Home Page Home Page
Front Page News Digest Cardinal George Observations The Interview MarketPlace
Learn more about our publication and our policies
Send us your comments and requests
Subscribe to our print edition
Advertise in our print edition or on this site
Search past online issues
Site Map
New World Publications
Periódieo oficial en Español de la Arquidióesis de Chicago
Katolik
Archdiocesan Directory
Order Directory Online
Link to the Archdiocese of Chicago's official Web site.
The Catholic New World
News Digest: Week in Summary
Issue of December 4, 2005

UPDATE

March for Life pilgrimage set

The Respect Life Office and Office for Catechesis, with support from the Office of Catholic Schools, will host a 4-day pilgrimage Jan. 20-24 to Washington D.C. for the 33rd annual March for Life.

High school students, young adults and adults are able to attend this pilgrimage. Participants will also attend the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, have the opportunity to interact with legislators and tour monuments and museums.

The trip costs $250 and includes motor coach transportation, hotel and participation in activities. Most meals are not included.

Registrations are handled on a group basis. Groups should have one chaperone for every 10 teens. Registration is due Dec. 15. For more information or for a registration form, call the Respect Life Office at (312) 751-5355.



Charities open VA housing

Catholic Charities dedicated a new transitional housing center for veterans on the campus of the Hines VA Hospital on Nov. 9.

As part of a collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Catholic Charities’ Cooke’s Manor has moved to the Hines VA Campus and will house up to 40 Chicago-area veterans. The program includes structured days, rehabilitative work training, individual counseling, recovery groups, holistic education, pre-employment training and assistance with permanent housing placement.

Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki was present at the dedication along with Father Michael Boland, administrator of Catholic Charities; Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois State Treasurer; Jack G. Hetrick, director of Hines VA Hospital; and Edward Derwinski, former VA Secretary.



NEWS

Swiss Guard to mark 500th anniversary

One of the Vatican’s most popular tourist attractions is about to celebrate its 500th anniversary with a special series of stamps, concerts, Masses and a 450-mile march.

The Swiss Guard officially turns 500 Jan. 22, the anniversary of the arrival in Rome of 150 Swiss soldiers recruited to serve and protect Pope Julius II.



New ambassador sees Vatican-U.S. ‘partnership’

Vatican Ambassador Francis Rooney is bullish on U.S.-Vatican relations.

After presenting his credentials to Pope Benedict XVI Nov. 12, the new U.S. representative said he was convinced that the United States and the Vatican are natural allies on a host of modern issues.

On questions like terrorism and human trafficking, on foreign assistance and AIDS treatment, the Vatican and the U.S. government are on the same page, Rooney told Catholic News Service in an exclusive interview.



What makes a Catholic university Catholic?

Vatican official cites challenges in Catholic higher education

A top Vatican education official said Catholic colleges and universities today face a number of major challenges and are called “to a continuous renewal, both as ‘universities’ and as ‘Catholic.’”

Speaking in Indiana at the University of Notre Dame’s Hesburgh Center auditorium Oct. 31, Archbishop J. Michael Miller said that in recent years “the Holy See’s primary concern at every level is encouraging the fostering and, if necessary, the reclaiming of the Catholic identity of institutions of higher learning.”



Christians must share joy with others

The joy that marks Christians’ preparation for Christmas and the hope with which they look toward God’s kingdom of peace and justice are attitudes that must be communicated to others, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Advent is the time when Christians must reawaken in their hearts the hope of being able to renew the world with the help of God,” the pope said Nov. 27 during his midday Angelus address.



No cobras in Rogers Park

Indian priest sees family life differences, too

A small, wiry man with curly dark hair approaches the altar to offer Mass at St. Timothy Church in Rogers Park. “Peace be with you,” he greets the congregation in a lilting voice.

Father Peter Fernandes is a member of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, India, currently assigned to the Archdiocese of Chicago. The 350 priests and brothers of his order, also known as the Pilar Fathers, bring the word of God to remote areas of India and Nepal where they also offer free school and medical assistance to people.

Fernandes, ordained in 1999 in his hometown of Velsao-Goa, India, finds life in Chicago quite a bit different from his native land.



Books, programs on Lewis’ writings guide his devotees

Just when you thought you knew the whys and wherefores of Narnia, here come three more delicious new books, all published by Broadman & Holman (Nashville, Tenn.).



‘Narnia’ part of a resurgence in faith-based films

The Dec. 9 release of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the potential Christmas blockbuster based on a novel by Christian writer C.S. Lewis, may signal Hollywood is focusing more on audiences for whom religion is important.

David DiCerto, a movie reviewer for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he has noticed more movies being targeted toward Christian audiences.



Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Want a gift that’s something special? Like also being a gift to a community of religious men or women?

Holiday shoppers may not realize that many religious communities sell unique, beautiful and sometimes even delicious creations. In many cases, producing these goods is often an integral part of the communities’ ministry—not to mention a crucial part of their financial stability.

With the help of the internet and toll-free phone numbers, these creations are easily available. Here are some opportunities that could be on your Christmas list.



Consider ‘contract,’ not charter, schools: cardinal

Catholic schools cannot become charter schools, Cardinal George said again Dec.1, suggesting that a “contract” arrangement would be a better.

The cardinal thanked Arne Duncan, head of the Chicago Public Schools, for his recent suggestion that Catholic schools could reap financial benefits by becoming charter schools operating under the aegis of the public school system.

But as for allowing the Catholic schools to become public institutions, with religious education relegated to time outside the school day, the cardinal said no thanks.

