CNW - News Digest 01/21/01





		01/21/01 This week, The Catholic New World spotlights the archdiocesan Millennium Campaign. Respect Life coverage highlights the destructive effects of abortion and capital punishment. The online edition also features our monthly installment of Exciting Senior Perspectives. Update: Grade, high schools closing At press time, two Catholic schools—a high school and a parish grammar school—announced they would not reopen for the 2001-2002 academic year. Madonna High School, operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, will close in favor of an innovative concept called the New Madonna Program which will provide special funding support to allow current Madonna students to continue receiving a Catholic education. The program will be a cooperative effort with four other Chicago Catholic high schools, Good Counsel, Josephinum, Mother Guerin and Notre Dame for Girls. It may be expanded to other schools. The 52-year-old Madonna has 240 students, down from a 1962 peak of more than 1,100. The school’s Sister Diane Marie Collins, said the “bittersweet” announcement was made “with regret,” but added, “we are confident that the New Madonna Program will advance Madonna’s mission in new and creative ways.” Lack of enrollment also was cited for the decision of St. Hugh Parish school, Lyons, not to reopen in the fall. Declining enrollment has been a problem for several years. With only 109 students, the vast majority in grades 1-4, the school could not be sustained, said Father Tom Moran, pastor. He said the school has educated thousands during its 75-year history and should be celebrated for that. Moran said that after consultation with archdiocesan officials and parish leadership, the recommendation was made to Cardinal George not to reopen for the 2001-2002 school year. Senior Perspectives: Making an estate plan When it comes to planning, prospective retirees must prepare for an extended life span, the effects of inflation, future taxes and health costs and changes in life circumstances. Read more... News: Retired priests come home When the Bishop Lyne Residence for Retired Priests welcomes its first tenant next month, it will be one of the first concrete results of the archdiocesan millennium campaign, Sharing Christ’s Gifts. The Lemont residence will eventually house 18 retired archdiocesan priests, each in his own apartment of a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. The residence will have a communal kitchen, dining room and, of course, a chapel. New look at U.S. Hispanic Catholics Approximately 38 percent of the Catholic population is Hispanic. Hispanic ministry focuses in on the largest ethnic group in the U.S. church. Top goals for ministry, according to national officials, include: evangelization; collaboration with the whole church; keeping in mind the plight of the poor and vulnerable. Pro-life action speaks louder than words, lawsuits This week, Catholic New World staff writer Michael D. Wamble talks with Joseph and Ann Scheidler. Read more... Movie Reviews: The National Conference of Catholic Bishops' weekly movie reviews. Parish Pride St. Gregory the Great Church 1634 W. Gregory St. Front Page \| Digest \| Cardinal \| Observations Interview \| Classifieds \| About Us \| Write Us Subscribe \| Advertise \| Archive \| Catholic Sites New World Publications \| Católico \| Directory \| Site Map

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Bravo! — DePaul University’s Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences is celebrating its 75th anniversary and invites individuals to share their memories of a childhood theater experience. You can tell about your first time seeing a play, what it was like, how it affected you, and whtaever you remember. They want to hear how Chicagoans discovered the magic of theater. Write your impressions to The Theatre School, DePaul University, 2135 N. Kenmore, Chicago, IL 60614, or e-mail to: l[email protected]. Stories may appear on the school’s website or in future publications.

Fr. Joseph Mulcrone

Saying it in sign — Father Joe Mulcrone showed up on Ch. 11’s “Religion and Ethics” Jan. 14. Mulcrone, director of the arch’s Office of the Deaf ministry, was spotlighted in an enlightening segment along with the deaf congregation that attends Mass in the chapel of St. Francis Borgia Parish (W. Addison) each Sunday morning. A robed deaf “choir” with drum accompaniment helps in the active participation of the entire congregation. No one dozes at a Mass for the deaf! Many arrive two hours beforehand to chat with friends while a religious education program for deaf kids is taking place.

It ain’t necessarily so — A news item that Gerber Baby Foods is offering a $500 savings bond for children born within a certain time frame is a false rumor, according to the company. There had been a class action suit where damages were paid to injured parties, but that file was closed in 1997. If you read the notice in your parish bulletin, you can consider it an urban myth at this point. For verification, check out Gerberfoods.com.

East meets West — “Interfaith Marriage: When Muslims and Christians Meet and Marry,” is an interfaith marriage conference for dating, engaged, or married couples crossing religious boundaries, 9 a.m. Feb. 17 to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Cenacle Retreat House, 513 W. Fullerton, call the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at (312) 751-5325 to register.

Idea exchange — St. Athanasius Parish Bulletin (Evanston) reminds readers of the ancient prayer that centers on Mary’s “Yes,” “‘The Angelus’ has been said in fields, in mines, in trenches, in cathedrals. Why not in offices [and kitchens]?” It suggests a copy of the prayer be tacked to your cubicle wall or other handy spot. “The Angelus is like a cup of coffee that awakens your faith morning, noon and evening.” The prayer was printed in the bulletin. If you want to borrow this idea and want a copy of the prayer, send a stamped (34 cents) self-addressed envelope to Church Clips, 721 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610.

North Riverside connection — A reader points out that not only Bishop Jerome Listecki served at Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside, but so did Bishop Ray Goedert, Father Robert McLaughlin, rector of the cathedral and Father Michael Boland, director of Human Services for the arch.

How many trombones? — Marian Catholic High School Band (Chicago Heights) will be marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in their uniforms of black, white and gold by the time you read this—the only band representing our state in the inaugural parade of Pres. George W. Bush. The over 300-member band with conductor Greg Bimm, recently won their seventh championship at the Bands of America Grand National competition. Cong. Jessie Jackson, Jr. submitted Marian’s band for the prestigious role in the inaugural and Gov. George Ryan has helped fund the unexpected trip. One song they are sure to belt out is “Illinois,” as they honor all of us by their excellence.

Who’s going where? — The Fra Angelico Art Foundation is going to explore the Eternal City and then wander down the boot of Italy from Sorrento to Sicily. The unique organization, headquartered at Dominican University in River Forest, dedicated to promoting high quality spiritual art and art enrichment, is keeping its customized tour restricted to 25 members and friends. Father Vincent Zarlenga, OP, promises an education and enjoyment of Greek and Roman civilizations, Byzantine mosaics — cathedrals to volcanoes, and much more.

Call him at (708) 771-0740 for more info.