Report: Maryknoll to dismiss Fr. Roy Bourgeois for causing "grave scandal"

August 9, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details, from the New York Times: The Rev. Roy Bourgeois, who refused to renounce his increasingly public campaign to see women ordained as priests in the Roman Catholic Church, has been notified of his dismissal by his religious order, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. A letter to Father Bourgeois, signed by the superior general and the general secretary of the Maryknoll order in the United States, said the dismissal was necessary because of his “defiant stance” in opposition to church... Read more

"I surrender all to thee"

August 8, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

How about this for a love story: the saga of Athea-Anne Lee Jendel, who fell in love with Catholicism and with the man who would become her fiance. The Arlington Catholic Herald describes her remarkable journey from religion to religion, until something just clicked: In the fall of 2008, Jendel had an experience that, while subtle, created an internal change with profound consequences. After a night of drinking too much for the first time, she woke up feeling that “there’s... Read more

Priest of note: he tried out for the Met — and he's married

August 8, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Oregon comes this intriguing piece about yet another married Episcopalian minister who has become a Catholic priest: Two things set Father Bryce McProud apart from most newly ordained Roman Catholic priests: He once tried out for the Metropolitan Opera and placed highly enough to consider it a career option. And he’s married. The opera part is easy to understand. About 40 years ago, about the same time he was considering a calling to the ministry, he “sang quite a... Read more

When the government decides what religions do

August 8, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Sister Mary Ann Walsh takes a look at what government will be doing with contraceptives — and the “religious exemption” — and isn’t impressed: When it comes to church-state relations, both church and government historically have watched to keep the government out of church business. The U.S. Constitution acknowledged the significance of the role of the First Estate, when it declared that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” It is... Read more

Your Monday morning kick-start

August 8, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

A day in the life of California. Hope your day is like this! The creator, Ryan Killackey, notes: “I worked on this project on and off for over a year and a half. It is composed of over 10,000 photos shot in California by my wife and me.” Tools: Canon Rebel XS, 50mm (nifty), 18-55mm kit lens, 50-250mm. Read more

What we have come to: protestors attack rescued Chilean miners

August 7, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

It happened Friday in Copiapo, Chile. From the AP: It has been a bittersweet anniversary for Chile’s rescued miners, who were honored as heroes in their hometown only to come under attack by anti-government protesters who threw fruit and small stones at them, accusing them of being ungrateful, greedy sellouts. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and his ministers joined most of the 33 miners Friday at a Catholic Mass and then the inauguration of a regional museum exhibit recognizing their remarkable... Read more

Showdown: ailing Cardinal Bevilacqua ordered to appear in court

August 7, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

His health is failing, but the man at the center of the sex abuse scandal in Philadelphia has been ordered to make a court appearance next month. From the Philadelphia Inquirer: Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua has been ordered to appear at a Sept. 12 hearing so a judge can determine if he is competent to testify in the conspiracy and child-endangerment trial of Msgr. William J. Lynn. Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina on Friday also set March 26... Read more

RIP Hugh Carey: pro-choice pol who became pro-life

August 7, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Catholic former governor of New York has died. Details: Hugh L. Carey, the governor who helped rescue New York from the brink of financial collapse in the 1970s and tamed a culture of ever-growing spending, died Sunday at his summer home on Shelter Island. He was 92. His death was announced by the office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. “Governor Carey led our state during a time of great financial turmoil and pulled us back from the brink of... Read more

Gov. Rick Perry: "We give it all to You…"

August 7, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

If anyone missed it…below is a minute or so from Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s prayer at “The Response” rally yesterday in Houston. Is this the next President of the United States? Read more

Dwindling church attendance? Where?

August 6, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Not in one corner of Texas, where this huge new church is opening. Details: An average of 1,200 people have packed weekend Masses at St. Jerome Catholic Church in recent years, testing the modest structure completed 35 years ago. At the time, it was suitable for this rural congregation southeast of San Antonio. With 3,700 square feet, it is boxy with a flat roof and narrow stained-glass windows. The pews are straight and provide a single aisle and space for 340 people.... Read more