School visits enriching for students and seniors

The simplest action can leave a lasting impact and can bridge a very big generation gap. Take the outings for Mary Ann Mecher’s fourth grade religion class at Our Lady of Victory School. Once a month, she brings her students to visit the seniors who attend the Adult Day program …
Pope calls attack on Nice act of ‘blind violence’
IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis condemned the attack on Bastille Day celebrations in France, calling it an act of “blind violence.” The pope expressed his “deep sorrow” and “spiritual closeness” with the French people in a message to Bishop Andre Marceau of Nice. …
Chaplains use faith, listening to help their flocks in summer of mistrust, fear
IMAGE: By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — The week had been emotionally draining at the predominantly black parish in Oakland, California. Along with the rest of the country, they had felt the weight of two more fatal shootings of black men by police. Then things got worse July 7 when …
U.S. House members in bipartisan vote pass Conscience Protection Act
IMAGE: CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a bipartisan 245-182 vote, House members July 13 passed the Conscience Protection Act, which would provide legal protection to doctors, nurses, hospitals and all health care providers who choose not to provide abortions as part of their health care practice. …
Mobile medical unit from Vatican hits Rome’s peripheries to help poor
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A mobile medical unit donated by the Vatican tours Rome’s peripheries, offering free health care to those in need. A local volunteer association of doctors, health care professionals and medical students use the white and blue-striped RV-style vehicle, which carries …
Dedicated ‘retired’ teacher continues in Montessori education

Sister of Mercy Mary Aloyse Gerhardstein is certainly not slowing down at 87 years old – just changing course. Sister Aloyse, a lifelong Cincinnatian, has dedicated her life to educating and inspiring children locally and abroad. She helped Mercy Montessori establish the upper elementary program and Cincinnati’s first Montessori junior …
Communications ‘the ministry of my priesthood,’ says longtime editor
IMAGE: CNS photo/Rick Musacchio,Tennessee Register By Andy Telli NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) - Throughout his life, Msgr. Owen Campion has had a fascination with words. That fascination led him into the Catholic media as a reporter, writer and editor, a mentor to Catholic journalists, and as a liaison between the Vatican …
English cardinal welcomes Theresa May as new British prime minister
IMAGE: CNS photo/Will Oliver, EPA By LONDON (CNS) — An English cardinal said he was delighted by the appointment of Theresa May as Britain’s new prime minister because of the commitment she has shown in the fight against human trafficking. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference …
Syrian refugees, all Muslims, graduate from Caritas-run schools in Jordan
IMAGE: CNS photo/Dale Gavlak By Dale Gavlak NAOUR, Jordan (CNS) — Exuberant Syrian refugee children sang, danced and played with colorful clowns as they celebrated graduation at their Caritas-sponsored school in this sleepy suburb of the Jordanian capital, Amman. Some 170 Muslim children, ages 5-17, proudly strode up on the …
Scottish bishops urge Britain not to renew Trident weapons system
IMAGE: CNS photo/Joey Kelly, EPA By Simon Caldwell MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — The British government must take “decisive and courageous steps” toward ridding the country of nuclear weapons, said the Catholic bishops of Scotland. All eight bishops issued a joint statement calling for nuclear disarmament ahead of a July 18 …