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!
News Bytes for Your Parish Bulletin
When Life Begins
Resolving the question of when human life begins is critical for advancing a reasoned debate over abortion and human embryo research. And according to a white paper published by the Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person, the scientific evidence of when life begins is clear. A new cell, the human zygote, comes into existence at the moment of sperm-egg fusion. The zygote immediately initiates a complex sequence of events that establish the molecular conditions required for continued embryonic development. This, argues author Maureen Condic, indicates the life of a new human being commences at a scientifically well-defined "moment of conception."
Welcoming the Movements
Young ecclesial movements are a gift from God and their contributions should be valued and welcomed, says Pope Benedict XVI. The Pontiff affirmed this when he received in audience two groups attending conferences related to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The Holy Father said that "it is important that pastors carry out with the [movements] a prudent, wise and benevolent discernment." He hoped that "dialogue between pastors and ecclesial movements intensifies at all levels: in parishes, dioceses, and with the Apostolic See."
News Bytes for Your Parish Bulletin
- Prelates Weigh-in on Obama Win
- Migrants Need Their Families, Affirms Holy See
- Benedict XVI Wants More Teamwork With Movements
- Jewish Leader Wants Honor for John XXIII
- Don't Let Death Get You Down, Pontiff says
Voters, Abortion and the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule should serve as a guide to those weighing a vote for "pro-choice" politicians, says a leading Catholic intellectual. University of Notre Dame law professor Gerard Bradley, in an article on proportionate reason and voting, declares that a "pro-choice" position amounts to a grave injustice, since it involves allowing for the killing of unborn children. Consequently, writes Bradley, "The 'pro-life' voter who votes for a 'pro-choice' candidate materially - that is, in fact and as a matter of foreseeable effect - cooperates in sustaining this country's radically defective legal structure about abortion."
The Way Home
God's goodness does not abandon those who sin seriously, says Pope Benedict XVI. Rather, the Almighty reaches out to such sinners through the sacrament of reconciliation. The Pontiff emphasized this point when he canonized the priest Gaetano Errico, founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Errico was tireless in ministering the sacrament of reconciliation. "The street," the Pope said, "gave him the opportunity to meet people to whom he would address his customary invitation: 'God loves you, when will we see each other?' And in the confessional he enabled them to encounter the mercy of the heavenly Father."