Articles
June 27, 2008 - Editorial
In the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the concept of contemporary culture can be substituted for the word “people” when Jesus at Caesarea Philippi asks his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man [ more... ]California Catholic bishops affirm sanctitiy of marriage
Marriage is a God-given institution to join a man and woman in nurturing and supporting new life and can only be harmed if it is redefined, several Catholic bishops have said in pastoral responses to the California Supreme [ more... ]Archbishop Niederauer Statement on Same Sex Marriage
In a recent decision the Supreme Court of the State of California ruled unconstitutional an initiative passed by California voters eight years ago, defining marriage as “between one man and one woman." In its [ more... ]Seminary leader calls papal visit 'masterful performance'
Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic visit to the United States was a masterful performance of head and heart. The pope not only directed a distinct message to a number of different audiences but also conveyed a depth of personal [ more... ]USF student sketches Catholic churches of San Francisco
Catholic San Francisco By Michael Vick After the death of his father in 2002, then high school student Francis Putulin set off on a mission. His goal was to draw every Catholic Church in San [ more... ]Christ Our Hope
In a message prior to his apostolic journey to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI told American Catholics: "Together with your bishops, I have chosen as the theme of my journey three simple but essential words: 'Christ [ more... ]Bishop Justice - A Timeline of his Life
Bishop William J. Justice – a timeline MAY 8, 1942: Born to William J. Justice and Ann Vallely Justice, Lawrence, Mass. 1946: Justice Family moves to San Mateo. 1956: Graduates from St. Gregory Elementary [ more... ]Two men to be ordained to the Archdiocese in June
Rev. Mr. Juan Lopez is looking forward to making himself at home among the faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The transitional deacon will be ordained to the priesthood June 7 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by [ more... ]New auxiliary bishop's heart, wisdom, experience praised
The "pastoral experience, generous heart and wise judgment" of Bishop - elect William J. Justice were underscored by San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer as announcement of the appointment of the Archdiocese's [ more... ]Abortion notification initiative appears headed for ballot
The Sarah's Law initiative campaign for a state constitutional amendment requiring family notification before ending a minor's pregnancy appears to have gathered enough names to qualify for the Nov. 4 ballot. The campaign [ more... ]How it all works: Ordination of a Bishop has roots in ancient tradition
Drawing on strong biblical images, the Second Vatican Council describes the bishop as one who is truly a “pastor, chosen to shepherd the Lord’s flock, a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God. He is [ more... ]Catholic San Francisco Awards
In the 2008 Catholic Press Association awards competition, a Catholic San Francisco editorial won recognition for the ninth consecutive year, while the newspaper also was honored for a special supplement on senior living. The [ more... ]Disappointing Decision
In a surprising decision announced May 15, a divided California Supreme Court, by a one-vote margin, struck down the California Defense of Marriage Act, a ballot initiative (Proposition 22) approved by more than 61 percent of [ more... ]All or nothing measure headed to voters
An initiative to ban gay marriage in California has qualified for the Nov. 4 ballot, just two weeks before county clerks are to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples to comply with a new state Supreme Court [ more... ]Northern California to be well represented at World Youth Day 2008
(SAN FRANCISCO) July 3, 2008 - Young adults from the Archdiocese of San Francisco and surrounding Northern California dioceses will gather for Mass July 8 at 6:30 p.m. at San Francisco International Airport Chapel before [ more... ]New permanent deacons exhorted to 'become the good news'
Underscoring the call to be “gentle, humble, strong and wise” in their ministries, Archbishop George H. Niederauer exhorted the five men being ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of San Francisco on June 29 to [ more... ]Priest’s faith, loyalty, caring, intelligence and wit recalled
Msgr. Francis Lacey, retired pastor of St. Hilary Parish in Tiburon, died July 5 at Nazareth House in San Rafael. He was 81 years old and a priest for 57 years. Msgr. Lacey was appointed honorary prelate with title of [ more... ]Lourdes at 150 years: 'God is very much the God of surprises here'
Oblate Father Martin Moran issues what sounds like a spiritual guarantee: lives of pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France have a “99 percent” chance of improving. “I would say that almost [ more... ]Catholic advocates tame ‘stealth’ assisted-suicide
For the fourth time in as many years, Catholic bishops and health-care providers have staved off an end-of-life bill proposed by advocates of physician-assisted suicide. The bill, AB 2747, narrowly passed the Senate Health and [ more... ]Pope tells young people Holy Spirit can transform world
SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- With prayer and openness, young people can receive the power of the Holy Spirit and transform the world, Pope Benedict XVI told participants at World Youth Day. "Do not be [ more... ]Senior center sees need increase, funds decrease
Seniors feeling the pinch of the economic downturn are turning increasingly to charitable services to make ends meet. One such group, Catholic Charities CYO, offers food and other services for low-income seniors at the OMI [ more... ]Fair trade aims at fair deal for poor farmers
Two local Catholics have been appointed by Catholic Relief Services to be fair trade ambassadors for the organization’s initiative to promote sustainable, financially beneficial markets for poor farmers. The two are [ more... ]US Bishops issue Labor Day Statement - An American Tradition
