The Power of One’ as theme for 2017 March for Life
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gary Cameron, Reuters By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — Organizers of the March for Life made it clear Dec. 13 that although they’re “cautiously optimistic” about eventually overturning the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision with a Donald Trump administration and a Republican-controlled House and Senate, they don’t …
Kasich Vetoes Heartbeat Bill, Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban

After the general assembly sent two pro-life bills to Governor John Kasich last week, opponents of abortion and abortion promoters held their breath to see what he would do. Today, they had their answer. If the governor had done nothing, both bills (one banning abortion as soon as a fetal …
Document offers church’s hope for farmers as ‘agricultural leaders’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Larry W. Smith, EPA By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — While today’s family farmers worldwide are tested as never before, the church believes they can contribute to a more just ordering of life, said a new document issued Dec. 7. “The circumstances facing the family in farming are …
Vatican sets up emails, hashtag to send pope birthday greetings
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even though Pope Francis was planning a “normal” workday for his birthday, well-wishers can help brighten it up with special tweets and emails. Turning 80 Dec. 17, Pope Francis was going to start the day with Mass together with cardinals living in Rome, …
Pope writes to Syrian president, pleading for peace and aid corridors
IMAGE: CNS photo/SANA news agency By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to do everything possible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid to the people. Syria’s SANA news agency reported …
University of Dayton acquires land at Montgomery County Fairgrounds

Five community partners have come together to ensure the revitalization of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds will support community and economic development as well as complement the growth and positive momentum already occurring in the area. Montgomery County, the City of Dayton and the Montgomery County Agricultural Society have agreed in …
Athenauem News: Eleven Admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders

Eleven men publically declared their commitment to a program of formation for service to God and to the Catholic Church as priests on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic Church, through Bishop Joseph Binzer, publically accepted the aspirants into the ranks of the …
Satan’s strategy: Keep the Church back on its heels

The Catholic Church seems to be engaged in a slugfest. I know a scant bit about boxing because my Dad enjoyed the sport, something he learned in the Army. He felt the manly art of self-defense was something I needed to learn because I was hopelessly not fleet of foot. …