Page 1726 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

Being present pastorally for his parishioners is one of the top priorities for the newly appointed pastor of St. Andrew by the Bay in Annapolis. “Being able to minister to people and interact with them is what I love most about the priesthood,” said Father Martin Burnham, a 41-year-old Baltimore native whose appointment by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien takes effect immediately.

Theologian’s book could mislead faithful, committee says

WASHINGTON – A Vietnamese-American theologian’s 2004 book on religious pluralism contains “pervading ambiguities and equivocations that could easily confuse or mislead the faithful,” the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine said in a Dec. 10 statement.

Questions about Romney’s faith prompt candidate’s speech

WASHINGTON – When Arizona Rep. Morris Udall sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1976, the fact that he was a Mormon, albeit an inactive one, was barely mentioned.

Park Heights educator honored as principal of the year

Pamela Sanders was thinking about retiring from a three-decade career in the Baltimore City public school system when her former pastor at St. Ambrose in Park Heights asked a favor. The former principal was stepping down and Father John Pfannenstiel, O.F.M. Cap., wanted Ms. Sanders to succeed her at the inner-city school.

Hispanics honor Our Lady of Guadalupe with celebration

As 14-year-old St. John the Evangelist, Frederick, parishioner Mary Rios climbed the front entrance steps to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland, Dec. 9, the sounds of a mariachi band greeted her as she prepared to experience her first celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

God remains source of comfort in shooting tragedy

OMAHA, Neb. – In a time of great sadness and pain, God remains present as a source of comfort, an Omaha priest said in his homily at a Dec. 6 prayer service for the victims of shootings the day before at one of the city’s shopping malls.

Pope criticizes those who hurt children through abuse

VATICAN CITY – Lamenting the climate of consumerism and materialism in today’s world, Pope Benedict XVI criticized “unscrupulous adults” who victimize children through sexual abuse and prostitution.

Coloring, comic books aim to protect students from abuse

WASHINGTON – A new comic book produced by the Archdiocese of New York aims to help middle school and high school students protect themselves from sexual predators and have the courage to report improper advances.

Coach Clatchey keeps it real

There’s not a lot of frill or fluff that comes along with Pat Clatchey, Mount St. Joseph High School’s longtime head basketball coach.

St. Vincent’s Center helps one girl gain a family

Ever since she was a baby, her mother beat her. Involved with drugs, her mother would leave her unattended, even as an infant and toddler. Sometimes she took the child to bars. She was just 9 when her mother was imprisoned for beating her. Her biological father was dead.

Concert at basilica to benefit Catholic Charities program

Music for the season will fill the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, Dec. 13 as Catholic Charities presents “1st Christmas Festival at the Basilica of the Assumption.”

Giving in to lust hurts other people, says papal preacher