Catholic News 2
MIAMI (AP) -- Florida's history of fighting off mosquito-borne outbreaks puts the state in perhaps better position than most when it comes to the Zika virus....
LONDON (AP) -- A United Nations human rights panel has sided with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in his long-running battle with Swedish and British authorities, saying he should be freed immediately and compensated for the years he has lost....
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (AP) -- Hillary Clinton has been here before, watching a political rival generate youthful enthusiasm with lofty proposals she believes are going unchallenged....
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops."Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others.""Even as Americans rema...
WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others."
"Even as Americans remain troubled by abortion," wrote Cardinal Dolan, a powerful and well-funded lobby holds "that abortion must be celebrated as a positive good for women and society, and those who cannot in conscience provide it are to be condemned for practicing substandard medicine and waging a 'war on women'." He said this trend was seen recently when President Obama and other Democratic leaders prevented passage of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, "a modest measure to provide for effective enforcement" of conscience laws.
"While this is disturbing," said Cardinal Dolan, "it is also an opportunity." Pro-life Americans should reach out to "the great majority of Americans" who are "open to hearing a message of reverence for life." He added that "we who present the pro-life message must always strive to be better messengers. A cause that teaches the inexpressibly great value of each and every human being cannot show disdain or disrespect for any fellow human being." He encouraged Catholics to take part, through prayer and action, in the upcoming "9 Days for Life" campaign, January 16-24. More information on the campaign is available online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJwfcefUiU
He also cited the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis as a time for women and men to find healing through the Church's Project Rachel post-abortion ministry.
The full text of Cardinal Dolan's message is available online.
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Keywords: Roe v. Wade, anniversary, Pro-Life, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 9 Days for Life, USCCB, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Year of Mercy, Project Rachel, Pope Francis
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MEDIA CONTACT
Don Clemmer
O: 202-541-3206
WASHINGTON-The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, February 1, on behalf of USCCB, the Texas Catholic Conference and several Christian partners in support of a Texas law mandating health and safety standards protecting women who undergo abortions. Other groups joining the brief include the National Association of Evangelicals, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. The case is Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court."There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."The brief noted that some abortion clinics have decla...
"There is ample evidence in this case that hospital admitting privileges and ambulatory surgical center requirements protect women's lives and health," said the brief. "When such requirements are not enforced, abuses detrimental to women's lives and health arise."
The brief noted that some abortion clinics have declared the standards too strict, although the standards are similar to those issued by the abortion industry. It added that abortion providers "should not be allowed to rely upon their own failure to comply with health and safety laws" as a reason to strike such laws down. The brief said the providers' resistance to such regulations is not in the best interests of women's health and safety. It also noted that over 40 years of precedent, including the Court's 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, reaffirms that states may regulate abortion to protect maternal life and health.
Full text of the brief is available online: www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Whole-Woman-s-Health-v-Hellerstedt.pdf
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Keywords: General Counsel, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Texas law abortion, amicus curia, National Association of Evangelicals, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, U.S. Supreme Court
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WASHINGTON-Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, S.T.L. was appointed Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), February 3, where he will serve as administrator of the USCCB's pastoral offices and a member of the executive staff. He is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he is pastor of St. Bronislava Church. The appointment takes effect March 1."Msgr. Burrill brings a unique combination of pastoral skills and leadership experience to complement and strengthen our service to each bishop and to the Conference as a whole," said USCCB General Secretary Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, who made the appointment.Serving as pastor at St. Bronislava since 2013, Msgr. Burrill served at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2009-2013, first as director of apostolic formation and then as the Carl J. Peter chair of homiletics, formation advisor and director of media relations. He was pastor of the tri-parishes of St. Mary's, Dur...
WASHINGTON-Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, S.T.L. was appointed Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), February 3, where he will serve as administrator of the USCCB's pastoral offices and a member of the executive staff. He is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he is pastor of St. Bronislava Church. The appointment takes effect March 1.
"Msgr. Burrill brings a unique combination of pastoral skills and leadership experience to complement and strengthen our service to each bishop and to the Conference as a whole," said USCCB General Secretary Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, who made the appointment.