The late Msgr. George G. Higgins was a remarkable priest whose primary work for many years was connecting the Church and the labor movement around Catholic teaching on worker rights. One of his many contributions was to offer an [ more... ]California Catholic Conference Approved Electoral Materials for Use in Parishes
"For Catholics, participation in the political process is a moral and ethical obligation. This program [Catholic Legislative Network] will help Catholics in the effort to sort through the often confusing rhetoric of [ more... ]Pelosi's nationally aired abortion comments "disgraceful", "incompetent", "incredible"
USCCB corrects House Speaker’s views as “misleading” and outdated Catholic and conservative commentators reacted with outrage and disbelief to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s nationally televised [ more... ]' Beautiful Boy' speaks of addiction in authentic voice
There are any number of autobiographical books on the market these days about the wrenching impact drug addiction has not only on the addict, but the addict' s family, friends, co - workers and even addiction professionals who [ more... ]Parental notice law endorsed by California Catholic Conference
Pro - life groups are asking California voters to approve a measure that would prohibit abortions involving underage girls until 48 hours after a parent or other family member has been notified. Proposition 4, commonly [ more... ]St. Francis’ conversions: Part One
What might St. Francis’ life say to us today ? The dedication of the “Porziuncola Chapel” at the National Shrine of St. Francis on Sept. 27 provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the life of the [ more... ]Immaculate Conception Academy moving to Cristo Rey model
The education tradition of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose continues at Immaculate Conception Academy with the addition next year of a new look at tuition and preparing young women for life in today’s world. The [ more... ]St. Francis’ conversions: II
(Following is the second in a series of reflections on the life of St. Francis of Assisi provided by the Archdiocesan Worship Commission.) Exasperated by his son’s foolishness, Pietro da Bernadone dragged Francis before the [ more... ]God did not ‘mind his own business'
(Following is Archbishop George H. Niederauer’s homily delivered Sept. 7 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco.) During my days of teaching English in college there was a class in which the students read and [ more... ]‘Stone-for-stone’ Porziuncola reproduction to be dedicated
The rock-for-rock, stone-for-stone, fresco-for-fresco replica of St. Francis of Assisi’s tiny Porziuncola church near Assisi, Italy will be dedicated Sept. 27 in a building adjoining the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi [ more... ]Plain talk about life
Recently, the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a fact sheet on the Catholic Church’s constant teaching of respect for unborn human life – quoting The Catechism of the Catholic [ more... ]Plenary indulgence announced
Not only will the visual impact and prayerful atmosphere of the famed Porziuncola church of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy be mirrored by an exacting replica at San Francisco’s National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, but an [ more... ]Local priest founds effort to aid blind Vietnamese children
During a 1998 trip to his native Vietnam, Father Thuan Hoang was shocked to find blind children living on the streets. An official in the Archdiocese of San Francisco's Metropolitan Tribunal and Department of Canonical [ more... ]St. Anthony's celebrates anniversary in new facility
The St. Anthony Foundation will celebrate its 58th anniversary with the dedication and opening of a new social services center at 150 Golden Gate Ave. in San Francisco on Oct. 3, the day before the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi [ more... ]Economic crisis and low media focus equal scant relief gifts?
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The combined hurricanes and tropical storms that have devastated U.S. communities and Caribbean nations in the past few months have exceeded the damage Hurricane Katrina inflicted on New Orleans in 2005, but [ more... ]Gianna’s life proclaims God’s transforming power
Twenty weeks into their third pregnancy, John and Jennifer Schmidt were on top of the world. They’d just told their two young sons - Jacob, 5, and John Paul, 2 - that there was a new baby on the way. Now, all four of [ more... ]Cardinal: ‘spiritual nourishment’ of Bible to be a synod focus
SAN FRANCISCO – A renewed appreciation for the “spiritual nourishment” available in sacred Scripture, a shot in the arm for ecumenical dialogue, and enhanced preaching on “the word of God in Scripture” are among hopeful outcomes [ more... ]Porziuncola: ‘an oasis of peace, of prayer, and of spiritual renewal'
Following is the homily delivered by Archbishop George H. Niederauer at the Sept. 27 Mass celebrating the opening and blessing of the Porziuncola Shrine at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco. A week [ more... ]The California Catholic Conferences has prepared a brief summary of the Propositions
On August 1, 2008, the California bishops issued a statement of strong support of Proposition 8—the initiative which will restore the definition of marriage to the “union of one man and one woman.” In [ more... ]Arab Christians can be ‘bridge of peace,’ says Israeli lawmaker
Arab Christians are uniquely placed to moderate tensions in Israeli society and advance peace and justice despite the lack of progress toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Nadia Hilou, Israel’s first [ more... ]Pro-life advocates use county fair booth to share message
There are children and even teenagers today who probably don’t know that they owe their lives to a booth at the San Mateo County Fair. For two decades, passersby at the San Mateo County Fair have seen booth workers dedicated [ more... ]Bishops establish committee to promote, protect marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) - A new ad hoc committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will work to raise awareness of the “unique beauty of the vocation of marriage” and the many threats it faces today, according to its chairman. [ more... ]Faith formation conference to draw thousands
