Archbishop of Malta approves ordination of permanent deacons

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: “Society needs a church that is credible, that is representative of society and that is not afraid of getting its hands dirty. It needs to address the different realities faced by society today and be present throughout the joys and sorrow of the people. Appointing permanent deacons is hopefully one of many steps the church will take to re-connect with society,” says Fr John Berry. Last week, Archbishop Paul Cremona approved the ordination of permanent deacons, allowing laymen, including... Read more

Pennsylvania Catholics, Lutherans plan observances to mark “Reformation Sunday”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: Protestants are preparing for Reformation Sunday observances this weekend, 497 years after the Rev. Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg church door. Meanwhile, Catholics and Lutherans in Southwestern Pennsylvania are looking ahead to Oct. 31, 2017, the 500th anniversary of an event that split the Christian church in the Western world. “There will be meetings to discuss appropriate celebrations of that very important event,” said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of... Read more

New York Times: James Foley converted to Islam soon after his capture—UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Numerous reports at the time of his death cited his Catholic faith. But a report in today’s New York Times has more details about his life in the days before his execution—and it paints a different picture: Mr. Foley converted to Islam soon after his capture and adopted the name Abu Hamza, Mr. Bontinck said. (His conversion was confirmed by three other recently released hostages, as well as by his former employer.) “I recited the Quran with him,” Mr. Bontinck... Read more

Anti-Catholicism: website attacks Republican candidate for his faith

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Daily Caller: Mark Miloscia, a Republican running for state senate in Washington state, is fending off attacks on his Catholic faith. Miloscia, a former Democratic state legislator running for senate as a Republican in Washington’s 30th District, converted to the GOP over social issues. His campaign is encountering some old-school opposition: An anti-Miloscia attack website believed to be run by a Democratic Party member supporting Democrat Shari Song posted a piece of propaganda portraying Miloscia as a Vatican stooge.... Read more

Why do Catholics leave the Church?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A new survey for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois offers some clues. From Our Sunday Visitor: In their report “Joy and Grievance in an American Diocese,” the researchers indicate they targeted “those who had lapsed or drifted from the Church and are currently inactive in a diocesan parish.” The study also includes a survey of active Catholics for comparison. …This study, more than any other I have seen, was able to tap the “angry Catholic.” Its method of recruiting... Read more

Proof of virgin birth—in a python?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: A reticulated python (the world’s largest species of snake) gave birth to six babies without the help of a male partner. The birth actually occurred in 2012. But it was only a few months ago that researchers published DNA evidence that Thelma — an 11-year-old, 200 pound, 20-foot-long female at the Louisville Zoo — was the sole genetic parent. Until then, zoo keepers figured it was much more likely that Thelma’s body had held onto sperm from an unknown male for a long time... Read more

Ebola victim Nina Pham heads home, credits God and prayer

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Catholic nurse who contracted the virus in Dallas—the first person infected in the United States— left NIH in Bethesda, MD this afternoon. Below is the text of her statement to reporters: “I feel fortunate and blessed to be standing here today. I would first and foremost like to thank God, my family and friends. Throughout this ordeal, I have put my trust in God and my medical team. I am on my way back to recovery, even as I reflect... Read more

Bishop dedicates parish center named for a deacon

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

What a wonderful tribute. From Today’s Catholic News, the website for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend: A dream that has been in the making for a decade has now come to fruition. St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Columbia City has completed construction on the long awaited Deacon Joseph Zickgraf Community Center. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades celebrated Mass and officiated at a blessing ceremony for the center on Sunday, Oct. 19. The original building plans began with former St.... Read more

A response to Chaput: “This can have very serious negative consequences for couples”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A few days ago, I posted on the radical proposal of Philadelphia’s Archbishop Chaput, who suggested that clergy might conceivably stop signing civil marriage licenses as a form of “principled resistance.” Now canon lawyer Ed Peters has responded: I share Philadelphia Abp. Charles Chaput’s deep frustration at how confused the Church was made to appear at Synod 2014. I share the prelate’s concern for the future of marriage in this country. But Chaput’s opining that a general clergy refusal to sign... Read more

Pope Francis: “Building the unity of the Church, this is the task of every one of us”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From his daily homily: Every Christian is called to work for the unity of the Church, allowing ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit who creates unity in diversity, said Pope Francis at Mass Friday morning at Casa Santa Marta. Pope Francis based his homily on the First Reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, in which the Apostle – a prisoner for the Lord – urges the community to live in a manner worthy of the call... Read more