In this issue: Cardinal George: ‘In his Lenten Message this year, Pope John Paul II calls us to give ourselves freely to others. This is a form of penance that strikes at our selfishness. The Holy Father calls us to a generosity which moves beyond that of isolated acts of charity to the kind of practical action that will promote justice, defend the powerless, provide food for the hungry and care for the sick. ’ Tom Sheridan: Giving, not giving up Here comes Lent, with all the usual trappings: ashes (March 5), penance, prayers and the assorted other efforts Christians of all stripes make during this season leading up to Holy Week and the glory of Easter. Read Observations. There are often misunderstandings in the way the church is governed, especially when such governance is compared with our everyday experience. Archdiocesan experts in the Code of Canon Law explain how - and why - church law developed and how it functions. Feb. 16 Defining authority and structure in the church Feb. 2 A trial for a crime in the courts of the church Jan. 19 The church conducts trials? Jan. 5 Sacraments and the rights of the faithful Dec. 22 The church’s listing of rights and duties for everyone Dec. 8 Guiding the gifts of the Spirit

Millennium Campaign church’s most successful
More than $220 million pledged for parishes, archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Millennium Campaign, the largest fund-raising project ever conducted by any diocese in the history of the Catholic Church, has passed $220 million in pledges.

Youth ministry advocate retiring, not slowing down
Sometime this spring—exactly when depends on how soon her successor can be broken in—Irene Friend will be officially retiring as director of youth ministry after 30 years with the Chicago Archdiocese. But don’t expect her to cut back on her legendary 12-to-14-hour days anytime soon, said Friend. First she wants to be available as needed to help her successor.

Catholics share Christ’s gifts
Archdiocese reports ‘extraordinary’ response to biggest capital campaign in church history
Gifts and pledges to the Millennium Campaign, “Sharing Christ’s Gifts,” have reached a record $220 million—surpassing the campaign goal by $20 million—making it the largest capital fund raising project ever conducted by any diocese in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

Campaign nets more than money for parishes
“Sharing Christ’s Gifts,” the archdiocese’s Millennium Campaign, did more than bring financial resources to parishes, said campaign leaders. It also uncovered reservoirs of people just waiting to be asked to get involved.

Can Catholic politicians really be Catholic?
Earlier this year the Vatican’s Congregation for Doctrine and Faith issued a document, “On Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life.” The statement has become important as Catholics— public officials and those in the pews— wrestle with what it means to be a faithful believer in a culture which does not always reflect those beliefs. Read The Interview with Jane Adolphe.