Issue of January 15, 2012 – January 28, 2012 The following items are condensed. For the complete articles, please read the print edition of The Catholic New World. To subscribe, call (312) 534-7777.
News Update
Three kings arrive
Eunice and Nevaeh Valenza stop by to view the creche at St. Maria Goretti Church in Schiller Park following a Mass marking the feast of Epiphany at their parish on Jan. 7. Epiphany celebrates the biblical story of the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Karen Callaway/Catholic New World
Children's pictures are glued to stars on a Christmas tree in the back of the church. Karen Callaway/Catholic New World
Life and leadership
The SpeakOut Illinois conference will take place on Jan. 28 at the Doubletree Hotel in Oak Brook. Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood employee and author of "Unplanned," will deliver the keynote. Cardinal George will be honored with the Henry Hyde Life Leadership Award.
Registration is $50 before Jan. 16. For information, visit www.speakoutillinois.org or call (773) 777-2900.
1,000 voices
A Mass featuring a choir of 1,000 voices made up of singers ages 9-18 from high school, middle school and parish choirs will be celebrated Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets. The Mass marks the end of Catholic Schools Week.
Cardinal George will celebrate the Mass. This event is sponsored by the Office for Catholic Schools and the American Federation Pueri Cantores.
For information, visit www.pcchoirs.org/choir-of-1000-voices.html.
News Digest
Vatican issues recommendations for celebrating Year of Faith starting in Oct.
In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican issued a list of pastoral recommendations for celebrating the upcoming Year of Faith.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a "note" Jan. 7 outlining the aims of the special year and ways bishops, dioceses, parishes and communities can promote "the truth of the faith," the congregation said.
Peoria bishop warns on secularism
Jenky's annual letter aims to 'raise an alarm among the faithful Steps toward "radical secularization" taking place in Illinois pose growing threats to the religious freedom of Catholics, Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria warned in a letter designed to "raise an alarm among the faithful" at the beginning of 2012.
Bishop Jenky also said he was "especially scandalized" by Catholic politicians who willingly collaborate with efforts to exclude God and faith from the public forum.
