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November 2016

November 4

An odd encounter: shotguns, silver bars, a priest and a guy named Phil

November 4, 2016

The old man’s white beard shook as his quivering lips whispered, “The entire world financial system is about to collapse. An armoured car will arrive in 15 minutes to deliver me a truckload of silver bars worth about a quarter million dollars. If you come with me now, half of them are for you.”

Hope abundant, even amid conflict, says leader of Holy Land Franciscans

November 4, 2016

WASHINGTON – The responsibilities entrusted to him are great: caring for about 50 shrines, more than two dozen parishes, various schools and other services provided by more than 250 Franciscan friars stationed at some of the most embattled places in the Middle East.

November 5

Shepherds’ Trust ensures priests who cared for you will be cared for as well

November 5, 2016

Before the death of Fr. Peter Rosettis in 2003, he drafted an estate plan to ensure three things happened after his funeral.

The right words are critical in making a Will

November 5, 2016

As the saying goes, words can hurt. That is especially true in a Will, where even the most minor of language mistakes can have a dramatic impact on how assets are split.

Priest hopes Philippine's president can help bring fellow missionary's killer to justice

November 5, 2016

KIDAPAWAN, Philippines – Justice is slow in the Philippines, but Father Peter Geremia is running out of patience as he awaits justice for the killers of a fellow priest.

We owe a loved one the dignity of a proper funeral

November 5, 2016

When the Christian community gathers to celebrate a Funeral Mass, it gathers as members of the Church on Earth to say farewell to a loved one and entrust their soul, through the mercy of God, to Heaven.

Greek hospitality is put to a religious test by refugees

November 5, 2016

ATHENS, Greece – Abdul rose just before sundown on one of the last days of the holy month of Ramadan. The 17-year-old refugee from Afghanistan was keeping odd hours, eating breakfast in place of dinner and passing the day in slumber.

November 6

500 religious leaders join Standing Rock Sioux in opposing oil pipeline

November 6, 2016

WASHINGTON – When Sisters Aine O'Connor and Kathleen Erickson heard a call for a peaceful and prayerful presence on the front line of a campaign to protect sacred Sioux lands in North Dakota from a multibillion-dollar oil pipeline project, they knew they had to respond.

Faith takes center stage in Mel Gibson's new film

November 6, 2016

NEW YORK – Ever since the success of 2004's The Passion of the Christ, viewers of faith have waited anxiously for a follow-up from the film's director, Mel Gibson.

Your guide to finding unclaimed bank balances

November 6, 2016

So your reclusive Uncle Steve suddenly dies leaving no Will or documentation regarding his finances or estate. You always knew he had some money, but you have gone through his home looking for any documents that will help and have come up empty.

The must-haves of estate planning

November 6, 2016

Whether you are reviewing your current estate plan or considering a plan for the first time, there are several definite “must-haves.” Here are five of them:

Insurance a good option to aid charities

November 6, 2016

For many people, dedicating a portion of their wealth to the Church after their death is a way of giving back to a community that has accompanied them through all stages of life.

On the front lines with the Padre

November 6, 2016

Rev. Major Mike Dalton is Canada’s most decorated Roman Catholic chaplain, but that only tells us he did his job very well. A greater part of his story is what is revealed in his diaries written from the World War II battlefields of Europe, of the humanity and spirituality that could be found even in the most grim of settings.

November 7

Plan wisely to minimize taxes

November 7, 2016

An estate plan should evolve and change as people age and family circumstances change. One goal should be to minimize and defer the tax on your death until the time your heirs sell the assets. Strategies can also be implemented during a person’s lifetime to minimize taxes.

Who will win the Catholic vote? It's hard to predict

November 7, 2016

WASHINGTON DC – A new poll released Friday shows Donald Trump winning the Catholic vote by 16 points – but is it an accurate prediction of how Catholics will vote next Tuesday?

Knights of Columbus head: Catholics must be a source of post-election unity

November 7, 2016

ARLINGTON, VA – Following a tumultuous and divided election season, Catholics in the U.S. should find ways to create unity and healing, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus.

To prisoners: Never lose hope in God’s mercy

November 7, 2016

Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Sunday for the Jubilee for Prisoners in Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which he reminded prison detainees to never lose hope, or fall into the temptation that they can never be forgiven.

On trip to Gaza Strip, English cardinal says faith reassures Christians in region

November 7, 2016

JERUSALEM – English Cardinal Vincent Nichols said his pastoral visit to Holy Family Parish in Gaza reinforced the importance of Christian hope, especially for those living in very insecure circumstances.

What happens if I do not have a Will?

November 7, 2016

There are plenty of reasons for having a Will, especially when it comes to the role it plays in dealing with children and their future.

Ordination without papal mandate is serious violation, says Vatican on rumours of new bishops in China

November 7, 2016

VATICAN CITY – No matter what the motivation or how seriously threatened one may believe the Catholic Church in China is, the ordination of bishops without a mandate from the pope is a serious violation of church law, the Vatican said.