Organizers expect more than 2,000 people – with as many as 800 from the Archdiocese of San Francisco – will attend the 47th Annual Faith Formation Conference, Nov. 21-22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The Archdiocese [ more... ]St. Jude Shrine generates hope and strong devotion
Known as the patron of hopeless causes, St. Jude Thaddeus has been giving hope to pilgrims visiting San Francisco’s Shrine of St. Jude at St. Dominic Church for more than 70 years. “As America was in the midst of a terrible [ more... ]High schools full - Local K-8 Catholic school enrollments decline slightly
Enrollment in the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s elementary schools is down by 1.7 percent from last year, a slight improvement from the 1.8 percent drop in the previous year-to-year comparison, Schools Superintendent Maureen [ more... ]Area Catholic high schools’ fall stage offerings ‘eclectic’
Take your pick. This autumn’s Catholic high school theater offerings within the Archdiocese of San Francisco are eclectic, with something for just about everyone. The productions range from a light-hearted romp through 200 years [ more... ]Fall High School Performances: what, where, when
Production: “After Juliet” High School: Convent of the Sacred Heart and Stuart Hall High Schools Location: Syufy Theatre, 2222 Broadway, San When: Nov. 20, 21 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $5 [ more... ]Bishops bring concerns about same-sex unions to YouTube
WASHINGTON - The U.S. bishops have taken their concerns about same - sex unions to YouTube, the popular video - sharing Web site. Both videos are available on YouTube at www.YouTube.com www.YouTube.com (in Spanish) [ more... ]Cemeteries’ focus: works of mercy
People who come to work at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma tend to stay either for a year or for a very long time, says Kathy Atkinson, cemeteries director for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Those who stay, she says, [ more... ]Prop 8 supporters call for last-minute help
Supporters of Proposition 8, the initiative to ban same-sex marriage in California, called for last-minute fundraising as a late surge by No on 8 erased a $10 million edge in campaign cash. From Oct. 1-25, the No on 8 [ more... ]Legal challenges to Prop 8 ahead
Supporters of same-sex marriage conceded that California voters handed then a stunning setback Tuesday with the passage of Proposition 8 and filed two claims with the state Supreme Court seeking a hearing to overturn the 52.5 [ more... ]Bishop Wang in Beijing
Being principal celebrant at a recent Mass at Beijing’s Divine Savior Church represented personal and pastoral milestones for San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Wang, and also signaled growing mutual accord between [ more... ]St. Paul to be topic of Faith Formation Conference offerings
In celebration of the Jubilee Year of St. Paul, the 47th annual Faith Formation Conference, Nov. 21-22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, will feature several workshops focused on the apostle: • Margaret Riley-Nystrom, [ more... ]U.S. Bishops issue statement on economy
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- As the world economic crisis continues to unfold, the U.S. bishops issued a statement Nov. 11 reminding people that "we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We are all in this together." The [ more... ]Cardinal shares insights
ROME. Sept. 12 – Pope Benedict XVI sees himself as a Gospel evangelist on a mission to recover the face of the risen Christ in a modern world that dangerously, if not precipitously, values mere knowledge over revealed [ more... ]Holy Land Report
(George Wesolek, director of the archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, took part in a fact-finding trip to the Middle East Sept. 21 to Oct. 6 sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, the overseas relief agency [ more... ]Priest unearths chapter of Holocaust
Auschwitz. Treblinka. Birkenau. Names etched forever into the consciousness of a world reeling from the horror of the Holocaust. Around six million died as a direct result of the Nazi’s planned extermination of the Jewish [ more... ]US Bishops cite concerns
BALTIMORE (CNS) – Fears about laws and changes in regulations on abortion that might advance under a new Democratic-run Congress and White House are the central focus of a statement approved by the U.S. Conference of [ more... ]Archbishop to celebrate Simbang Gabi
Filipino-American Catholics in the San Francisco area are planning their most expansive Simbang Gabi novena ever, with a Dec. 13 “commissioning Mass” to be celebrated by Archbishop George Niederauer at St. Mary’s Cathedral as [ more... ]Late Nite Catechism
The co-creator of the popular audience-interactive comedy “Late Nite Catechism” was inspired by her Catholic upbringing and a line from St. Lawrence, a third century martyr who is said to have quipped while being [ more... ]New CCCYO exec named
Seeking ways to provide “sustainability long into the future” for Catholic Charities CYO programs while “in the middle of the most unprecedented economic downturn in our lifetimes” will be a major focus of [ more... ]Peace in the Holy Land
The Holy Land is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, but a tragic decades-old conflict has brought violence and suffering to two of its peoples – Israelis and Palestinians – who yearn for a just peace. A durable [ more... ]Simbang Gabi: 'A unique mix'
Simbang Gabi is here again. This celebration of the Filipino Catholic tradition of Christmas novena masses at dawn (or now in the evening) always reminds me of the story of a pastor and his associate in a parish here in the U.S. [ more... ]Bishop Gumbleton warns
The global arms race and nuclear threat are markedly more dangerous today than they were 25 years ago when he helped author the United States bishops’ pastoral letter “The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and [ more... ]SF mayor speech sparks debate
In a letter to Archbishop George Niederauer, the chair and executive vice chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council’s board of directors expressed disappointment with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s address at the 11th [ more... ]Mayor’s remarks cause ‘dismay’
