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Pope appeals for mercy, generosity for suffering cyclone victims

Carol Glatz (Catholic News Service ) — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:05:21 UT

Pope Benedict XVI appealed to the world community to be merciful and generous by offering aid and working to relieve the suffering caused by Cyclone Nargis, which killed tens of thousands in Myanmar.

During his May 7 general audience in St. Peter's Square, the pope called on people to open their hearts "to compassion and generosity so that with the collaboration of all who are able and want to lend help, the suffering caused by this huge tragedy can be alleviated."

ESPN needs an examination of conscience

Peter Finney Jr. — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:59:01 UT

This went way beyond frat-house funny or sophomoric excess masquerading as harmless "entertainment."

To anyone who wonders why the world is confounded and outraged by the values trumpeted by the American sports and entertainment culture, the answer resonated with clarity May 1 on ESPN's "Mike and Mike in the Morning" talk show, which is broadcast simultaneously on radio and TV.

Prayers seek Our Lady of Charity’s aid in ending abortion

Kim Lovejoy-Voss — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:24:51 UT

About 50 people prayed the rosary with members of the Joliet Chapter of the Knights of Columbus and retired Auxiliary Bishop Roger Kaffer to ask Our Lady of Charity to intercede and help the many victims of abortion.

CCW women are honored for serving at Christ’s side

Kim Lovejoy-Voss — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:23:55 UT

“Mary saw herself in a different way than the angel saw her,” Bishop Sartain explained during his homily. “She saw herself as the daughter of Abraham. She saw herself as a slave, a handmade. She never thought it was she whom God would choose to be his son’s mother.”

Author Anne Rice talks of losing, regaining her Catholic faith

Pat Norby (Catholic News Service) — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:21:20 UT

Most people know author Anne Rice for her detailed characterization of vampires and vivid descriptions of their haunts in the streets and homes of New Orleans, where she was born and raised.

But a growing number of people today are reading Rice's second novel about Christ, "Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana." Her first book on Jesus' early years, "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," was published in 2005, several years after she consecrated her life to Christ.

Marriage conference teaches secrets of long-lasting relationships

Mark Indreika — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:39:37 UT

Simply by studying the way a married couple argues and connects with each other, researchers can now predict—with an average of 91 percent accuracy—whether their relationship will end in divorce, said Brent Atkinson, an associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.

Graduation advice is appropriate for any age

Bishop J. Peter Sartain — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:59:15 UT

Dear Class of 2008, You have been on my mind a lot these past few weeks. I have spoken to many of you, and you have told me about your plans for summer, college, graduate school, and career. I can see the excitement in your eyes – and at times a bit of anxiety – as you face the future. You’re asking yourselves, “What is next? What will become of me?”

The myth of the overnight success

Karen Osborne (Catholic News Service) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:34:44 UT

Here we go again. A catchy new song hits the radio. People start requesting it, buying the album or finding the song on the Internet. A month passes and artists like No Doubt, the Plain White T's or Britney Spears become household names.

Youth minister brings pope’s message back to parish

Paul Storer — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:46:44 UT

With thousands of other believers, Patty Bailey awaited the entrance of Pope Benedict XVI April 20 inside Yankee Stadium in New York City. As the hours passed before the pontiff’s arrival, the youth minister at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, emphasized, “You could feel the excitement rising.”

Close enough to be blessed

Kathrynne Skonicki — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:53:52 UT

A little exhaustion couldn’t stop Doug Delaney from beaming April 21 in his office at the Chancery for the Joliet Diocese. The executive assistant to Bishop J. Peter Sartain had just returned from six days of serving alongside about a dozen other media specialists from across the nation.

Reflections on the papal visit: Kathleen McGowan

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:19:13 UT

Mass at Nationals Stadium occurred on Thursday, April 17. What a spirit of excitement and wonder! As the thousands of people came pouring into the stadium, smiles and hellos were the words and actions of the day. Anticipation filled the hearts of all there and a palpable exhilaration was present.

Reflections on the papal visit: Notre Dame Sister Theresa Galvan

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:16:58 UT

The truth of his words, point always to the centrality of God in our personal and collective lives; and the urgency for us to live and act on God’s cry for healing, justice, compassion, peace, union with God for each of us and for all humankind.

Baby Mama

John Mulderig - Catholic News Service — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:53:32 UT

"Baby Mama" (Universal/Relativity) is a frequently funny but morally problematic romantic comedy about one woman's obsession with having a child.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Harry Forbes and John Mulderig (Catholic News Service) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:53:10 UT

"Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" (Premise/Rampant) is a provocative documentary that focuses on the conflict between adherents of what is called today Neo-Darwinism, which denies any such purposeful providence, and proponents of the alternate theory of intelligent design, known as ID.

Reflections on the papal visit: Father David Medow

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:21:32 UT

The joy and contagious excitement that greeted the Holy Father at the Washington D. C. Mass was a feeling that appeared to grip the city itself. We experienced a warm reception wherever we went in the D. C. area: people were eager to know if we were going to see the pope and they expressed a deep joy that Pope Benedict had come to their city.