Bishops’ pastoral letter on racism on track for November vote
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CNS) — A planned pastoral letter addressing racism is on schedule for a November vote by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Sheldon J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, chairman of the bishop’s Ad Hoc Committee on Racism, said during …
Pilgrim’s progress: Papal trip to Geneva marks ‘new spring’ in ecumenism
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy World Council of Churches By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ one-day pilgrimage to Geneva will mark another major ecumenical moment in his papacy. While he will celebrate Mass for the nation’s Catholics and meet with Vatican diplomatic staff working at U.N. agencies there, the …
Bishops adopt ‘pastoral response’ for Asian, Pacific Island Catholics
By Dennis Sadowski FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CNS) — A new document focused on guiding the American church in addressing the pastoral needs of Asian and Pacific Island Catholics was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during their annual spring assembly. Adopted 187-2 with two abstentions, “Encountering Christ in …
Throwback Thursday: Celebrating Mother of Mercy High School

On June 2, 2018, a celebration was held on the grounds of Mother of Mercy High School. Here’s a look back on that most special evening.
Migration is about people, not numbers, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Migrants seeking a better life in other countries must not be viewed with suspicion but rather defended and protected, no matter their status, Pope Francis said. International cooperation is needed “at every stage of migration,” especially for countries …
Listen to those in need, pope says in World Day of Poor message
IMAGE: CNS/Tyler Orsburn By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — How is it that God in heaven can hear the cries of the poor, but so many people watching or standing nearby either cannot or just do not care, Pope Francis asked. People must make “a serious examination of conscience …
A Father’s Day Prayer

A Fathers’s Day Prayer St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, …
At retirement, a priest looks back

Father Thomas Snodgrass reflects on 42 years of service “Don’t call me in July,” Father Thomas Snodgrass said, sitting in his 8th floor office at the central archdiocesan offices in downtown Cincinnati. “I plan to be sitting poolside for a month just relaxing.” Forty-two years after his ordination to the …
At meeting in Florida, U.S. bishops decry Sessions’ asylum decision
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA By Dennis Sadowski FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CNS) — The U.S. bishops June 13 decried U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision that asylum seekers fleeing domestic or gang violence cannot find protection in the United States. “At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve …
Bishops of El Salvador warn against privatizing water
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jose Cabezas, Reuters By SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (CNS) — El Salvador’s bishops urged lawmakers to discard any plans for privatizing water in the Central American country, saying the poor could not afford to pay the cost of a vital necessity. In a terse statement, issued June 12 …