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 …
Review of Canadian Caritas is hurting its credibility, says ex-president
IMAGE: CNS photo/Francois Gloutnay, Presence By Francois Gloutnay MONTREAL (CNS) — The former president of Development and Peace, the Canadian member of the international Caritas organization, said the Catholic bishops’ attitude toward their charitable agency is hurting its membership and credibility. Development and Peace is being criticized by a handful …
‘They have lost absolutely everything,’ say volunteers back from Bahamas
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tom Tracy By Tom Tracy PORT OF PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) — An expert in disaster search and rescue who recently concluded a 13-day post-Hurricane Dorian operation in the Bahamas said that if there are scores of undiscovered fatalities there, their bodies were likely claimed by the sea. …
Today’s Video: Is it a sin?
In Today’s Video, Father Casey looks at Moral theology which is a complicated subject in the Catholic Church. It’s not enough to look just at one’s actions. We must also consider intentions and circumstances.
Priesthood is a gift, not a job, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Being a priest is not a job or fulfilling an employment contract but is a gift from God that should be contemplated and treasured as such, Pope Francis said. Those who turn ordained ministry into an occupation "lose the …