A Dec. 11 letter from the San Francisco Interfaith Council Board of Directors to its members expresses “dismay” that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom had used the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Breakfast on Nov. 25 to vent “his [ more... ]CRS helping Afghan farmers
Catholic Relief Services has begun an emergency intervention in rural Afghanistan in hopes of averting a collapse of village economies and a resulting refugee crisis. Andy Schaefer, program manager for CRS in Afghanistan’s [ more... ]Holy Father's Homily
Dear Brothers and Sisters, "Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?" This is what Israel sings in one of the Psalms (113 [112], 5ff.), praising [ more... ]Fight poverty to build peace
Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of World Day of Peace January 1, 2009 1. Once again, as the new year begins, I want to extend good wishes for peace to people everywhere. With this [ more... ]Financial crisis calls for different models
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The current financial crisis should be seen as a challenge to find new economic models that promote honesty, development and concern for the environment, Pope Benedict XVI said. "We need to try [ more... ]God forgave me
Women ex-offenders, all too often spiritually broken, come to the recovery home called Catherine’s Center to put themselves back together again, one piece at a time. The work is as hard as it sounds and is not for [ more... ]Pope calls for Gaza peace talks
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, Pope Benedict XVI urged Israelis and Palestinians to end the violent, armed clashes and start peace talks. "Hatred and the rejection of dialogue bring [ more... ]Oakland bishop selected for Detroit
DETROIT (CNS) -- Applause and even some cheers filled the room as Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron was escorted in front of priests, church employees, media and Catholic school students at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to be [ more... ]Police chief warns of hate-based crimes
Religious congregations in the Bay Area should be prepared and vigilant in the wake of what "appear to have been incidents of hate-based acts" in recent weeks, San Francisco Chief of Police Heather Fong wrote in a [ more... ]‘Kid’s Club’ reaches at-risk youth
Lisa Salinas is a parent. Her 11-year-old son Jaime attends fifth grade at Bahia Vista Elementary School in San Rafael. Like many parents living in the Canal District, she holds down a stressful, full-time job to provide for [ more... ]Pro-life events set
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Thousands of pro-life marchers are expected to rally in Washington Jan. 22 to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, just days after [ more... ]Local Sister’s book on St. Paul
The Daughters of St. Paul in Redwood City, whose mission is to spread the Gospel through books and media, have a new author in their midst. Daughter of St. Paul Superior Sister Armanda Santos has written a book that combines her [ more... ]St. Elizabeth School’s critical year
Supporters of St. Elizabeth School say it is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of San Francisco. But now administrators, teachers, parents and alumni are joining forces to make sure the secret gets out - and not [ more... ]Marin pregnancy center offers hope
In her nearly two decades working at the Pregnancy Resource Center of Marin, Robin Strom has witnessed both the unusual and the miraculous. A woman brought in her 15-year-old daughter for a pregnancy test on a Monday. [ more... ]Vatican launches YouTube channel
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican launched a video channel on YouTube that will feature news coverage of Pope Benedict XVI and major Vatican events. It marked the start of the Vatican's strategic vision of working "to be [ more... ]Rally against abortion
More than 30,000 pro-life supporters filled the boulevard along San Francisco's waterfront for more than a mile in the 5th Annual Walk for Life West Coast today, walking behind a 10-foot-long "Abortion Hurts Women" [ more... ]Stir into flame the gift of God
American Catholics, along with many U.S. citizens of other faiths or no faith, express their deep respect for the dignity of life in many ways. For example, the Catholic impulse is to strongly condemn murder or acts of violence, [ more... ]TV Mass sustains the faithful
It was an active Sunday afternoon at Aegis of Corte Madera assisted-living center. The main door swung open often as visitors came and went through the lobby. A dark-haired man in a chair carefully worked his crossword puzzle. He [ more... ]Letter on FOCA
At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), the most radical and divisive pro-abortion bill ever introduced in Congress, [ more... ]Freeing prostituted women
Presbyterian Rev. Glenda Hope and Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto had no direct model when in 1997 they decided to start a ministry for homeless prostituted women. What drove them was a desire to do something about women [ more... ]40 Days for Life vigils
Two groups in the Archdiocese of San Francisco will take part a community-based prayer campaign to end abortion that takes place during the 40 days of Lent. The groups, based in San Francisco and San Mateo, will lead prayer [ more... ]The financing of schools
The Archdiocese of San Francisco supports Catholic schools in many ways, but by and large, the schools are self-financed. A typical elementary school earns income from three sources: tuition and fees (85 percent), donations [ more... ]“Next best thing to Lourdes”
More than 600 people, primarily the sick and their caregivers, gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral Feb. 7 for a Mass commemorating the World Day of the Sick. Archbishop George H. Niederauer celebrated, with former San Francisco [ more... ]Jesuit Father General in San Francisco
In a wide-ranging press conference at the University of San Francisco Feb. 4, the head of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit Father General Adolfo Nicolás told Catholic San Francisco the Jesuit order stands ready to help the Vatican as [ more... ]High-tech public shaming?
