Page 1469 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

St. Paul will be the focus of this year’s annual John Carroll lecture series at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.

Members of new advisory council urged to make groups’ voices heard

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration told members of a new President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and other guests April 6 that it wants the government to aggressively encourage participation by faith-based and community organizations in advisory and hands-on capacities.

Parishioners from eight dioceses seek mediation for parish closings

WASHINGTON – Parishioners from 31 groups in eight U.S. dioceses have joined forces to ask the Vatican to suspend parish closings and to instruct bishops to negotiate the closures with local Catholics.

Put life first in every situation

I disagree with Tony Hall’s letter (CR, March 12) when he says that Catholic politicians are inconsistent on life issues when they vote “pro-choice.” I maintain that Catholic politicians, who proclaim that they are “pro-life” and support whole-heartedly the war in Iraq are inconsistent. The illegal war has killed too many innocent civilians mostly women and children not counting all the brave Iraqi and American military.

Cardinal Keeler sets example

I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet Cardinal William H. Keeler. He has a great message not just for Catholics, but for all faiths, that we are all God’s children. He has reached out to everyone, and treats people as if he was their counselor, mentor and friend. He is still going strong spiritually. He has left a strong legacy in the spiritual world, one that has led people to God, influenced them to give back to the community and to help young people get a good education. Cardinal Keeler made it clear that we are put on this planet to help people when they need it most. In many ways, his successor, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, is following in Cardinal Keeler’s footsteps.

Campus rally against Obama draws 400; letter-writing campaign launched

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Organizers of an April 5 campus protest against the University of Notre Dame’s decision to have President Barack Obama as commencement speaker also launched a Red Envelope Campaign aimed at sending the president a message about abortion.

Archbishop is ‘disappointed,’ ‘bewildered’ by honor to Obama

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien said he is “disappointed and bewildered” by the decision of University of Notre Dame officials to honor President Barack Obama with an honorary doctorate at this year’s graduation ceremony.

Chrism Mass spotlights priestly unity

In a public display of their unity with one another and with Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, 235 priests from every corner of the archdiocese renewed their priestly promises during the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland April 6.

Confused by movie endorsement

I was surprised and confused by the advertisement for the movie “Knowing” (CR, April 2). I was concerned that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called it “a meditation on faith and family unity.” I saw it and was horrified. I saw it as a science fiction movie that tries to depict a potentially mentally ill woman as a “prophet” and aliens taking over God’s role in redemption at the end of the world. I found it to be very disturbing. Why would the church encourage this movie?

Shooting victims, outpouring of grief reflect city’s immigrant roots

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The 14 people who died April 3 in the shooting at the American Civic Association – and the dozens who escaped – reflected the city’s immigrant past and present, as has the outpouring of support and grief from the region, according to area priests and others.

Catholic Community School of South Baltimore to close in June

Mounting debt and dwindling enrollment have led to the decision to close the 37-year-old Catholic Community School of South Baltimore in June.

Pope offers condolences to victims of Italian earthquake