Hyde Amendment has a bipartisan past but a cloudy future
By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Most people who keep an eye on life issues know the shorthand about the Hyde Amendment — that it bars the federal government from funding abortions through Medicaid. But the amendment does more than that — although not everything pro-lifers may wish it could …
Where policy, religion fail, sports can lift spirits, say speakers
IMAGE: CNS photo/Ettore Ferrari, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Wherever public policy, communities and even religions may have failed, sports and recreation are ready and set to lift wounded spirits and build cooperation and peace in the world, said a number of speakers at a Vatican conference. …
Everyday Evangelist: Sister’s ministry fosters feline and human connections
By Patricia McGeever Before Sister Eileen Connelly became an army veteran, or a reporter and newspaper editor, or a hospice volunteer or an Ursuline, she adopted a cat. That cat, Katie, helped shape another ministry with which Sister Eileen is very involved – rescuing abandoned and stray felines. “I don’t …
As his film debuts, Wahlberg finds time to praise priesthood in video
IMAGE: CNS photo/Giorgio Onorati, EPA By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Typically, the Facebook page for the Diocese of Providence Office of Vocations in Rhode Island gets anywhere from 3 to 40 likes on their posts — most which celebrate seminarians, priests and their ministry. But it took an actor …
Hurricane response in Haiti slowed by blocked roads, floods, power outages
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Malteser International By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Haitian first responders and nongovernmental aid workers were assessing the damage from Hurricane Matthew even as they scrambled to deliver food, water and shelter materials to communities isolated by washed-out bridges and blocked roads. The storm left southwestern Haiti …
Bishops elevate popular Alaskan retreat to national shrine
IMAGE: CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec By Nancy Wiechec PHOENIX (CNS) — A popular Alaskan retreat has been designated a national shrine by the U.S. bishops. Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau, Alaska, announced the news on the Oct. 1 feast of St. Therese Lisieux, the patroness of Alaska after whom the …
Walking the talk: Catholics, Anglicans work together as they seek unity
IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If Christians are called to live their faith concretely, then they cannot leave out concrete signs of the unity to which Jesus calls them. And just because the formal Anglican-Roman Catholic theological dialogue has been forced to grapple with new church-dividing …
A Picture says a Thousand Words: St. Ignatius School
Mrs. Robyn Tierney’s first grade classroom learned about St. Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day, October 4. The children discussed how to love and care for God’s creation like St. Francis did. The Prayer of St. Francis mural was painted, in the hallway at St. Ignatius School in Monfort Heights, …
Franciscan Sister Postulant Tricia Oswald
One of the Franciscan Sisters’ of Christian Charity newest postulants is Tricia Oswald from Ohio. Recently, along with postulant, Megan Kugel, she answered questions from discerning women about her Franciscan calling, and the charism of her new congregation. What was it about the Franciscan Sisters that drew you? “What drew …
Pope: Church’s mission is to attract people to Christ, not proselytize
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians are called to follow the example of St. Therese of Lisieux, who helped draw people to Jesus by way of attraction, not by proselytizing, Pope Francis said. She was a reminder that an authentic witness is proclaimed through …