Thursday, May 28, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 28

1. This is the third video of the series “Journey to the Heart of Family,” in which individuals share their own stories cherishing marriage, what it means to them, and how their personal experiences have enriched their bond of marriage and family.In this video Bethany shares her thoughts on “mercy and forgiveness” as essential elements in any marriage and how practicing those frequently, bear fruits that extend beyond the marriage.


This is the third video of the series “Journey to the Heart of Family,” in which individuals share their own stories cherishing marriage, what it means to them, and how their personal experiences have enriched their bond of marriage and family.In this video Bethany shares her thoughts on “mercy and forgiveness” as essential elements in any marriage and how practicing those frequently, bear fruits that extend beyond the marriage.
Posted by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Thursday, May 28, 2015

2. You can also watch and share via YouTube as well.



3. "It is important to integrate immigrants into society and to welcome them in the church community," Pope Francis said today.

4. Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, praised the repeal of the death penalty in his state yesterday in a string of tweets.

5. God loves you.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 27



1. Pope Francis gave advice to engaged couples today. Watch Catholic News Services' video:

Marriage is too important to rush
Pope Francis today said relationships need time to mature, which is why an engagement and marriage preparation are so important. Full story: http://wp.me/p5DZKA-lG
Posted by Catholic News Service on Wednesday, May 27, 2015


2. Watch a reflection on the readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity which is celebrated on May 31.

3. Bishop Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport tweeted advice for all Catholics today.
4. "Keeping the spirit of the Gospel means that Catholic institutions are to bear witness in love to the full truth about the human person by providing social, charitable, and educational services in a manner that fully reflects the God-given dignity of the human person." - Archbishop William E. Lori, Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, on the "Freedom to Bear Witness".

5. God loves you.


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 26

1. Pope Francis said today a Christian can't have both heaven and earth.

2. Monsignor Paul Tighe, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, talks about how the Catholic Church will adapt to communication tools in the years in the next decade.


3. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington released a pastoral letter called "Catholic Identity in an Age of Challenge."

4. Bishop Edward Burns of the Diocese of Juneau tweeted a thought today that speaks to the life of a Christian.
5. God loves you.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 22


1. Pope Francis says we must let the gaze of Jesus change us.

2. The USCCB issued its support for the House and Senate version of the Girls Count Act of 2015. Girls Count encourages supporting the rights of women and girls in developing countries through birth registration and access to educational and economic programs. The bill instructs DOS and USAID to prioritize efforts to register girls’ births.

3. As Memorial Day weekend begins, share this prayer with your friends, followers and family: http://ow.ly/Nit3G

4. All are welcome to a special Mass in observance of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for mariners and people of the sea on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, with Principal Celebrant and Homilist Bishop J. Kevin Boland.

5. God loves you.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 21

1. This is the second video of the series “Journey to the Heart of Family,” in which individuals share their own stories cherishing marriage, what it means to them, and how their personal experiences have enriched their bond of marriage and family. In this story, Carlos shares how what he learned in marriage preparations became a beacon of hope and faith for him and his wife while dealing with his father’s illness and in the end, strengthened their relationship as husband and wife.

2. It is also available in Spanish as well:

3. Pope Francis said today that Christians are called to be one being today.

4. During a conference in D.C., Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.said, "Despite 50 years of 'Nostra Aetate, we still don't know each other well enough. Most of the problems we face are problems of ignorance." Read more from the conference "'Nostra Aetate': Celebrating Fifty Years of the Catholic Church's Dialogue With Jews and Muslims." Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski was interviewed by Our Sunday Visitor on the fruits of Notra Aetate as well.

5. God loves you.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 20

1. Pope Francis stressed how important parents are in educating their children today, saying, "It's time for fathers and mothers to come out of their exile -- because they have exiled themselves from their children's education -- and to fully assume again their educational role," he said.

2. Two priests and three seminarians are on a 1,400-mile bike ride up the East Coast to raise awareness for vocations to the priesthood. Follow their journey at Biking4Vocations.org and on social media with #Biking4Vocations. It's a great story in this Year of Consecrated Life.

3. Check out this Catholic News Service about a community of U.S. monks celebrates its first year of operating America's first Trappist brewery.


