News - July 2019 RSS Feed

By Catholic News Service WESTPHALIA, Texas — The Church of the Visitation in Westphalia, a nearly 125-year-old wooden church with bell towers on each side, burned to the ground July 29. The fire, which began in the morning, is still under investigation.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Days after rescue workers recovered the bodies of dozens of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, Pope Francis urged the international community to “act quickly” to prevent future tragedies.

By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The July 25 announcement by the Justice Department that it is reinstating the federal death penalty for the first time in 16 years was unwelcome news for Catholic leaders who have advocated against capital punishment.

By James Ramos, Catholic News Service HOUSTON — Confronting social justice issues such as bullying was at the top of the agenda for the 600 or so youth gathered in Houston for the 23rd biennial convention of the Junior Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver.

The second session of Summer Camp is in full swing as campers continue to enjoy fun activities while strengthening their commitment to Christ.

By Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — More than 180 faith leaders in Texas, including 18 Catholics, signed a statement sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice July 23 asking the agency to change its policy banning prison chaplains from execution chambers.

By Elizabeth Bachmann, Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — A sea of both experienced Catholic liberal teachers and neophytes eager to learn about the educational philosophy gathered at The Catholic University of America in Washington July 22-25.

Another Summer Camp session is under way as students entering grades seven through nine build friendships and their faith.

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY  — Pope Francis urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to put an end to his country’s eight-year-long conflict and seek reconciliation for the good of the nation and its vulnerable people.

The first session of Summer Camp is coming to a close as campers continue to pray and play together.

Youth continue to participate in worship and fellowship-related activities this week during Summer Camp at Camp Niwana in Woodville.

St. James Parish, Port Arthur, was filled with religious, nurses, doctors, board members and residents of Southeast Texas in remembrance of Christus – St. Mary Hospital. Father David Edwards celebrated Mass July 16 in remembering the impact and legacy of the hospital.

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the following statement in response to the climate of fear created by the Department of Homeland Security’s announced immigration enforcement actions and the Administration’s new Interim Final Rule to drastically limit asylum, which was published today: “Enforcement actions like those anticipated this week by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency separate families, cause the unacceptable suffering of thousands of children and their parents, and create widespread panic in our communities.

Opportunities to have fun and to explore faith together are being enjoyed by students entering grades four through six during the first session of the Diocese of Beaumont’s Summer Camp.

By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY  — Human beings are called to praise God for his gift of creation, not be predators out to plunder the earth and all it contains, Pope Francis said.

By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Christians are called to follow the spirit of the beatitudes by comforting the poor and the oppressed, especially migrants and refugees who are rejected, exploited and left to die, Pope Francis said.

By Marie Mischel, Catholic News Service OREM, Utah  — The nation’s Bill of Rights guaranteed freedom of religion, not freedom from religion, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan told a crowd of more than 3,000 gathered in Orem for a patriotic event held each year around the Fourth of July.

Happy Independence Day! May we continue to pray for and commemorate those who made it possible for us to live in a free world and pursue our dreams. “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln

By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica with migrants, refugees and volunteer rescue teams, the Vatican said. According to the Vatican, the Mass July 8 will mark the sixth anniversary of the pope’s visit to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.