Pro-life leaders say low abortion rate good news but not complete picture
By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The pro-life community is cheering a report released Sept. 18 that indicates the number and rate of abortions nationwide have fallen to their lowest levels since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion on demand in 1973. The numbers were …
Show others God’s mercy, don’t judge them, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters By ALBANO, Italy (CNS) — Christians are not licensed “inspectors of other people’s lives,” but rather disciples who reach out to others, assuring them of God’s love and welcoming them into the community, Pope Francis said. Celebrating an outdoor evening Mass Sept. 21 in Albano, …
Commitment to fighting climate change still weak, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The international community must ramp up its efforts if it expects to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, Pope Francis said. In a video message sent Sept. 23 to participants at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in New York, the pope …
Respect Life in a Culture of Death: The Catholic’s response to some of Life’s Crosses
Speaker Series at The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati. Tuesdays in October at 7:00 p.m. October 1, Rev. Raymond N. Enzweiler presents Euthanasia: Respecting Life until Natural Death October 8, Donna Murphy of Heaven’s Gain Ministry presents Dignity of the Child and Grieving during Pregnancy Loss October …
Church exists to proclaim Christ, not itself, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church must not become a distant memory for men and women today but must be a welcoming place where everyone feels at home, Pope Francis said. Too often, people judge the church to be either irrelevant …
Colombian priest works for recovery from civil war in his homeland
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Father Sterlin Londono has been a priest for 21 years among his fellow Afro-Colombians in his home region of Choco in Colombia, which is rich in gold — but also rich in coca. Choco also is home to Father Londono’s …
Amazon inhabitants hope synod will address lack of priests
IMAGE: CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves By Junno Arocho Esteves QUITO, Ecuador (CNS) — The upcoming Synod of Bishops for the Amazon will focus on the devastating effects of climate change on the environment and on indigenous communities, but it also will look at ways to meet the spiritual needs of …
Building “Hope” in Willowdell
Story & photos by Susie Bergman Connie McEldowney is very clear about one thing: The mission she oversees is not hers; it is God’s. As we sat together in the newly renovated St. Paul’s Church in tiny Willowdell, she cuddles and cares for the newest addition to her family: 2-month-old …
Bethany House Services Helps Families Find a Place to Call Home
by Sister Eileen Connelly The wide smile on Rhonda’s* face as she discusses the help she and her three children have received through Bethany House Services (BHS) belies the fear and frustration they experienced while homeless. An ongoing battle with depression made it a challenge for Rhonda to maintain employment …
Service for Deceased Children a Chance to Heal
by John Stegeman The grieving process after the death of a child is unique for everyone. For Catholics, the funeral and burial are important steps, but it doesn’t stop there. The need for ongoing opportunities to heal is why Gate of Heaven Cemetery hosts an annual Candlelight Service for Deceased …