Proposition 8 proponents who said their supporters have experienced "extensive acts of harassment, including death threats," lost a court bid to block further disclosure of pro-8 financial donors' personal information. They vowed [ more... ]Strategic advice on life
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The pro-life community must not become too closely aligned to one political party, waste energy on internal bickering or become diverted by false arguments, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver told an Irish [ more... ]Remembering the apostles
In our liturgical calendar, Feb. 22 is normally celebrated as the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. However, this year it is liturgically celebrated as the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the last Sunday before Lent begins. As [ more... ]Restoring relationships
It was late at night when non-gang member David and his gang member friend were hanging out at a park close to his home in Los Angeles. David had left his house while his single mom was working at her second job. She would arrive [ more... ]Catholic Worker House
One couple's thirst to serve Jesus by helping the poor has changed lives for more than 12 years. Peter Stiehler, 44, and his wife, Kate Chatfield, 38, feed and shelter 80 to 100 homeless men and women through the Catholic Worker [ more... ]‘A matter of profound belief’
Support for Proposition 8 is based on deeply held religious convictions by people of many faiths. Experienced journalist Spencer Michals, who is a correspondent for the PBS television program NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, [ more... ]Prop. 8 hearings
California voters had the right to amend the state Constitution to restore the traditional definition of marriage, and a court override would mark "an unprecedented revolution" in the judiciary's role, former U.S. [ more... ]Rite of Election
San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer presided at the Rite of Election March 1 at St. Mary's Cathedral with more than 1,200 people in attendance. "We are expecting 198 catechumens, 66 candidates for reception [ more... ]Mexican priest speaks at St. Mary's
Christ's love for the poor is key to renewing a Church mired in drab pragmatism, says Father Camilo Perez, a social justice leader for the Church in Mexico. A vital Church in the Americas will be less about [ more... ]The recession hits home
A successful professional, a moneymaker for his firm, laid off through no fault of his own. On a Friday afternoon. And axed by phone no less. It happened to Ken Outzen last fall and he has been bobbing to keep his head [ more... ]Help for victims of domestic violence
A number of survivors of domestic violence have begun an Archdiocese-wide project to help victims and potential victims by having trained counselors placed at parishes. The Ministers of Light project "is focused on [ more... ]Loaves & Fishes awards
San Francisco Catholic Charities CYO, the social service arm of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, will honor several individuals and organizations April 3 at the 12th annual Loaves & Fishes awards dinner, an event that benefits [ more... ]Sister to be honored
Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont will honor Notre Dame Sister Roseanne Murphy March 21 at its annual "Great Expectations" gala. Sister Roseanne has served at the school for more than 40 years, 37 as chair of its [ more... ]Archdiocesan grants and scholarships
With the economy in the current state of instability and disarray, many of our families are experiencing serious financial constraints due to the loss of income or loss of job or increased expenses in health care insurance [ more... ]Project will help victims
A number of survivors of domestic violence have begun an Archdiocese-wide project to help victims and potential victims by having trained counselors placed at parishes. The Ministers of Light project "is focused on [ more... ]Seminary rector to retire
Sulpician Father Gerald L. Brown, rector and president of St. Patrick Seminary and University in Menlo Park, announced March 23 that he would retire from this position effective July 1. At the same time, the Provincial [ more... ]Benefits of end-of-life care directives
On March 31, 2005, Theresa "Terri" Marie Schiavo, a Roman Catholic, was pronounced dead due to severe dehydration 13 days after her feeding tube was removed for the final time. The battle of wills between her husband, [ more... ]Verbum Dei leads campus ministry
This past Valentine's Day some students at San Francisco State University had dinner together and took in a movie. It was nothing all that unusual, perhaps. But then the young adults ended the evening in a different and very [ more... ]'40 Days for Life'
Nunu Huhane has decided to become a hero for the unborn child. The 43-year-old San Mateo city resident is volunteering at 40 Days for Life, a vigil in front of the Planned Parenthood in office San Mateo. He goes out [ more... ]Father Ray Smith
Father Ray Smith, who retired from active ministry in 2005, died March 30. He was 89 years old. A funeral Mass will be celebrated April 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Brendan's Church in San Francisco, where Father Smith served in 1956 and [ more... ]Pope to visit Holy Land
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – On his first trip to the Holy Land, Pope Benedict XVI will meet with Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders, stop at the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and visit a refugee camp in [ more... ]Boost aid to world’s poorest
As Congress responds to the economic crisis it must redesign U.S. foreign aid policy to direct more resources to the world's poorest people. That was the call April 1 at the University of San Francisco at an interfaith [ more... ]Academic decathlon
Seventeen schools in the Archdiocese of San Francisco participated in the thirteenth Annual Academic Junior High Decathlon held March 14 at St. Pius School in Redwood City. Participating schools included, Ecole Notre [ more... ]CNS News Briefs
New bishops named for St. Louis, Syracuse, N.Y. WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Robert J. Carlson of Saginaw, Mich., as the new archbishop of St. Louis. He also accepted the resignation of [ more... ]Called to a rare vocation
San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer will preside April 29 at Catherine Wright's commitment to life as a Consecrated Virgin at St. Raphael Church in San Rafael. "The rite will constitute Catherine to be a [ more... ]Local Catholics to push social justice
Representatives from each of the 12 California Catholic dioceses will converge on Sacramento April 28 for the 11th annual Catholic Lobby Day. They will advocate for food aid for the poor, limits on prison time for juvenile [ more... ]St. Francis offers conversion
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- At first glance, the scholarly Pope Benedict XVI -- sometimes dubbed "the pope of reason" -- might seem an unlikely devotee of St. Francis of Assisi, the mystic friar of simple faith. Yet the German [ more... ]Church must adapt to digital world
Parents and youth ministers must adapt to and embrace new technologies to be relevant to young people, said Pauline Sister Rose Pacatte, director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. "Faith formation [ more... ]Catholic churches take flu measures
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Catholic officials in several countries have issued guidelines for celebrating Mass during the outbreak of the swine flu, which is spread by human contact. In Mexico City, the epicenter of the outbreak, [ more... ]‘I know God is here, but...'