4. In case you missed it, the USCCB recently named three people to the National Review Board that advises on child and youth protection. Donald Wheeler, a former federal investigator, D. Jean Ortega-Piron, an attorney and child welfare services expert, and attorney Howard Healy were appointed by USCCB President Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville.

5. God loves you.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 19

1. Pope Francis has named two Brooklyn priests, Father James Massa, 54, moderator of the curia and vicar for evangelization; and Father Witold Mroziewski, 49, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, as auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.The appointments were publicized in Washington on May 19 by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

2. The USCCB recently named three people to the National Review Board that advises on child and youth protection. Mr. Donald Wheeler, a former federal investigator, Mrs. D. Jean Ortega-Piron, an attorney and child welfare services expert, and attorney Mr. Howard Healy were appointed by USCCB President Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville.

3. Pope Francis said each of us should reflect on our own final farewell from this life and what it means for Christians to entrust themselves to God.

4. During this month of Mary, look at a glossary of terms associated with her name.

5. God loves you.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 18


1. Pope Francis asked Palestinian nuns to pray for Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

2. In case you missed it, the U.S. Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Committee has urged Secretary of State, John Kerry, to step up efforts to advance nuclear disarmament and ensure the success of a multilateral conference being held in New York. The comments were made in a May 12 letter issued as the Ninth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) meeting continues at the United Nations.

3. CatholicClimate's St. Francis Pledge: Reflect, act, and advocate solving climate change.

4. The Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, 2015, a time when our liturgical calendar recognizes great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power. The theme of this year's Fortnight will focus on the "freedom to bear witness" to the truth of the Gospel.

5. God loves you.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 15

1. The New York Times editorial today addressed the need to end immigration detention and cited the USCCB's report this week as presenting a strong case on the issue.

2. In light of the hearing by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, a three sector program which provides funding for public, charter and opportunity scholarships for low-income students in the District of Columbia to attend private and religious schools, the USCCB Office of Catholic Education expressed support for the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held the hearing on the issue, May 14, at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington.

3. Have you seen this amazing video of nuns serving those who are dying?

4. Pope Francis said Christian communities can't be without joy or be fearful.

5. God loves you.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 14

1. This is the first video of the series “Journey to the Heart of Family,” in which individuals share their own stories cherishing marriage, what it means to them, and how their personal experiences have enriched their bond of marriage and family.
In this story, Norma shares how in the midst of the pain of losing their first son during the pregnancy, she and her husband found the gift of love that strengthened their marriage and made them appreciate even more the gift of children.


2. It is also available in Spanish:



3. Read the letter to Secretary of State John Kerry from Bishop Cantú regarding the Ninth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

4. In case you missed it, the USCCB's International Justice and Peace Committee offered policy framework for targeted killing by drones.

5. God loves you.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 13

1. The practice of targeted killings by unmanned drones should be limited by international standards, be transparent and guided by an awareness of how the practice affects conflict around the world, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace in a letter to National Security Advisor Susan Rice. The May 11 letter from Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, New Mexico, noted the ongoing concerns of bishops around the “serious moral questions” raised by drone strikes, and shared a policy framework that had been adopted by the bishops’ committee.

2. The USCCB will gather for their annual Spring General Assembly, June 10-12, in St. Louis. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, USCCB president, will present a summary to the bishops on the consultation of U.S. dioceses for the 2015 Synod on the Family. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., will give an update on the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, which Pope Francis will attend on his September Apostolic Journey to the United States.

3. Pope Francis said there are three key-words for a happy life.

4. Pope Francis said world leaders will be judged on the way they treat the poor and praised the work of Catholic outreach agencies.




5. God loves you.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 12

1. Catholic Relief Services is assisting those hurt in the Nepal earthquakes. Learn how you can help.

2. Did you miss the USCCB report calling for an end to the detention of immigrant families? Get caught up here.

3. Ashley Feasley, policy advisor for USCCB' Migration and Refugee Services, writes in a blog, "The Latest Casualty of Our Immigrant Detention System: Mothers and Children."

