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Revised HHS mandate no solution, says USCCB leader
ROME (CNS) — Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York said Feb. 13 that President Barack Obama’s revision to the contraceptive mandate in the health reform law did nothing to change the U.S. bishops’ opposition to what they regard as an unconstitutional infringement on religious liberty.
Four Arkansans in Washington oppose ruling
Four of Arkanasas’ legislators in Washington are siding with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and the other U.S. bishops who want to change a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring most private health insurance policies to offer contraception and sterilization free of charge.
Leaders are reminded: Abuse victims come first
VATICAN CITY — The take-away message from a Vatican-backed symposium on clerical sex abuse was clear: Victims, truth and justice come first. And the Church can no longer wait for a crisis to erupt before it begins to address the scandal of abuse.
Conway celebration
Father John Marconi, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Conway, escorts his mother, Lucille, back to her pew after placing flowers at the feet of the statue of the Virgin Mary Feb. 4 during a special Mass celebrating the priest’s 25th anniversary. (Photo)
What spurs growth of congregations? Study tries to find answers
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new study of U.S. congregations found that some factors are more prevalent than others in spurring the growth of a congregation, among them the age of a congregation’s members, family activities and a commitment to recruiting new members.
Federal court drops suit against Vatican
Arkansas insurance commissioner joined those of Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri and Oklahoma to sue Vatican 10 years ago
VATICAN CITY — A federal court in Mississippi Feb. 2 dismissed a 10-year-old lawsuit accusing the Vatican of complicity in a scheme to bilk more than $200 million from insurance companies.
Football
Two football players from Catholic High School in Little Rock signed national letters of intent to play college football. (Sports briefs)
Court: Is indecency in the ear of the beholder?
WASHINGTON (CNS) — After nearly a decade of threats, fines and court challenges, America may finally learn for sure whether the federal government has the authority to punish the airing of indecent material on broadcast television.
Theology leads us to a deeper understanding of God and our faith
Theology … what is it? Isn’t it that four-year course of specialized religious training that guys take while in seminary studying to be a priest? Or is it a theological theory or system like a theology of atonement? (Understanding our Church, Seeds of Faith)
What is your favorite song to sing at Mass and why?
“Probably my favorite song to sing at Mass would be ’Awesome God.’ There is a certain excitement that wells up in the eyes of all the kids at my school when we sing this song that just touches …” (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)
Heal the wounds of the Church through self-giving love
In January I had the opportunity to go to Rome. Our seminary pays for all the deacons to go and take a two-week course with our rector. Walking with my brother seminarians through the land of so many martyrs was a great experience. (Columns)