Serving as pastor at St. Bronislava since 2013, Msgr. Burrill served at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2009-2013, first as director of apostolic formation and then as the Carl J. Peter chair of homiletics, formation advisor and director of media relations. He was pastor of the tri-parishes of St. Mary's, Durand, Holy Rosary, Lima, and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mondovi, Wisconsin, 2001-2009. He taught and served as chaplain at Regis High School and Middle School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1999-2001.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Mary's College Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota, in 1994, a bachelor of sacred theology from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1997, and a licentiate in ecumenical theology from the Angelicum University, also in Rome, in 1999. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1998 in the Diocese of La Crosse. He served in several leadership positions for the diocese, including six years as a regional vicar and two terms on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. Msgr. Burrill also served as the ecumenical officer and as a member of the seminary admissions board.
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Keywords: Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, Associate General Secretary, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pontifical North American College, Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, St. Bronislava Parish, USCCB, U.S. bishops
MEDIA CONTACT
Don Clemmer
O: 202-541-3206
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WASHINGTON-National Marriage Week USA and World Marriage Day are opportunities "to celebrate the gift and blessing of marriage," said the chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). "Marriage, both as a natural institution and as a Christian sacrament, is an irreplaceable good for society and all people," wrote Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, in a letter to his brother bishops. "Our Committee remains ever grateful for the ongoing efforts in dioceses and parishes to promote, strengthen and defend marriage, and to accompany married couples in their joys and trials."National Marriage Week USA is celebrated February 7-14, and World Marriage Day is celebrated February 14.The USCCB provides numerous resources that can be of assistance to bishops, priests and lay leaders in promoting, strengthening and defending the gift of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, including the webs...
WASHINGTON-National Marriage Week USA and World Marriage Day are opportunities "to celebrate the gift and blessing of marriage," said the chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
"Marriage, both as a natural institution and as a Christian sacrament, is an irreplaceable good for society and all people," wrote Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, in a letter to his brother bishops. "Our Committee remains ever grateful for the ongoing efforts in dioceses and parishes to promote, strengthen and defend marriage, and to accompany married couples in their joys and trials."
National Marriage Week USA is celebrated February 7-14, and World Marriage Day is celebrated February 14.
The USCCB provides numerous resources that can be of assistance to bishops, priests and lay leaders in promoting, strengthening and defending the gift of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, including the websites For Your Marriage, Por Tu Matrimonio, and Marriage: Unique for a Reason. Bishop Malone encouraged participation in the Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty. The letter and additional resources are available online: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/national-marriage-week.cfm.
A daily virtual marriage retreat for National Marriage Week is also available through Facebook: www.facebook.com/foryourmarriage. The theme of this year's retreat is marriage and mercy, given the year-long Jubilee of Mercy. There will also be a National Marriage Week contest available through multiple USCCB social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The celebration of National Marriage Week in the U.S. began in 2002, originating from Marriage Week International. World Marriage Day, held the second Sunday of February each year, was started in 1983 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
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Keywords: Bishop Richard J. Malone, National Marriage Week USA, World Marriage Sunday, marriage, family, USCCB, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, For Your Marriage, Por Tu Matrimonio, Marriage Unique for a Reason, Call to Prayer
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3202
WASHINGTON-Nearly all of the religious men and women who professed perpetual vows in 2015 had a strong, active parish life or participated in a vocation program or experience prior to entering their religious institute, according to the annual survey on men and women religious conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. The report comes as the Catholic Church completes the global observance of the Year for Consecrated Life.Nearly 84 percent participated in a vocation program prior to entering their religious institute, such as a "Come and See" experience (72 percent), or a vocation retreat (46 percent). Women were more likely than men (57 percent compared to 29 percent) to report participating in a vocation retreat before entering their religious institute. "It is remarkable to think that 82 percent of those participating in the CARA survey served in one or more specified ministries in their parish community before entering their ...
