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February 2008

February 1

Kenyan priest slain in ongoing violence

February 1, 2008

NAIROBI, Kenya - A mob brutally killed a priest of the diocese of Nakuru in Kenya’s Rift Valley amid continuing post-election violence which has pitted rival ethnic gangs against each other.

Support for continued Afghan mission 'misguided'

February 1, 2008

TORONTO - Aid workers, church groups and peace activists are deeply disappointed in the Manley panel’s report on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan — which calls for Canada to continue its mission while seeking more troops from NATO — with aid workers worried the panel’s approach to development could result in murders and kidnapping of project staff and Taliban targeting of communities where they work.

Demonstrators mourn abortion 'horror'

February 1, 2008

The 20th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision that left Canada without any laws restricting abortion was both mourned and celebrated in the nation’s capital.

Safe Third Country agreement ruling appealed

February 1, 2008

OTTAWA - It’s on to round two of the court battle between Canada’s refugee advocates and the federal government.

Oscar nominees: Forgive us our sins

February 1, 2008

It’s always a mistake to imagine we know exactly what original sin is. Narrowing it down to illicit sex, lies, greed, violence etc. narrows down our humanity and tempts us to imagine that by some heroic effort or stroke of genius or act of contrition we might make it all right, take back that original sin, undo the fall.

'I'm not listening'

February 1, 2008

Canada recently “celebrated” — “mourned” would be more appropriate if not, unfortunately, accurate — the 20th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, which demolished our laws restricting abortion. Away from the main events of public marches, protests and university symposia, there were several sideshows that revealed how threatened mainstream opinion makers are by the fact that the subject refuses to die.

February 3

Christians must offer hope to others

February 3, 2008

Editor's Note: This is a runner-up essay winner in the Friars’ Student Writing Award. Jennifer Beggs is a Grade 12 student at Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School. Over the coming weeks we will publish all six winning essays. As Christians we have a duty. It is our responsibility, not only to live in peace and follow the Word of God, but to reach out and offer hope to others. We must put aside our differences and prejudgments, and lead by example. When we follow God’s lessons and teachings, it reflects in our actions and people notice the positive message we portray. Our ability to fulfill this duty lies in unity.

February 4

God in the bedroom

February 4, 2008

HALIFAX - Newlyweds Vincent and Vanessa Chevrier are big supporters of natural family planning (NFP) and give talks for marriage preparation courses. They teach other couples about the method while explaining its use within their marriage.

Creative ministry ignites a ‘Revolution’

February 4, 2008

CALGARY - Youth ministries across southern Calgary are teaming up for a series of monthly theme nights called Revolution.

Far from home, close to God

February 4, 2008

Coming from a society where we live with our parents till the day we wed, I never had to worry about paying the bills or making sure that the pantry was well-stocked. Those were the concerns of “grown-ups” while all I had to do was pay attention in school and stay out of trouble. For 19 years, I lived in an environment where “things just got done” for me. However, two years ago, I left Singapore to further my education at Simon Fraser University. This is where the real adventure in life began.

Teachers back at bargaining table

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - How much your kid’s teacher makes and whether or not home room will be held on a picket line is likely to be determined at provincial framework discussions being held now as an overture to teacher-school board collective bargaining later this year.

Targets sought for poverty reduction

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - Politics and poverty are about to find themselves on the same stage in Ontario and nationally. “The issue is back on the table,” said Michael Polyani, KAIROS’ Canadian social development expert.

KAIROS forum puts faith in action

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - In theory all faiths share a commitment to the poor. The ecumenical Christian social justice coalition KAIROS will test out that theory at a meeting for representatives from all faiths to talk about ways of reducing poverty rates in Toronto.

Archbishop hosts business breakfast

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - Toronto’s archbishop is inviting members of the business community to join him for a Lenten Mass and breakfast on Feb. 20.

Cardinal's Dinner funds disbursed

February 4, 2008

Editor’s note: following are the recipients of the proceeds from the 2007 Cardinal’s Dinner held in October in Toronto and the amount disbursed to each organization. A total of $145,500 was disbursed.

God's grace extended to all

February 4, 2008

First Sunday of Lent (Year A) Feb. 10 (Genesis 2:7-9, 16-18, 25; 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11) The Garden of Eden story has inspired centuries of interpretation and reflection. Unfortunately, not all of the interpretations have been helpful, for they have generated several ideas of very questionable theological value. Among them is the persistent idea that women are the weaker gender and the source of temptation. It has been called into service to paint humanity as totally depraved and sinful and to consign unbaptized babies to a non-existent limbo. Most of these interpretations burden the story far beyond its original purpose and they were often forged in the heat of theological conflicts.

Ouellet to serve as secretary for bishops' synod

February 4, 2008

OTTAWA - Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet has already begun his new assignment guiding next fall’s Synod of Bishops at the same time preparations move into high gear for the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress June 15-22.

February 7

KAIROS urges church's to invest for peace

February 7, 2008

TORONTO - The ecumenical social justice organization KAIROS is urging churches to use their investment portfolios to encourage peace between Israel and Palestine.

Jesus paves our path to salvation

February 7, 2008

Lent is both a question and an answer. It is the Christian’s way of asking the fundamental human question of why there is evil if God is good. But in the asking the answer is found.

February 8

Safe Third Country agreement still in force

February 8, 2008

The deal between Canada and the United States which forces refugees to apply for refugee status in the first country they land will remain in force while the federal government appeals a Federal Court ruling that the agreement is illegal.