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December 2020

December 11

Capturing the northern spirit

December 11, 2020

Situated in one of Canada’s coldest and most geographically isolated regions, the area encompassed by the Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories is a nature lover’s dream.

Making L’Arche work during trying times

December 11, 2020

VANCOUVER -- Nineteen people with developmental disabilities and their assistants live in homes run by L’Arche Greater Vancouver, an organization founded on principles of intentional community and family-like living.

Public Masses suspended in York Region, Windsor-Essex

December 11, 2020

Catholic churches in York Region and Windsor-Essex County are joining Toronto and Peel Region in lockdown Dec. 14 following new restrictions to battle the pandemic by the Province of Ontario.

December 12

Dolls bring smiles to hospitalized kids

December 12, 2020

When COVID-19 is finally conquered, there will be about 1,000 dolls ready to get back to doing what they do best at Kemptville District Hospital — putting smiles on kids’ faces.

Calgary leans on technology to continue mission

December 12, 2020

As much as the current landscape enables, Calgary Bishop William McGrattan is keen on being a vibrant presence this Christmas season by engaging in key charity and goodwill campaigns.

Luke Stocking: Advertisers offer lesson in Advent preparation

December 12, 2020

Some years ago, our priest opened his Advent sermon with some observations about how early our Western society begins to market Christmas to us.

December 13

God's Word on Sunday: God’s faithful love is unconditional

December 13, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 20 (Year B) 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38 David wanted to do something spectacular for God. He proposed building a house for God — a temple — but God was not interested. David was shocked, and even Nathan the prophet was caught unawares.

Passionate volunteer puts kids first

December 13, 2020

Ernest Patenaude’s passion for volunteerism was sparked by his teachers when he attended St. Andrew’s School in High Prairie, Alta., in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Peter Stockland: Report prompts unsettling question

December 13, 2020

The fact Trista Hope’s name isn’t really Trista Hope adds volumes to the recent 276-page Capriolo report into the catastrophic botching of priestly sex offender Brian Boucher’s case.

December 14

Mary is reminder of God's blessing, Pope Francis says

December 14, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The humble image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a reminder of the gift of God's abundant blessings to all men and women, Pope Francis said.

Vatican will offer Pfizer COVID vaccine to employees

December 14, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican health service will begin vaccinating employees and Vatican citizens against COVID-19 using the Pfizer vaccine, the director of the Vatican health service told Vatican News.

Pre-Christmas celebration gives hope to Iraqi refugees still in Lebanon

December 14, 2020

FANAR, Lebanon -- Toddlers could hardly contain their excitement as they danced in the church aisles to the Holy Missionary Choir's Christmas songs during a celebration that was a bright star of hope for Iraqi Syriac Catholic refugee families.

December 15

Washington Archdiocese sues over D.C.'s 50-person cap on church attendance

December 15, 2020

WASHINGTON -- The Archdiocese of Washington has petitioned the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to lift the 50-person cap on indoor religious gatherings in D.C.

‘Religious right’ remark angers critics

December 15, 2020

OTTAWA -- Changes that would open up Canada’s legally-sanctioned euthanasia system have been approved by a two-to-one margin by MPs in the House of Commons, but some MPs who voted against the changes say the government unfairly maligned religious Canadians during debate over the contentious issue.

December 16

Vancouver report names more abusive priests

December 16, 2020

VANCOUVER -- The Archdiocese of Vancouver has released the names of three priests involved in settlements related to sexual abuse and confirmed 13 more people have come forward with abuse allegations.

Speaking Out: Striking a balance on cancel culture

December 16, 2020

Social media has fundamentally changed the world. While it has sparked generational, international connectivity, it has also been a gateway to a never-ending stream of controversy. Nowhere has this played out more than in one concept: cancel culture.

Making Advent available in challenging times

December 16, 2020

With the second wave of COVID-19 dismantling the equilibrium between joy and gloominess, a night of music, prayer and testimony was organized to help Calgary youth take part in the Advent experience.

Sr. Helena Burns: Time to revive the ‘nuclear’ family

December 16, 2020

The “nuclear family.” Such a strange phrase. Does it glow? What exactly is it?

Vatican aims for net-zero emissions

December 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis pledged Vatican City State would achieve net-zero carbon emissions before the year 2050, and he urged everyone in the world to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet.

US Supreme Court rules against worship restrictions in Colorado, New Jersey

December 16, 2020

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court, once again siding with houses of worship opposed to pandemic-related restrictions, ordered lower federal courts in Colorado and New Jersey Dec. 15 to reexamine state-imposed indoor worship restrictions.