Page 1873 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

JERUSALEM (CNS) — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he “admired the spirit of the (Palestinian) people” in the face of hardships in the Gaza Strip. Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., said he was “really impressed” by the vision of Msgr. Manuel Musallam of Holy Family Parish in Gaza. His vision is to build “a sense of unity for all people in the Holy Land including Muslims, Christians and Jews” despite the difficult conditions in which the parishioners live, the bishop said.

Basilica seeks additional tour guides

Ruth Harrison of Churchville has visited famous churches throughout Europe and found her January tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be among the best – made especially unique by the historical knowledge imparted by volunteer docent Frank Twardzik. The retired radiologist from Howard County, and his wife Barbara Twardzik, are among 50 volunteers who give guided tours of the newly restored Baltimore landmark and church leaders are ready to recruit additional men and women to join the Basilica’s legion of docents.

Cardinal, Muslim consider: Why are we here?

WASHINGTON (CNS) — An Italian cardinal and a Muslim scholar from India tried to answer a question that has plagued humanity throughout history: “Why are we here?” Cardinal Angelo Scola, the patriarch of Venice known for his lengthy texts and theological passion, shared Christian thinking on creation, humanity, freedom and finite existence. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America and current director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, in California, gave Islam’s take on the relationship between God and humanity. The Jan. 16 discussion between the two religious scholars was the climax of a daylong dialogue of Catholic and Muslim theologians from around the United States on “The Primordial Relationship Between God and the Human Person in Catholicism and Islam.”

Bishops agency seeks to raise poverty awareness

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been waging a new media campaign to raise awareness in the nation, especially among the nation’s Catholics, about the extent and impact of poverty in America. “Right now in America 37 million people are working to become independent while struggling to afford the very basics necessary for survival — food, shelter, clothing, child care and medical care,” said Timothy Collins, CCHD executive director.

Brain hemispheres determine strengths

The intricate gray matter that makes up the human brain lays the foundation of critical thinking, but it’s the right and left hemispheres that provide most people with the determining factors in their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Alumni programs keep graduates connected

Some graduates go back just for the sandwiches. The buffalo chicken wrap is popular, as is The Kevin Special: hot roast beef, melted provolone, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, onions, lettuce and French fries (yes, French fries) wrapped in a flour tortilla. Both are favorites of students and alumni in the dining hall at Loyola Blakefield, Towson.

Musicians, singers follow tune of faith

After each monthly Mass at St. John’s Catholic Prep, Frederick, students comment, “This is the best Mass we’ve ever had!” Angie Galleno, director of campus ministry, said the students’ enthusiasm stems from a new facet of school liturgies – the Praise & Worship Band – composed of 15 singers and musicians from within the student body. New for the 2006-07 school year, the band was conceived as a way to make school liturgies more engaging for students.

Laura Bush lauds ‘vital role’ of Catholic schools

HARVEY, La. – Catholic schools played a “vital role” in the Gulf Coast’s path to recovery after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, first lady Laura Bush said on a visit to St. Rosalie Catholic School in Harvey. After her midmorning visit to St. Rosalie, Bush had lunch at Cafe Reconcile in New Orleans, a program of the New Orleans archdiocesan Catholic Charities. Meeting students, teachers and parish and archdiocesan personnel at St. Rosalie Jan. 9, Mrs. Bush said the school “reminds us of the vital role Catholic schools have played in helping children whose lives were devastated by the hurricanes. Catholic schools worked as quickly a possible to re-enroll their students. In September 2005, students from archdiocesan schools were scattered throughout 49 states. By November 2006, 98 percent were back attending the school of their choice.”

Interfaith dialogue is religious exercise

ROME – Jewish-Christian dialogue is primarily a religious exercise, not simply a political or social exercise, said two rabbis and two cardinals at a Rome conference. “When we respond to the divine in the other, we are revering and respecting God himself,” said Rabbi David Rosen, president of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations.

With local radio gone Christian radio moves in

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After out-of-town interests bought local commercial radio stations in rural America, evangelical Christian interests obtained broadcast licenses on that part of the FM dial reserved for noncommercial use, according to Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies in Whitesburg, Ky. As a result, there are now 2,000 evangelical radio stations in the United States, up 85 percent from 1996, when federal laws were changed to permit greater media concentration, Mr. Davis said. “The only format that’s larger is country” music, he added.

Ecumenical prayer service set for Jan. 23

Havenwood Presbyterian Church in Lutherville will hold an ecumenical prayer service on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Different experiences aid brain development