Issue of July 19th – August 1st
Cardinal on violence: We must respond
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Where violence is a daily threat, children, their parents and catechists are asking for help. Gunshots and gang violence scar children, forcing them to live with fear and in a state of constant vigilance. They walk to school or the park focusing not on homework or games to play, but on how they might escape if they are threatened with violence. When communities are plagued by violence, as the U.S. Catholic bishops emphasize in their 1994 pastoral letter, “we have an obligation to respond.”
Donors still generous to Annual Catholic Appeal
Despite growing unemployment and continuing bad economic news, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago are still giving to the Annual Catholic Appeal.
Three churches in Lake County merge into one new parish
Holy Family, Immaculate Conception and Queen of Peace join to become Most Blessed Trinity
Three parishes in Lake County, located in an almost perfect triangle geographically, recently merged creating the new Most Blessed Trinity Parish.
Pope issues third encyclical, but what does he want from you?
On July 7, Pope Benedict XVI published his third encyclical letter, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) on integral human development with particular consideration on the role of the economy. Addressed to “all people of good will,” it defines Catholic social teaching as “the proclamation of the truth of Christ’s love in society.” While giving great attention to global economic and political issues, the encyclical contains a mandate for all Christians to have a commitment to the common good rooted not merely in political beliefs, but motivated by love for our neighbors.
Catholics can help stop plundering
Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) calls on the world’s economic actors to recognize that “the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity” and that wealthier nations must look to help the poor.
Depp captivates as Dillinger in ‘Enemies’
First off, if you don’t like loud noises, don’t even go to the cinema next door to “Public Enemies.” This movie is a machine-gun-shoot-fest. If you have a good strong heart, you’ll be fine.
Musicians raise a joyful noise to God
The sounds of bells, an organ and a rather large choir could be heard coming from each and every corner of the Donald. E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont July 6-10.
Natural family planning materials available
The archdiocese’s Development Program for Natural Family Planning and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have designated the week of July 19-25 as “Natural Family Planning Awareness Week.” The dates highlight the anniversary of the encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (July 25), which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood.
Having a good time and doing some good, too
Old St. Patrick Parish in downtown Chicago has celebrated another milestone. The historic church observed the 25th anniversary of its now-famous World’s Largest Block Party. The successful event raises money to support the many social-service causes the parish has taken under its wings.
Play ball — Gerardo Esquivel , a 2009 grad of De La Salle Institute (S. Wabash), has been drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round of Major League Baseball’s first-year players’ draft. Esquivel also accepted a baseball scholarship to attend Kansas State University . In his 2009 season he struck out 13 while allowing just one hit in a game against rival Kenwood.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that I wrote about Caroline’s first experience with the “Wizard of Oz.”
She was 3, and went to a presentation of the “Sing-Along Wizard of Oz.” She loved the people who came dressed in costume and the singing and the munchkins.
Elena Segura has spearheaded the Archdiocese of Chicago’s immigration reform efforts since the launch of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform in 2005, at a time when it appeared that there was a real possibility that a comprehensive reform package would pass in short order. Those efforts were under the auspices of the archdiocesan Office for Peace and Justice.