4. As the Easter season draws near its conclusion at Pentecost, it's worth noting an Easter story that brought a ray of hope to a community that is often in dire need of it. Read 'A Rare Voice of Optimism': an Easter Resolution in the Cremisan Valley."

5. God loves you.

'A Rare Voice of Optimism': an Easter Resolution in the Cremisan Valley

As the Easter season draws near its conclusion at Pentecost, it's worth noting an Easter story that brought a ray of hope to a community that is often in dire need of it. The Supreme Court of Israel handed down a ruling just before Easter that spurred rejoicing from the Christian community of the Holy Land. The decision was not to build a portion of the separation barrier through the Cremisan Valley in the West Bank, near Bethlehem.
Bishop Oscar Cantu at the separation barrier near Jerusalem in 2014.

The U.S. bishops, through their Committee on International Justice and Peace, had for years opposed construction in the Cremisan Valley because it would have separated Christian communities there from their agricultural lands.

"This threatens the livelihoods of the remaining Christian community of Bethlehem, pressuring even more to leave the Holy Land," wrote Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in a letter to members of Congress in February. "The barrier would also negatively impact the work of the Catholic Church in the Valley by separating a Salesian monastery from a nearby convent, isolating both their ministries from critical resources and contacts with the local population.  In one case, the proposed route would surround a Salesian school for 450 students on three sides with a militarized barrier."

In the face of this challenge, the response of the Christian community is captured in an April 20 letter to Bishop Cantu from the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, who called the ruling a victory for the local Church and "truly an Easter miracle and a blissful sign of the Resurrection." He added, "This is also a victory for Israeli justice, for the courageous decision." Bishop Cantu said the letter from Patriarch Twal brought "a rare voice of optimism from the Middle East."


For background, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is the Roman Catholic bishop whose diocese is comprised of the entire Holy land.
Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, right, receives U.S. bishops in 2014.


The Christian communities in his care are ancient ones who connect Christians globally to the roots of their faith. These are people who celebrate Palm Sunday where it actually happened...


And who make their Easter vigil at the site of the empty tomb...


This sense of solidarity only amplifies the humanitarian concerns the U.S. bishops have for persecuted Christians throughout the Middle East. This is reflected in efforts like USCCB's annual participation in the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy land and the March 10 statement of the U.S. bishops' Administrative Committee on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere. 

In the March 10 statement, issued during Lent, the bishops compared the plight of Middle East Christians to the suffering of Jesus Christ. Which makes it all the more fitting that Patriarch Twal's response to the Cremisan Valley situation was one of Easter joy.

(Photos from Palm Sunday and Easter vigil courtesy of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.)

Monday, May 11, 2015

The Latest Casualty of Our Immigrant Detention System: Mothers and Children

By Ashley Feasley

Today, the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration introduces their report, “Unlocking Human Dignity: A Plan to Transform the U.S. Immigrant Detention System.” The report, drafted in cooperation with the Center for Migration Studies, outlines the bishops’ vision for reform of our broken immigrant detention system and highlights the problems of the increased growth of the immigrant detention system and reliance on for-profit private prisons.

While the U.S. immigrant detention system has been rapidly growing since 2001, nowhere is that growth more evident than with the increase in the detention of immigrant families, namely young mothers and their small children. Family detention was reintroduced by the government last summer in response to the influx of some 68,000 migrant family members who arrived along the southwest border in 2014. These families, coming primarily from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, are fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. Instead of receiving refuge and protection in the United States, they are being detained and denied due process.

Since June 2014, the federal government has expanded its f family detention capacity across the country from roughly 100 beds to approximately 3,100 beds by the end of this summer, with possible plans for more facilities. Locations for these facilities include Karnes and Dilley, Texas, and Berks, Pennsylvania. The purpose of these detention centers is to expand the ability of the federal government to detain migrant families on their arrival as a deterrent to more families attempting to find refuge in the United States.

Migrant families apprehended while crossing the border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) are placed into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE then places these immigrant families into family detention facilities. Family immigrant detention facilities are described by ICE as “residential facilities,” and detained families are considered “residents.” In reality, however, these detained families have limited freedoms and are forced to live in highly restrictive settings.

