Pope: God is purifying the church with ‘unbearable’ pain of abuse scandal
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — The clerical abuse scandal has caused everyone in the Catholic Church "pain and unbearable suffering," Pope Francis said, but it also is a call to repentance and the renewal of the church. "Our humble repentance, which remains silent between our …
In times of crisis, church returns to basics of faith, Bishop Barron says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Cindy Wooden By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — In times of crisis, the Catholic Church and its faithful must return to the basics of the Christian faith, said Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of Los Angeles. Bishop Barron, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1986, told reporters …
Venezuelan military detains U.S. journalist, CNS contributor, after raid
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Global Sisters Report By WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Catholic News Service contributor in Caracas, Venezuela, was taken by military counterintelligence officials after his home was raided early March 6. Cody Weddle, 29, best known for reporting for Miami ABC affiliate WPLG and The Miami Herald, had reported …
Update: Pope conveys ‘heartfelt solidarity,’ prayers for tornado victims
IMAGE: CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters By MOBILE, Ala. (CNS) — As of March 6, the number of lives lost in Alabama during a violent tornado that swept through the central part of the state remained at 23, and USA Today reported that anonymous donors have now offered to pay for …
After Work and School Ash Wednesday Mass Times
Here’s a listing of Ash Wednesday Mass Times after 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. St. John Fisher Newtown 6:30 p.m. Church of the Resurrection Bond Hill Immaculate Conception Botkins (Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes) Immaculate Conception Celina Our Lord Christ The King Mount Lookout St. Aloysius on the Ohio …
Lent begins with reminder of all that fades away, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Marked with ashes, Christians set off on a Lenten journey where they strive to leave behind everything that will turn to dust and instead focus on drawing closer to God and God’s promise of eternal life, Pope Francis said. After …
God’s kingdom comes through gentleness, not violence, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The kingdom of God is being established slowly in the world through patience and gentleness and not by violence or force, Pope Francis said. Jesus’ petition for his father’s kingdom to come "is not a threat at all; …
Today’s Video: The Significance of Ash Wednesday
They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us—not despite our brokenness, but in …
Catholic youth learn significance of ashes in fiery Lenten tradition
IMAGE: CNS photo/Katie Rutter By Katie Rutter COLUMBUS, Ind. (CNS) — Smoke billowed from a small fire pit, rising nearly as high as the steeple of St. Bartholomew Church in Columbus. About 100 students watched from a safe distance March 4 as church staff stoked the flame and periodically tossed …
Encore: This year’s Lent could be just what struggling church needs
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — When Lent begins March 6, U.S. Catholics will likely be more than ready for it. This set-aside time for prayer and reflection — after all the church has been through in recent months — could provide both a healing balm …