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News Digest

Issue of August 17 – August 30, 2008
The following items are condensed. For the complete articles, please read the print edition of The Catholic New World. To subscribe, call (312) 534-7777.

News Update

No 'Yahweh' in songs for Mass

In the not-too-distant future, songs such as "You Are Near," "I Will Bless Yahweh" and "Rise, O Yahweh" will no longer be part of the Catholic worship experience in the United States.

At the very least, the songs will be edited to remove the word "Yahweh" - a name of God that the Vatican has ruled must not "be used or pronounced" in songs and prayers during Catholic Masses.

Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, announced the new Vatican "directives on the use of 'the name of God' in the sacred liturgy" in an Aug. 8 letter to his fellow bishops.

Gala of the Arts

A musical revue of Broadway show tunes and an Art Invitational will highlight the 7th Annual Gala of the Arts of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago set to open at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Grand Ballroom of Navy Pier.

The event will benefit Catholic Charities' Emergency Assistance programs, which provides more than 160,000 individuals and families in Cook and Lake counties with shelter, food and clothing.

The organization will also present the 2008 Mandatum Award to the DeSantis Family Foundation.

The Mandatum Award will be accepted by Kyle DeSantis on behalf of his grandfather, the late Tony De- Santis, founder of the Drury Lane Theaters. DeSantis was active with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago for many years up until his death in 2007.

News Digest

Athlete's success puts spotlight on church's refugee resettlement efforts

The athletic success of a young man resettled in the United States as a Sudanese refugee in 2001 has shined a spotlight on the Catholic agency that helped him find a new home after years of life in a Kenyan refugee camp.

Second book of pope's spiritual thoughts to honor St. Paul

St. Paul, a new book featuring quotes and reflections of the Holy Father on the Apostle Paul will be published on Aug. 29. The publishing office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has reached an agreement with the Vatican's publishing office to launch a series of books by Pope Benedict XVI called Spiritual Thoughts.

Parishes can mark feast of conversion of St. Paul

As part of the 2008-2009 celebration of the special year devoted to St. Paul, Catholic parishes may mark the traditional Jan. 25 feast of the Conversion of St. Paul even though it falls on a Sunday in 2009.

Churches in Spain experiment with staying open 24/7

In 2002, Carlo Ravasio trekked more than 2,000 miles from Moscow to Valencia, stopping by churches along the way to pray for the unity of Christians. But when the Italian pilgrim arrived at the churches, he encountered a recurring problem: The doors were locked.

Cardinal George helps consecrate Guadalupe shrine

Twenty-six bishops, including two cardinals (one being Cardinal George) and several archbishops, gathered with a crowd of nearly 1,000 priests, consecrated religious and lay faithful July 31 to dedicate the church of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Those who were not fortunate enough to be among the 450 people accommodated by the pews and overflow seating in the upper church crowded into the church's lower level to watch the Mass on television.

African clergy, religious ministering in States gather in Homewood

Daughter of Divine Love Sister Theodora Ajaga came to Chicago in 2003 from Nigeria to minister as a certified nurse assistant. What has been the biggest adjustment to her new home? Snow.

"Snow is my biggest sacrifice," Ajaga joked at the annual gathering of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States held Aug. 7-10 at Homewood Hotels in Homewood.

Ajaga joined 200 clergy and religious from around the United States for fellowship and to listen to speakers including Bishop Edward Braxton from Belleville and Cardinal Peter T.K. Turkson from Cape Coast, Ghana. Cardinal Turkson is president of the West African Bishops Conference.

Catholic schools work to curb obesity

Obesity, one of the fastest growing problems in North America, is being tackled by Catholic schools and colleges hoping to reverse the trend while also promoting general wellness.

"It's all across society; it's a common issue," said Mike Paonessa, district principal for the Edmonton Catholic Schools District in Alberta, Canada, which is implementing diocesanwide policies and initiatives to address obesity and wellness.

Painting the Apostle Paul

Daughter of St. Paul Laura McGowan's portrait of St. Paul looks out from the frame with piercing blue eyes, offering a direct and kindly gaze.

The three scrolls he embraces - the Word of God - are bound with a band bearing the words "mercy" and "love." A halo around the top of the scrolls flows into the halo around the apostle, which is also a map of the world.