I heard a story about a little girl named Allison who had lots of trouble going to bed and getting to sleep at night. After reading a story and saying her prayers and having a drink of water, it was still a struggle. As her [ more... ]Job seekers urged to trust their faith
Focus on searching for a new job but stay spiritually healthy and never let pride take the place of trust in God. Jesuit Father George Schultze, the spiritual director at St. Patrick's Seminary and University in Menlo [ more... ]Astronaut to speak at NDNU commencement
Educator and former astronaut Barbara Morgan, chosen to address Notre Dame de Namur University students at the Belmont school's commencement ceremony May 9, said she is excited about the trajectory of the space program. [ more... ]'Don’t shred the safety net'
Determined to influence public policy, more than 650 California Catholics from throughout the state and several of the state's bishops came to Sacramento for Catholic Lobby Day on April 28. Speakers in the [ more... ]CA bishops urge consideration for poor
The California Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm of California's Catholic bishops, has urged the governor and legislature to remember the poor and vulnerable amidst the state's growing budget crisis. Steve Pehanich, CCC's [ more... ]Forming a new priest
Ex-accountant Quinn drove Lincolns and loved his secular life but left it all behind for a vocation that "allows one to be happier." This is the first in a series of three profiles of seminarians who will be ordained [ more... ]“Quite a tale when you think about it”
Catholic San Francisco visited the elder care residence Alma Via of San Francisco to meet with residents for an article about how the economic downturn is affecting the elderly. The residents downplayed that idea right off the [ more... ]Vatican accepts Bp. Wang resignation
At a Mass May 16 at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Archbishop George H. Niederauer announced that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation letter of Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius C. Wang, which was submitted to the [ more... ]Ten things to consider before marriage
1. Marriage is a Sacrament! A marriage between two Christians is a sacrament, that is, an encounter with Jesus Christ. The bride and the groom, pledge their selfless love for each other. All present can look at the bride and [ more... ]Forming a priest
The aging and their caregivers need the Church more than ever, says retired lawyer who found a new vocation while caring for his dying parents. This is the second in a series of three profiles of seminarians who will be [ more... ]Teachers and leaders honored
Catechists and parish catechetical leaders of long service were honored May 14 at annual St. Pius X Awards ceremonies. Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice presided at a prayer service opening the evening at St. Anne of the [ more... ]Memorial Day Homily
On Memorial Day we celebrate two realities: our faith in God and our love and respect for the men and women we remember and honor today, all of our beloved dead, but especially those who have died in the armed services. [ more... ]Mideast peace
Washington -- A broad spectrum of American Christian leaders - from Catholic and Orthodox traditions to mainline Protestant, Evangelical and historic African American churches and institutions - have appealed to President-elect [ more... ]USF honors dissenting bishop
Jesuit Father Stephen Privett, president of the University of San Francisco, stirred up controversy May 22 with his presentation of an honorary degree to a South African bishop who has defied the Vatican by promoting the use of [ more... ]Thriving in a downturn
The economic slump affords those struggling with its consequences the chance to enrich their lives, this according to John Brust, a St. Vincent de Paul parishioner who led a recent forum at the San Francisco parish entitled [ more... ]Parish journey to Africa
Father Paulinus Mangesho thinks that if members of a Bay Area parish and an African one could get to know one another, both communities would be the richer for it. Next month, Father Mangesho will put his idea into action. He [ more... ]Update on the Archdiocesan Review Board
What do you get when you convene a group that includes a psychologist (Dr. Suzanne Giraudo), a pediatrician (Dr. Eileen G. Aicardi), a retired judge (Honorable Raymond Williamson), a retired police inspector (Ms. Janice R. [ more... ]‘Don't be afraid; just have faith’
When I go to my hometown, one of the first things I do is visit my mother's grave near the parish church. A large branch of the Flame of the Forest arches over her grave. The last time I was there, the tree had dropped flowers [ more... ]Presentation sister heads new office
Archbishop George Niederauer has appointed Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto director of the office of women religious, a new office the archbishop created in response to requests from local women religious that culminated at a [ more... ]A diocesan exorcist on the job
What sets exorcists apart from priests who are skeptical of the ministry may be their biblical belief in the physical reality of evil and the power of prayer and the sacraments to vanquish it. Father Thomas, 55, who was raised in [ more... ]Father Damien's relic
A relic of Father Damien de Veuster, the "Leper Priest of Molokai," currently among the rank of "blesseds" in the Church and soon to be named a saint by Pope Benedict XVI, will be brought for veneration by [ more... ]Fruitful Scripture reading
WASHINGTON—Reading the Bible should begin with a prayer to open our hearts and minds to the Word of God and end with “a prayer that this Word will bear fruit in our lives, helping us to become holier and more faithful people.” [ more... ]Healthcare reform: Opposition forms
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President Barack Obama's push for health care reform could be the worst thing for the pro-life cause since Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision legalizing abortion nationwide, said individuals and groups that oppose [ more... ]In the footsteps of Mother Teresa
Parishioner Audrey Cabrera Amort of St. Matthew Parish in San Mateo gave herself an unusual present for her 27th birthday: a trip to the Missionaries of Charity motherhouse in Calcutta to walk in the footsteps of her hero Mother [ more... ]Was Shakespeare Catholic?
