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February 2014

February 13

Catholic schools are winners in the education game

February 13, 2014

Next to hockey, education seems to dominate the Canadian media. And just like hockey, education is reported as a sport. Winners and losers, weaknesses and strengths, who should stay, who should be traded, who’s not contributing to the team, who’s first and who’s last.

Hospitality of the heart brings God closer

February 13, 2014

They’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Called to be different, for God’s sake

February 13, 2014

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Feb. 23 (Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48) What does it mean to be holy? We use the word often and usually have in mind someone who is kind, generous and eager to do the will of God. The concept had a somewhat different connotation in the ancient world, especially in Israel. The Hebrew word kadosh described something that was set apart from the ordinary and dedicated to God. This would be true of objects, such as the utensils used for sacrifice and worship, as well as the temple itself with its various zones of ascending holiness. It also described the land of Israel, with holiness increasing as one moved closer to Jerusalem the holy city and its temple.

Our struggle for empathy and genuine love

February 13, 2014

In our normal, daily lives we are invariably so self-preoccupied that we find it difficult to accord others the same reality and value we give to ourselves. It’s difficult for us to live in true empathy because we are forever consumed with our own heartaches and headaches.

Ukraine Church leader seeks prayers of solidarity

February 13, 2014

WASHINGTON - Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, Ukraine, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, capped a week-long visit to the United States by asking all people of goodwill to join Ukrainian Catholics in prayer to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine.

Worldwide, Catholic bishop split on anti-gay laws

February 13, 2014

The Roman Catholic hierarchy has generally been viewed as a unified bloc in opposition to gay rights, but the emergence of especially punitive measures against gays in various countries has opened unusually stark and public fissures among bishops in different nations.

February 14

Social change from pocket change

February 14, 2014

Last month, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that she would raise the province’s minimum wage to $11 up from the $10.25 that it has been for the last four years. Reactions to the announcement have been polarizing. From economists to high school students, everyone has either praised the announcement as evidence of a government that is helping those in need, or have condemned it as a move that will doom those in poverty, which is what the wage increase promises to erase.

‘Genuine’ Francis has opened ‘new narrative’

February 14, 2014

WINDSOR, ONT. - Veteran CBC journalist Alison Smith said Pope Francis is a compelling media story because he’s created “a new narrative” about faith and the Church’s role in society.

Confirmation Chosen to help keep kids in church

February 14, 2014

Chris Stefanick, a 14-year youth ministry veteran, is troubled by the exponential drop in teens attending church.

Journey through darkness leads to light

February 14, 2014

TORONTO - Cardinal Thomas Collins brought The Divine Comedy to life for students at the University of Toronto in Mississauga.

Spanish bishop says no abortions OK, even though conference backs bill

February 14, 2014

MADRID - A Spanish bishop urged medical personnel to stop performing all abortions, even though the church has backed new legislation that would still allow abortion in cases of rape.

February 15

Babe Ruth's first baseball field at Catholic school to be preserved in Baltimore

February 15, 2014

BALTIMORE - The baseball field where legendary slugger Babe Ruth learned to play the game is being preserved.

Still heroic superheroes

February 15, 2014

Superheroes have gotten too super. In their original form, comic book characters like Superman, the Flash and Spiderman were drawn in a way that emphasized their humanity as much as their prodigious abilities.

Salt+Light spreads its wings

February 15, 2014

Canada’s Catholic broadcaster has opened its first French-language bureau.

February 16

Caribbean cardinal has Canadian connection

February 16, 2014

TORONTO - If Pope Francis intends to reshape the college of cardinals so it more roughly approximates the Catholic world, he’s made a start by appointing Val Felix’s big brother.

Quebec’s Catholic paradox

February 16, 2014

The seeming uncomfortable paradox of the Catholic Church in Quebec is illuminated by two pieces of legislation making their way through the province’s National Assembly.

February 17

Filipino woman who saved dozens wants to stay in Tacloban community she loves

February 17, 2014

Mention the name of Maria Rosevilla Margate and many of the residents of the community known as Barangay 54A nod approvingly. They know exactly where to find her.

Laval, Marie de l’Incarnation intertwined with Canada’s history

February 17, 2014

The beginnings of the Church in Canada include a series of firsts that go beyond reminding us of who we are. If Blessed Marie de l’Incarnation and Blessed Bishop François de Laval become saints this year, in time for the 350th anniversary of the founding of the diocese of Quebec, these new saints could inspire Canadian Catholics to imagine what their Church will become.

February 18

Pope Francis, cardinal advisors study Vatican financial, administrative offices

February 18, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis met for the third time in late February with his international Council of Cardinals, an eight-member group advising him on the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy and other issues.

Belgian-style euthanasia feared as next step

February 18, 2014

OTTAWA - The secretary of Quebec’s College of Physicians has mused Belgian-style euthanasia of Alzheimer’s patients and terminally ill children could follow should Quebec’s euthanasia Bill-52 become law.