Every year, one of my favorite conferences to attend is the Catholic New Media Conference sponsored by SQPN, the Star Quest Production Network. If you’re reading this blog, then you are a part of the effort to use New Media in the New Evangelization, which means you belong at the CNMC! But you need to hurry — the event is nearly full and only six spots remain open. If you’re a Patheos fan, this is your chance to hear our... Read more
New out this morning is a report on the upcoming Synod on the Family and other family related information from Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family: This morning in the Holy See Press Office Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, presented the twelfth plenary assembly of the dicastery, which will take place in Rome from 23 to 25 October, and the pilgrimage of families to the tomb of St. Peter... Read more
Out this morning from the Office of Media Relations at the United States Council of Bishops is a strongly worded statement from Sister Mary Ann Walsh which details the USCCB’s current position with respect to the government shutdown: As the government shutdown continues, it may be time to listen to another body – the U.S. bishops. Recent statements from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offer significant points worth considering. They are neither Democratic nor Republican positions. They are simply... Read more
If the news about Miley has you believing that all hope is lost for young pop stars in today’s culture, I invite you to spend four minutes watching recording artist Mags Wang singing “Boyfriend”: I say watch, because along with sharing a very catchy song, this video has a story to tell. If you listen to the lyrics, you hear the angst of a society that’s been raised on “likes” and “unfriends”. If you watch to the end, you’ll catch... Read more
I wanted to share the following article about this year’s National Council of Catholic Women convention, held recently in Florida. I’ve been to this conference in the past and it is always invigorating to be around so many terrific, holy women. This year’s participants were treated to some fantastic speakers, including Patheos’ own Pat Gohn. Given their topic of “Confidence, Hope & Joy”, I can’t think of a finer person to lead them towards inspiration! The National Council of Catholic... Read more
I was born into a Catholic family and raised in a home where being Catholic was as much a part of my DNA as being Irish. Although I’ve had my moments of being spiritually lackadaisical, I’ve been Catholic all my life. And even though I’m married to a convert, I never really had a solid perspective on the amazing path it must be to consciously pursue conversion. And really, I still don’t know what that must feel like — to... Read more
Fresh news this morning that Pope Francis has called for Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held in the Vatican from 5 to 19 October 2014, on the theme “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization”. Rome Reports has an overview: Video Link Since it’s an ‘extraordinary assembly,’ the only participants will be the presidents of episcopal conferences, patriarchs, heads of the Vatican’s dicasteries, and the superiors of religious orders. To date, there have... Read more
CNN has an interesting feature online today about whether or not we — as parents — are “oversharing” our children’s lives on social media. Read the entire article, but my favorite portion of the feature was this video interview with Blake Wilson, a.k.a. “Bat Dad”: Having just returned from a long weekend with my adorable niece, I can tell you that it took an overabundance of self-control not to share any of the adorable iPhone pics I captured of that... Read more
I’d intended to provide more regular updates on the amazing 40 Days for Life campaign but somehow we’re already on Day 13. 40 Days for Life is a pro-life campaign working to end abortion through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils outside abortion centers, and community outreach. I’m registered to receive their daily emails, so I’ve been enjoying praying in solidarity with those around the country who are truly saving lives. Today’s email blast lead with the most important news: 135... Read more
From Rome Reports, we have some terrific firsthand footage of Pope Francis’ meeting today with Cardinal Dolan and the leadership of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops: In attendance with Cardinal Dolan: Archbishop of Louisville Joseph Kurtz, the Archbishop of Seattle Peter Sartain, and the Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston Michael Bransfield. My favorite aspect of this video is the lack of a voice-over roll, which allows us to hear the actual (and stumbling) dialogue between Pope Francis and these bishops. Read more
Lisa Hendey
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