Nearly 84 percent participated in a vocation program prior to entering their religious institute, such as a "Come and See" experience (72 percent), or a vocation retreat (46 percent). Women were more likely than men (57 percent compared to 29 percent) to report participating in a vocation retreat before entering their religious institute.
"It is remarkable to think that 82 percent of those participating in the CARA survey served in one or more specified ministries in their parish community before entering their religious institute," said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. "We know active participation in parish life is an important component for spiritual growth. I encourage those who are currently active in ministries and eligible to pursue a religious vocation to ask yourself if God might be calling you to consecrated life. Be assured that he will provide the strength and grace you need."
Over four in ten respondents reported that they were encouraged to consider a vocation by a parish priest or a friend. Women are more likely than men to have been encouraged by both (46 percent compared to 34 percent).
Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities Cheryl Wint found her vocation through her active parish life and a mission trip to Guatemala, giving up a successful business career. "After eight mergers within my career, I took some time off and went on a Franciscan Habitat trip to Guatemala where I had a very profound experience and knew it was time to make a change. So, during a Lenten penance service at my parish I felt the call to religious life and so pursued the call, which lead me to the sisters."
Three in ten (30 percent) first became acquainted with their institute through promotional material, while one in five first learned about their institute from a priest or advisor. On average, these men and women religious knew a member of their institute for about five years before entering.
That was the case of Sister Maria Catherine Toon of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. "I went to visit a friend who had just entered the community and ended up joining the same community three weeks later," she said. "I ended up making vows in the same class as the friend I had visited."
The USCCB's Secretariat on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations commissioned CARA to conduct the survey of the religious profession class of 2015, and the results of the survey were released before the annual celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. The entire survey and press release can be found at www.usccb.org/consecratedlife.
The survey polled women and men religious who professed perpetual vows in 2015 in a religious congregation, province, or monastery based in the U.S. CARA received a response from 447 of 790 major superiors, for an overall response rate of 57 percent among religious institutes. In all, 75 percent of LCWR superiors, 55 percent of CMSWR superiors, 52 percent of CMSM superiors, and 22 percent of superiors of contemplative communities provided contact information for 136 members who professed perpetual vows in religious life in 2015.
Of these 136 women and men, a total of 54 sisters and nuns and 35 brothers responded to the survey. These brothers may include some who intend to pursue studies leading to priestly ordination. This represents a response rate of 65 percent of the 136 potential members of the Profession Class of 2015 that were reported to CARA by major superiors.
Other major findings of the report are:
? Nearly all responding religious (90 percent) regularly participated in some type of private prayer activity before they entered their religious institute. About two-thirds participated in Eucharistic Adoration or prayed the rosary before entering. Nearly six in ten participated in retreats or spiritual direction before entering.
? Most religious did not report that educational debt delayed their application for entrance to their institute. Among the two who did report educational debt, however, they averaged less than a one year of delay while they paid down an average of $35,000 in educational debt. Several of the women, but none of the men, reported receiving assistance in paying down their debt.
? The average age of responding religious is 39. Half of the responding religious are age 35 or younger. The youngest is 26 and the oldest is 76.
? Two-thirds of responding religious (68 percent) identify as white, more than one in six (16 percent) identifies as Asian, and more than one in ten (11 percent) identifies as Hispanic.
? Most responding religious (77 percent) were born in the U.S. Of those born outside the United States, the most common country of origin is The Philippines.
? Among those identifying as Hispanic/Latino six in ten (60 percent) are U.S. born. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (86 percent) are predominantly foreign born. Nearly all identifying as Caucasian/white (97 percent) are U.S. born.
? Almost half of responding religious (47 percent) attended a Catholic elementary school, which is about the same as that for all Catholic adults in the United States (42 percent). These respondents are more likely than other U.S. Catholics to have attended a Catholic high school (39 percent of respondents, compared to 22 percent of U.S. adult Catholics) and much more likely to have attended a Catholic college (43 percent of responding religious, compared to just 7 percent of U.S. adult Catholics). Responding women religious are less likely than brothers to have attended a Catholic college (37 percent for women compared to 51percent for men).