The U.S. bishops have been vocal opponents of family detention. In March, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, Texas; Bishop Eusebio Elizondo of Seattle; and Bishop James Tamayo of Laredo, Texas visited the South Texas Residential Facility in Dilley, Texas.

During their visit, the bishops prayed with the women and children, spoke to them about the conditions of the facility, and listened to the women’s stories about treacherous journeys north to find safety and refuge for themselves and their children. The women spoke about their depression and heartache at having escaped cartels and life-threatening domestic violence only to be detained in a prison-like facility. They also voiced their intense concerns about the mental health and well-being of their children, informing the bishops about the weight loss, anxiety, interrupted sleep and nightmares that the children experienced on a daily basis.

Yesterday, in honor of Mother’s Day, families throughout America honored and celebrated their mothers with flowers, brunch, family dinners, and cards. Yet for women detained in Texas and Pennsylvania, there was no special celebration or moments of family togetherness, instead the day was spent confined in a sterile detention facility.

With the influx of migrant women and children arriving at our borders being heavily politicized and made part of the national immigration debate, we can easily lose sight of the fact that we are speaking about human lives- namely children and infants. To this point, I am reminded of a young child I encountered on a tour of Artesia, an immigrant detention facility in New Mexico that was set up during the summer of 2014 that has since been closed. Artesia has a desert-like arid climate and landscape, and it was blistering hot the day I toured the facility. On the tour as we walked to the cafeteria, I saw a little girl, around two years old, wearing a bright pink and black sweater, sweating as the sun beat down upon her. When asked why the little girl was wearing the sweater, her mother responded that it was the girl’s favorite possession, and she was worried it would be taken away from her if she took it off. The image of the overheated baby girl wearing her favorite and likely only possession impressed upon me the amazing vulnerability and fragility of these children, and how entirely unsuited children are to live in detention centers, no matter how suitable the government tries to make the surroundings.

The incarceration of these families is a sign of a detention system run amuck. These are the most vulnerable of immigrants, yet our government continues to spend dollars to incarcerate them, using for-profit prisons as their jailers. This betrays our nation’s values as a protector of refugees and the most vulnerable, sacrificing them in the name of politics. Our detention system must be reformed and family detention must end.


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Ashley Feasley is policy advisor for USCCB' Migration and Refugee Services.





Five Things To Remember On May 11

1. A new USCCB report, Unlocking Human Dignity: A Plan to Transform the U.S. Immigrant Detention System," was released today. “It is time for our nation to reform this inhumane system, which unnecessarily detains persons, especially vulnerable populations, who are no threat to us and who should be afforded due process and legal protections,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, auxiliary bishop of Seattle and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration.

2. Pope Francis said today that people are being killed in the name of God, saying, “A Christian who does not take the dimension of martyrdom seriously in life does not understand the road that Jesus has indicated: a road that invites us to bear witness every day, defending the rights of others; defending our children; mothers and fathers who defend their family; so many sick people who bear witness and suffer for the love of Jesus. All of us have the possibility of bringing forward this life-giving Easter message, bearing witness, without being scandalized”.

3. Check out For Your Marriage and see a project the Catholic Communication Campaign supports. The collection for the campaign is this weekend.

4. May is the month of Mary. Devotion to the Blessed Mother deserves special attention here in the United States where we are under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception.

5. God loves you.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 7


1. Pope Francis, during his Papal audience yesterday, spoke about the nature of marriage, saying, "Men and women, courageous enough to carry this treasure in the 'earthen vessels' of our humanity, are an essential resource for the church and for the whole world," he said. "May God bless them a thousand times for this!"

2. Have you seen Pope Francis' prayer for the Jubilee Year of Mercy?

3. Learn more about the upcoming Nostra Aetate dialogue with Catholic University and the USCCB.




4. The Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, a time when our liturgical calendar recognizes great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power. The theme of this year's Fortnight will focus on the "freedom to bear witness" to the truth of the Gospel.

5. God loves you.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 5



1.  The logo for the Jubilee Year of Mercy was unveiled Tuesday along with a prayer.





2. The National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea will be celebrated May 22. The day is observed in conjunction with National Maritime Day in the United States, which has been celebrated since 1933, to recognize merchant mariners and others in the maritime industry.

