Page 1614 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush told a room full of leaders of religious social organizations June 26 that his faith-based and community initiative has been one of the most significant programs to come out of his administration and urged them to continue saving the lives of those in need in the U.S. and abroad.

Delaware man starts social networking site for Catholic parishes

WASHINGTON – Facebook and MySpace, the two most popular social networking sites on the Web, have practically become household names, but a Catholic Delaware man who has started a networking site for Catholic parishes hopes he can get some recognition of his own.

Pope turns spotlight on St. Paul as model for modern Christians

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is known to the world as the successor of St. Peter, the first pope. But for the next 12 months he’ll be turning the spotlight on St. Paul, the church’s archetypal missionary.

Restoration of historic chapel brings new life to St. Athanasius

Mason work that has stood since the 19th century is enhanced by orange walls and a light blue vaulted ceiling that are set off by double crown molding.

Teens beautify Baltimore, build bonds during summer work camps

Sweat trickled down the teens’ paint droplet-covered faces, and dirt was embedded in their fingernails. Their hair was tussled, and they were tired after days of hard work in the blistering sun.

Archdiocese’s third oldest living priest “needs” daily Mass

Most living rooms hold the typical décor: couch, reclining chair, television, table and credenza. Father E. Gerard Huesman’s modest apartment in Timonium contains all that, plus one additional fixture – an altar.

Iraqi refugees, Israeli-Palestinian tension await new Latin patriarch

JERUSALEM – The influx of Iraqi refugees into Jordan as well as continuing Israeli-Palestinian tensions are two of the major concerns the new Latin patriarch of Jerusalem said he would face after his June 22 installation.

California Catholic bishops affirm sanctity of marriage

SAN FRANCISCO – Less than a week after couples of the same sex began marrying under California law, Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco released a statement explaining that church teaching about marriage stresses its “unique place in God’s creation.”

Vatican urges tourists to have eco-friendly vacations

VATICAN CITY – In time for the summer holidays, the Vatican urged tourists to pack less luggage, leave the car at home and have a greener vacation.

Football will be newest ambition for St. Frances Academy

The St. Frances Academy, Baltimore, Panthers, known for their superb basketball programs, recently announced the addition of an independent varsity football program that will hit the gridiron this fall.

Seminarians flocking to North American College in Rome

ROME – Standing on the rooftop of the Pontifical North American College, Monsignor James Checchio smiled as he looked out onto the Eternal City six stories below and marveled at the 450-foot grand dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, pristine gardens and ancient buildings visible from every direction.

Pro-lifer says abortion is leading cause of death in black community