Front Page  Cardinal | Observations
Interview  | Classifieds | About Us | Write Us
Subscribe | Advertise  | Archive | Catholic Sites

New World Publications | Católico | Katolik | Directory  | Site Map

Church Clips by Dolores Madlener
    
Dolores Madlener
a
column
of
benevolent gossip

S.O.S. — Save our Sanity. Does anyone know of a nursing home or child welfare agency or hospital that wants used greeting cards? This plea is in response to the many letters from thoughtful Clips readers who feel guilty about throwing away expensive Hallmark and other cards after reading and cherishing them. If there is a Latin absolution that covers this very venial sin, “Gentlemen, start your chanting now!”

Canceled stamps are different — The missions are always looking for cancelled stamps, as long as you leave ⁄ inch or so margin on all sides. Right now St. Pascal’s Seniors are collecting cancelled U.S. and foreign stamps. If you send your hoard to the club at the end of the holidays, at 3954 N. Meade, Chicago, IL 60634, it will be forwarded to the retired Franciscan Sisters in Joliet for the missions.

Goliath was for real — That’s not a headline in the National Enquirer. The Bible story of David slaying the big bully, Goliath, with his slingshot has more authenticity, thanks to recent excavations. A piece of pottery discovered at the speculated site of Goliath’s house in southern Israel has his name on it. The pottery dates back to around 950 BC, within 70 years of the recorded story. It is also the oldest Philistine inscription ever found. Rumor has it no one but Goliath ever used his pottery.

Parish potpourri — St. Martha’s (Morton Grove) will again spend two hours caroling to the parish’s homebound Dec. 4. They have buses to transport them from place to place and at the end, have-a-little-Christmas with Santa back at the church hall. . . . Mary Krauchunas will be honored Dec. 18 at a special Excellence Award Dinner in the ballroom of the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. Among so many good works, she has served as honorary vice consul at the Consulate General of Lithuania in Chicago from 1983 and has dedicated her life to the betterment of peoples. . . . St. Rita High School senior Ryan Donahue of St. Bernadette’s (Evergreen Park) aka “the best kicker in the Midwest,” has been named a 2006 U.S. Army All-American. Donahue will play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game Jan. 7 in San Antonio. It will feature the top 78 prep football student-athletes in the country!

Just slightly irreverent — Ten years ago, a musical combo played at a reception following a friend’s priestly ordination. Tiring of “Girl from Ipanema,” the group began experimenting with some of the hymns they knew. No one was more surprised than Brian Fife, the group’s leader at what emerged: liturgical lounge music! They called themselves “Vatican III”at the time, and eventually a CD, “The Spirit is a Groovin,” with 11 popular hymns, was on the market. It has a 70s, so-yesterday, air. All instrumentals, “We Remember (How You Loved Us)” has a samba beat; “They’ll Know We Are Christians” is up-tempo and “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” veritably rocks. It’s music that lifts the spirit. You can sample the CD (it sells for $14, shipping included) on Brian Fife’s Web site, www.thevaticaniii.com. The group is still active in music ministry in suburban parishes and lounge gigs. You can also pick up the CD at St. James Parish (Arlington Heights).

She’s back — Not too many years ago (like 5 maybe?) Adrian Dominican Sister Nancy Murray was pastoral associate in a 15-year gig at St. Sylvester’s in Humboldt Park. This year she is back as St. Catherine of Siena. Although Murray’s the sister of actor/SNL comedian Bill Murray, she works alone in her portrayal of the 14th century’s strong feminine Dominican religious. Murray has 22 engagements scheduled around the country through next October, including one at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Sylvester’s. Dinner’s at 7 p.m.; play at 9 p.m. Tickets $25 in advance; $35 at door, or $100 patron seating. Call (773) 235-3646. Or you can schedule a visit by St. Catherine to your own parish or school. Performances can be in English or Spanish and the stipend is $1,000, plus housing/travel expenses. Call the motherhouse at (517) 266-3400 for more info or go to adriandominicans.org

Can’t walk on water — It’s been cited by Catholic Digest, the Sun-Times and many other publications—it’s the first “Outdoor Bible.” Just on the market since September, it’s ready for the whatever: rain or shine, sand or snow. Don’t think “book.” The fully water-proof New Testament is the size and flexibility of a road map and printed on 100% plastic material. It can be rained on, snowed on, or fully submerged in a body of water with no damage. The New American Standard Bible’s 10 x 13-inch spread folds to 5 x 5.6 inches and sells for $34.95 at www.theOutdoorBible.com. It’s ideal for camping trips or for a family member in the military. Old Testament coming soon.

Idea exchange — With a bow to Kenny Rogers, St. Patrick High School Parents Club’s (W. Belmont) fund-raiser also aims “to bring generations of guys together.” It’s their first “Father-Son Texas Hold ’em Party,” and limited to St. Pat’s students and their male relatives, dads, uncles, older brothers, grandfathers. After the doors open at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, there will be poker lessons from 6:30-7 p.m. for newbies, and then the games will begin. Top 10 winners get gift certificates, first-place winner gets a custom-made poker table. Those who lose early will be eligible for a consolation tournament.

Come the resolution! — Looking for something meaningful? UNITE (UrbaN Impact Through Education) is in the midst of recruiting qualified mid-career changers or retired professionals looking to enter the education field. Corps members will teach in areas like Englewood, Austin, Uptown, Little Village and the Near West Side. Members assemble monthly as a community to discuss and reflect on their experiences in and outside the classroom.
A way to impact urban education.
Questions? Contact Theresa
Metz at [email protected] or
(773) 265-7240, Ext. 210.


Send your benevolent gossip to:
Church Clips
721 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
or via
e-mail.

top


Movies at a Glance
Capsule reviews of movies from the U.S. Catholic Conference's Office for Film and Broadcasting, judged according to artistic merit and moral suitability. Go to reviews