3. See how a program in the Diocese of Green Bay is helping Latino families grow in the knowledge of their faith.

4. Why do Catholics venerate Mary? Learn in our frequently asked questions.

5. God loves you.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Five Things To Remember On May 4

1. As a reminder, as Catholic Relief Services aids in the Nepal earthquake recovery effort, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz has called for a second collection around the country to help.

2. In case you missed it, Bishop Joseph N. Perry wrote in a blog here this week that the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on marriage could have a big impact on religious freedom.

3. Catholic media projects spread Faith Worship and Witness here and around the world.

4. The Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, 2015, a time when our liturgical calendar recognizes great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power. The theme of this year's Fortnight will focus on the "freedom to bear witness" to the truth of the Gospel.

5. God loves you.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Supreme Court marriage decision could impact religious freedom


(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)



By Bishop Joseph N. Perry

Leaders of diverse religious communities released an open letter on April 23 to reaffirm their common belief in marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and their common commitment to religious freedom in this country. These two issues—marriage and religious freedom—have become inextricably linked, as civil authorities and powerful lobby groups have demanded, ever more frequently and stridently, that people of faith deny or act against their convictions about the truth of marriage.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) submitted an amicus curiae brief with the Court in support of natural marriage, making the case for the constitutionality of states’ defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. As the brief made clear, this definition is rooted in right reason, serves the common good, including the good of children, and in no manner reflects “animus” or hatred. Many other religious groups let their beliefs be known to the Court as well, including some of the faith communities represented in the open letter. The implications and effects of the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage, whatever it may be, will be extensive.

In the open letter, entitled The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness, the signers reaffirm that marriage, as it has been understood for centuries, is a matter of justice for children, who deserve to know and be loved by those who gave them life, whenever possible. Only a man and a woman can become one in a way that may bring about a child related to them both. This is an undeniable biological and social reality. This is what makes the marital relationship uniquely valuable to society, and so uniquely worthy special legal support.

In this light, it should be apparent that not lifting up other relationships, those which do not have this capacity, is not in any way denigrating to those relationships. To specially support one and not the other simply recognizes the unique reality of marriage. The work of marriage is building a life as husband and wife together, bringing children into this world together, and raising those children together. These are activities that warrant a special place and protection in our law and culture.

The religious leaders who signed the letter also expressed concern for our people who are being targeted as bigots for a conviction that until recently was universally held. People with or without faith should not be forced into affirming same-sex relationships as being the same as marital relationships when they believe otherwise. We all should be concerned with the bullying and intimidation tactics being used against religious believers—against everyday people trying to live out their faith in daily life—by well-funded and well-connected lobby groups and their corporate allies.

Unfortunately, such groups seem to care only about advancing their own agenda: erasing in law the rightful distinctions between men and women, and between marital and non-marital sexual conduct. For example, we all agree that every person is a gift and deserves respect. But civil protections that purport to protect persons, should not be stretched to protect conduct or behavior that many people of good will, religious and nonreligious alike, may object to on moral grounds. In this way, religious and moral convictions are being mislabeled and disrespected as “discrimination,” further corroding civil discourse in this debate.

Please read the open letter and consider it a pledge to the people of this country that no matter what happens in the next few months and years to come, religious leaders will continue to uphold the truth of marriage—the union of one man and one woman—just as it is found both in God’s plan and in our very nature.
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Bishop Perry is an Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and a member of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.

Five Things To Remember On May 1.


1. In the wake of the Nepal Earthquake, USCCB President Archbishop Kurtz has called for a second collection to support the relief efforts of Catholic Relief Services as they respond to the immediate emergency needs such as water, food, shelter, and medical care. We keep the people of #Nepal and all who are providing support in our prayers.

2. Today is International Labor Day. We are praying today to follow St. Joseph's humble example.


3. May is the month of Mary and the USCCB will be giving away rosaries blessed by Pope Francis. Enter May 4-10.

4. Father John Crossin, executive director of the USCCB's Eccumenical Affairs Office, reflects on on the relevance of the Second Vatican Council's decree on non-Christian religions, Nostra Aetate and an upcoming conference at The Catholic University of America.

5. God loves you.