? On average, responding religious report that they were 19 years old when they first considered a vocation to religious life, but half were 18 or younger when they first did so.
? One-half say that a religious sister or brother encouraged their vocation (52 percent).
? Respondents are less likely to report that they received encouragement from their family members than from other religious, friends, or a parish priest. One in three (34 percent) report that their mother encouraged them to consider religious life. Just under a quarter received encouragement from their father (22 percent) or other relatives (19 percent).
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Keywords: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, CARA, Class of 2015, religious life, CCLV, Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, USCCB, CMSM,
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3202
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Feb 5, 2016 / 12:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In the wake of the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas, one woman born with microcephaly – which is suspected to be linked to Zika – has said that what’s needed for those with the condition is assistance, not abortion.Ana Carolina Cáceres, a Brazilian journalist, told the BBC's Ricardo Senra that microcephaly “is a box of surprises. You may suffer from serious problems or you may not. So I believe that those who have abortions are not giving their children a chance to succeed.”Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, has been linked to recent cases of microcephaly, a disorder characterized by an abnormally small heads, and often delayed brain development. Since October 2015 Brazil has seen more than 3,600 suspected cases, and 404 confirmed cases (compared with 150 cases throughout 2014).While the increase in microcephaly is not certain to be linked to the Zika outbreak, it is “strongly su...
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Feb 5, 2016 / 12:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In the wake of the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas, one woman born with microcephaly – which is suspected to be linked to Zika – has said that what’s needed for those with the condition is assistance, not abortion.
Ana Carolina Cáceres, a Brazilian journalist, told the BBC's Ricardo Senra that microcephaly “is a box of surprises. You may suffer from serious problems or you may not. So I believe that those who have abortions are not giving their children a chance to succeed.”
Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, has been linked to recent cases of microcephaly, a disorder characterized by an abnormally small heads, and often delayed brain development. Since October 2015 Brazil has seen more than 3,600 suspected cases, and 404 confirmed cases (compared with 150 cases throughout 2014).
While the increase in microcephaly is not certain to be linked to the Zika outbreak, it is “strongly suspected,” according to the World Health Organization.
Brazil's ministry of health has recommended that women in areas in the path of the Zika outbreak delay pregnancy for the time being, prompting several group to renew a push for access to contraception and abortion in Brazil. The nation' health minister said Brazil would have a “damaged generation” because of microcephaly.
Cáceres told the BBC she would respond saying, “What is damaged is your statement, sir.”
She called herself “a fulfilled, happy woman” even though doctors told her parents she would never walk or talk and would enter a vegetative state until she died.
The 24 year-old decided to tell her story to the BBC to spread awareness that a microcephaly diagnosis should not be a death sentence.
“I survived, as do many others with microcephaly. Our mothers did not abort. That is why we exist.”
While acknowledging the problems of microcephaly – hospital bills were steep, operations were frequent, and she suffered seizures, which were managed with medication – Cáceres emphasized that people with the condition can lead full lives.
Today she is a college graduate, a journalist, a blogger, and the author of a book about living with microcephaly. She decided to become a writer to “be a spokesperson for microcephaly.”
She added, however, that “I certainly know that microcephaly can have more serious consequences than the ones I experienced and I am aware that not everyone with microcephaly will be lucky enough to have a life like mine.”
But when she heard that activists pushing to legalize abortion in Brazil because of the Zika virus outbreak, she said she “felt offended and attacked.”
“I believe that abortion is a short-sighted attempt to tackle the problem. The most important thing is access to treatment: counselling for parents and older sufferers, and physiotherapy and neurological treatment for those born with microcephaly,” Cáceres said.
She recommended that mothers and expectant mothers stay calm, and that they get to know mothers of children with microcephaly.
“With the spike of microcephaly cases in Brazil, the need for information is more important than ever. People need to put their prejudices aside and learn about this syndrome,” she said.
BOSTON (AP) -- Casinos worried that millennials aren't getting into traditional gambling like their parents and grandparents are bringing in tattoo studios, mixed martial arts competitions and other offbeat attractions to attract a younger clientele....
