Find within these pages a clearinghouse of articles, news, links, events, collaboration tools and other resources shared with fellow priests. New pages every week — look forward to an expanding toolbox of practical resources at your fingertips!
Church and State
In the name of being good citizens, many Catholics have bought into a very mistaken idea of the "separation of Church and state," says Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. In an interview the prelate said that U.S. Catholics have always supported the principle of keeping religious and civil authority distinct. But, he added, "separating Church and state does not mean separating faith and political issues. ... In fact, the best way to kill a democracy is for people to remove their religious and moral convictions from their political decision-making."
How Priests Can Avoid Burnout
Priests who have to manage multiple parishes need to know how to use their time wisely, says Pope Benedict XVI. That was part of the advice the Pontiff gave during a question-and-answer session with clergy and seminarians of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. "In this situation," he said of busy priests, "it is important to have the courage to limit oneself and to be clear about deciding on priorities." He also said it's important the priests know "how to delegate, to get people to collaborate."
News Bytes for Your Parish Bulletin
- Prelate: Planned Parenthood Offends Minorities
- Catholic Charities: US Has Too Many Poor
- John Paul I's Election Remembered
- Bishop: Pelosi "Created Confusion" on Abortion
An Eye Toward the Election
The U.S. bishops' annual Labor Day message calls the faithful to use Catholic social teaching to guide them as they cast their votes this coming Election Day. The message entitled "An American Catholic Tradition" calls for "renewed vigor as we seek to build together a society that cares for its own, reaches out to the poor and vulnerable, and offers true hope to all." The document further notes: "Every day we are pro-life. Every day we are champions of human dignity. Our voices and our votes should shape society by bringing these inalienable truths into every particular proposal and program, every particular candidate's projects and plans."
Road Rashness
Christians should exam their consciences regarding the way they behave when driving, suggests Pope Benedict XVI. "Human life is too precious and it is too unworthy of man to meet death or become an invalid due to causes that could mostly be avoided," the Holy Father said as part of an Angelus address. He noted that road accidents are often caused by excessive speed and imprudent conduct. The Church feels responsible for road safety "at the ethical level," the Pontiff added. "Driving on public roads calls for moral and civic sense."