Home Page

In the recent Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Benedict XVI invites us to advance the new evangelization in the context of migration by “seeking ways of fraternal sharing and respectful proclamation, overcoming opposition and nationalism. For their part, the Churches of origin, of transit and those that welcome the migration flows should find ways to increase their cooperation for the benefit of those who depart and those who arrive, and, in any case, of those who, on their journey, stand in need of encountering the merciful face of Christ in the welcome given to one’s neighbor.”

Q. I’ve read that distribution of holy Communion under forms is the norm here in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, but I hesitate to receive Communion from the cup. Shouldn’t I be worried about the transmission of germs?

The unfortunate story in this week’s Catholic Review about Our Lady of the Fields Church in Millersville underscores the Church’s critical responsibilities in the areas of child protection, human resources and finances. It also highlights the various systems that are in place to ensure compliance with the policies that govern how we provide safe environments for children and young people, and how we appropriately manage the financial resources entrusted to us.

As reported in last week’s Catholic Review, we are moving full speed ahead with a process for parish planning in the Archdiocese. Though it will be vastly different from the process undertaken for the reorganization of Catholic schools, it may have many asking where we are with the implementation of the schools plan and, most importantly, “is it working?”

Q. I’m confused about receiving Communion under both kinds after reading about the Diocese of Phoenix (CR, Sept. 29) and its new Communion norms restricting the cup. Do they apply to the Archdiocese of Baltimore?

October is the month each year when the Catholic Church throughout the United States observes Respect Life Month. It is a 40-year-old tradition and a time when we raise awareness of the Church’s belief in the inherent equality and transcendent value of every human being, a belief that serves as the foundation of the Church’s teaching on issues ranging from capital punishment and end-of-life care to Catholic social teaching, immigration and racism.

Earlier this month, we celebrated Labor Day, a national holiday to honor working people. But for millions of Americans, there has been little cause for celebration.

Since the announcement of my new appointment as pro-grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (and eventual departure from the Archdiocese of Baltimore), there have been many questions asked about how this news impacts my plans and priorities, specifically those related to the reorganization of parishes.

“We of Catholic Charities are a people of many faces – united by our belief in the infinite worth of every person and a singular commitment to cherish the Divine within us all.”

Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with prayer services and other special events Sept. 10-11. Below are some of the highlights.