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December 2017

December 7

Indigenous people ‘anxious’ for papal apology

December 7, 2017

EDMONTON – Reconciliation with Church a struggle, says former AFN chief Fontaine. After decades of turbulent history with the Catholic Church, Indigenous peoples are now committed to healing the fractured relationship, says the former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

December 8

Pope's beauty secret: Be virtuous like Mary

December 8, 2017

VATICAN – On Friday’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis offered his own ‘beauty secret’ – with Mary as model – saying beauty does not come from age or appearance, but from living a virtuous life rooted in scripture.

Pope Francis calls for a change to ‘Our Father’ prayer

December 8, 2017

Pope Francis is calling for a new translation of one of the lines from the world’s most famous prayer, the Our Father.

December 9

God's word on Sunday: Prepare for God by using time wisely

December 9, 2017

2nd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 10 (Year B) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 There is a schedule or plan known only to God and then there is the human calendar, but the two are rarely the same. That is where our trouble begins.

Pope calls for respect as he listens to Rohingya refugees

December 9, 2017

VATICAN – Pope Francis’ skill at walking political and pastoral tightropes was put to the test in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

U.S. Department of Justice investigates Planned Parenthood for sale of aborted baby parts

December 9, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a formal investigation of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of abortions, for their role in the alleged sale of baby body parts.

December 10

Christian vocation is to serve life, health, Pope says

December 10, 2017

VATICAN – The Catholic Church's care for the sick, especially through Catholic-run hospitals, is an antidote to "the business mentality that is seeking worldwide to turn health care into a profit-making enterprise," Pope Francis said.

Court rejects Washington Archdiocese's Advent public transit ad

December 10, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C., – A federal court has denied relief to the Archdiocese of Washington, in its request for an injunction that would have allowed it to run metro ads encouraging riders to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Sisters find joy in mom’s final journey

December 10, 2017

EDMONTON – Margie Harper entered the hospital last year on the first day of Lent, her forehead still bearing a dark smudge from the Ash Wednesday Mass.

Family Services seeks long-term housing solutions

December 10, 2017

The money helps, but Ontario’s new initiatives to help victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking still face some hurdles, warns Catholic Family Services of Toronto.

Canada’s hate crimes a growing concern

December 10, 2017

The latest number of police-reported hate crimes in this country is small, but that shouldn’t be comforting news to Canadians.

Jesuit gives voice to tea workers' plight in India

December 10, 2017

The plight of workers on India’s tea estates will not go unnoticed by the rest of the world if Jesuit Fr. Lalit Tirkey has his way.

Ian Hunter: Scraps have a place in God’s economy

December 10, 2017

The only miracle that Jesus performed recounted in all four Gospels is the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, more commonly called the feeding of the 5,000 (or 4,000 in Mark’s Gospel, but who was counting precisely?).

Vatican voices concern over Trump's Jerusalem move

December 10, 2017

VATICAN – Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s Dec. 6 notice that he will be moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, the Holy See has expressed its concern for recent violent outbreaks and urged leaders to promote peace and security.

Niagara teen on a fast track to success

December 10, 2017

Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its wineries, charming old main street and a possible future prime minister — 14-year-old Bethany Poltl.

December 11

Vatican conference highlights role of laity in addressing modern challenges

December 11, 2017

VATICAN – Leading lay experts and top Vatican officials have joined forces this week to talk about how they can collaborate in addressing key areas of modern concern, placing a special emphasis on the role of laypeople.

December 12

Cardinal Kasper: Controversy surrounding Amoris Laetitia has come to an end

December 12, 2017

MUNICH, Germany – The controversy regarding Amoris Laetitia has come to an end, according to German cardinal Walter Kasper.

The Mustard Seed: Beauty of the Church isn’t found in rules

December 12, 2017

Living a Christian life, too often seen as adherence to a list of “do’s” and “don’ts,” is better understood as creative participation in the artistry of the Holy Spirit. Each of us is given a mission in God’s eternal plan, a mission we are called to carry out with love, creativity and joy.

Sunday has lost its sense as day of rest, renewal in Christ, Pope says

December 12, 2017

VATICAN – Just like a plant needs sun and nourishment to survive, every Christian needs the light of Sunday and the sustenance of the Eucharist to truly live, Pope Francis said.

Pope sparks debate over Our Father line

December 12, 2017

As Pope Francis questions the wording of the Our Father, perhaps the Church should pray that his concerns lead us not into altercation.