What if William Shakespeare were secretly Catholic? From John Henry Newman and G.K. Chesterton to the present day, there is a persistent strand of scholarly thought that holds the Bard clung to a Catholic faith, even while [ more... ]USF students help design buildings
Architecture students at the University of San Francisco are applying the language of architecture and design to spiritually sensitive projects in several economically struggling places around the world. In India, they [ more... ]Financial aid for students
Thanks to the generosity of donors past and present, the Archdiocesan Family Grants for Elementary Students and the High School Scholarships have been allocated and awarded for next school year (2009-2010). The [ more... ]Religious jubilees
SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR 80 years: Sister Ann Maureen King loved teaching-from the first graders at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Redwood City and Notre Dame School in San Francisco to the teenagers at [ more... ]Budget hits the poor
Advocates for the poor, including Catholic lobbyists representing California’s Catholic Bishops, have spoken out against major cuts to California’s welfare-to-work program, CalWORKs, in the state’s new budget. [ more... ]Charismatic conference
“It Is Mercy I Desire,” the 2009 Holy Spirit Conference sponsored by the Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, will take place Sept. 18, 19 and 20 at Archbishop Riordan High School in San [ more... ]Cardinal Levada addresses KofC
PHOENIX (CNS) -- U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, called upon the Knights of Columbus Aug. 5 to bear witness to the necessity of God in an increasingly secular [ more... ]Reform must exclude abortion
WASHINGTON (CNS)--Despite their support for health care reform in general, representatives of the National Black Pro-Life Union and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists said Aug. 18 they [ more... ]Cardinal criticizes abortion provisions in health care bill
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, who heads the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said the health reform bill approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee prior to the [ more... ]Group continues efforts
A local interfaith activist group continues to push for comprehensive immigration reform, even as its prospects for near-term passage dim on the national level. The San Francisco Interfaith Coalition on Immigration [ more... ]Southland wildfires
For Father Richard Krekelberg, pastor of St. Rita Church in Sierra Madre, 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles, the Station Fire that destroyed more than 50 homes, threatened 12,000 more and led to two firefighters’ death was [ more... ]Notre Dame controversy
WASHINGTON (CNS) – In two national Catholic publications, two U.S. archbishops and a bishop are revisiting the controversy over the honorary degree conferred on President Barack Obama by the University of Notre Dame. [ more... ]Archbishop encourages help for pregnancies
A “Gabriel Project” conference to train volunteers in ways to support women in difficult pregnancies takes place at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, 1111 Gough St., on Sept. 12. An 8:30 [ more... ]St. Vincent de Paul Society’s 150 years
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, founded in Paris in 1833, found its way to San Francisco not many years later amid the California Gold Rush. Tales of miners paying for high life with gold nuggets overlooks the many who [ more... ]Four communities celebrate jubilees
Sisters of Mercy 70 YEARS Sister Mary Edith Hurley, a San Francisco native, entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1939 after graduating from St. Peter’s Academy. Her ministry has been devoted to elementary school [ more... ]Building religious pluralism
When he comes to St. Mary’s College in Moraga Sept. 15, Muslim author and interfaith dialogue proponent Eboo Patel told Catholic San Francisco he plans to press students to pursue religious diversity and understanding. [ more... ]St. Patrick's honors Bishop William Justice
St Patrick’s Seminary and University honors one of its own graduates, San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop William Justice, with the “Four Pillars” award at a gala tonight, Sept. 18, at St Mary’s Cathedral [ more... ]A new model for Vincentians’ detox center
The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Ozanam Center in San Francisco is a short-term shelter for people dealing with substance abuse, many of them homeless. For those in the community who have fallen the hardest, it has long [ more... ]Priests in retirement
Can you think of another group of people who stay active into their 90s, doing what they have been doing since they were in their 20s – and enjoying it still? Our retired priests continue to celebrate Mass and undertake [ more... ]Pastor praises parishioners
Father Larry Goode celebrated 45 years as a priest June 15. The Redwood City native has recently been appointed to his second six-year term as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in East Palo Alto. [ more... ]Pope's trip to Czech Republic
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI is traveling to the Czech Republic at the end of September, making a three-day visit to a nation that is widely viewed as Europe's least-religious country. The Sept. 26-28 trip was [ more... ]Iraq to Nicaragua: Combat vet's quest
Legions of teens and young adults go abroad on short mission trips, hoping to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Fewer immerse themselves in the host country long enough to learn just how complicated making a [ more... ]Teen finds way in sports
Seeing herself in Sports Illustrated magazine’s “Faces in the Crowd” earlier this year was a big honor for Caitlin McCann, pitcher on the varsity softball team at Notre Dame High School in Belmont. [ more... ]Catholic organizations aid the Philippines
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Catholic charitable organizations are stepping up to help victims in the Philippines after the worst flood in decades hit in late September. “Many of the people who have lost everything are [ more... ]Leaders seek ways to cut poverty
PORTLAND, Ore. – Following news in mid-September that U.S. agencies of Catholic Charities served 10 percent more people in 2008 than in the previous year, leaders from the Catholic Church’s main network for domestic [ more... ]Natural family planning “under the guidance of the Holy Spirit”
Finola Glassmoyer, a parishioner of Church of the Nativity Parish in Menlo Park, is a certified teacher of the Billings method of natural family planning. She and her husband, Gary, have been married for 16 years and are parents [ more... ]New theater at Catholic high school
Construction has begun on a new 300-seat theater complex at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, marking the opening salvo in the school’s revitalization plan, “2020 Vision.” Set to open in fall [ more... ]Local Catholics worry and try to help
For Joanna Tuimavave Ilaoa, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes in San Francisco, the tsunami that struck her native American Samoa had a personal impact. “Some of the people who were killed were some of the people [ more... ]St. Thomas More award for Justice Dondero
In San Francisco, Archbishop George H. Niederauer will be principal celebrant and homilist at the St. Thomas More Society’s Red Mass Oct. 22 at St. Peter and Paul Church in North Beach. Justice Robert L. Dondero of the [ more... ]Concerns unresolved in health reform bills
WASHINGTON (CNS) – None of the major health reform bills before Congress adequately addresses the concerns raised by the U.S. bishops in the areas of abortion, conscience protection, immigrants and affordability, according [ more... ]Archdiocese feels pressure of priest shortage
SAN FRANCISCO – In comparison to many other Catholic dioceses in the United States, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has had relatively little difficulty in providing enough active priests to serve the pastoral needs of [ more... ]Pope canonizes five new saints
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – At a Mass Oct. 11 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed five new saints, including Father Damien de Veuster, the 19th-century Belgian missionary who ministered to people with [ more... ]Faith Formation Conference to sparkle
Attendees of the 48th annual Faith Formation Conference, to be held Nov. 20-21 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, will be greeted with a fresh crop of presenters this year, among them a United Nations representative for the [ more... ]High School drama roundup
Six Catholic high schools in the San Francisco Archdiocese are performing the plays of William Shakespeare this fall. Add to that other, more modern classics, plus a couple of contemporary plays, and the high school theatergoer [ more... ]Israeli occupation takes toll
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories has separated families and cost people their homes, jobs and dignity, said three women from the Holy Land who visited Washington. They “threw me [ more... ]Modern-day abolitionists
Slavery. For most Americans, the word evokes thoughts of an ancient institution abolished in this country in the 19th century. But while slaves are no longer found in the cotton and tobacco fields of the South, more insidious [ more... ]Moral courage crucial
Amman, Jordan – An appeal to common moral roots can break the “hatred industry” that sows trouble in the Middle East and threatens worse to come, Jordan’s Prince El Hassan bin Talal told journalists. [ more... ]God’s Geese
Amid the settling of Virginia City in 1864 (then part of the Archdiocese of San Francisco), the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul opened a vein of social services as rich as the Comstock Lode. Traveling from San [ more... ]USCCB’s health care reform message
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent bulletin inserts to almost 19,000 parishes across the country in an effort to urge Catholics to prevent health care reform from being derailed by support [ more... ]USF to commemorate Jesuits' Massacre
A Nov. 16 conference and Mass at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the murders of six Jesuit priests and their cook and daughter during the civil war in El Salvador. Salvadoran [ more... ]Abortion ban key
WASHINGTON (CNS) – In the end, the successful battle to include strict language prohibiting funding for abortions, led by pro-life congressional Democrats with the strong support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, [ more... ]Reflections on a visit to parish
A recent trip to a rural African parish to spend time with women, children and parish groups was a revelation of sorts for Maritsa Techioli, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Redwood City. Techioli and another Mt. [ more... ]Haiti Journal
Cap-Haitien, Haiti – I’d never seen so many people working so hard with so little to show for it. We arrived in Haiti’s second-largest city late on a Friday afternoon. The main highway through town was at [ more... ]Cardinal discusses role of priests
BALTIMORE (CNS) – Considering what the Church would be like without the sacrament of holy orders, Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called on his fellow [ more... ]USF graduate revitalizes American Legion
When Army Capt. Michael Gerold returned from combat in Afghanistan in 2007, he set out on a mission of a different kind: to help his fellow veterans struggling to reconnect with the lives they left behind. Gerold turned to [ more... ]"Relationship is the heart of mature faith"
Mature faith is a lifelong journey that challenges believers to enter into ever-deepening relationships with God and with one another. Sister Eva Marie Lumas, a Sister of Social Service and a nationally known consultant and [ more... ]Haitian migrants face violence in the Dominican Republic
Ouanaminthe, Haiti – Reporters went to the Jesuit-run center for newly arriving deportees to hear the stories of undocumented Haitians sent back from the Dominican Republic. But Leonard Jean, an advocate at the center, [ more... ]Local charity ‘wish lists’
Holy Family Day Home www.holyfamilydayhome.org • (415) 565-0504 ext. 201 Holy Family Day Home provides affordable, high quality, early education and family support services for families in a stable and nurturing [ more... ]Parish-based job support network
At least eight parishes in San Mateo County are creating job support networks to give spiritual and technical support to the several thousand members of those communities who organizers say are out of work and generally [ more... ]San Carlos Parish teens attend conference
Members of the St. Charles Parish’s “Charlie's Angels” high school youth group were among 21,000 young people, youth ministry leaders and chaperones who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov 19-21 [ more... ]Help Iraqi Christian refugees in their plight
AMMAN, JORDAN – A Catholic pastor is rallying Church leaders in the Holy Land and around the world to come to the aid of Iraqi Christian refugees facing extended exile and faint hopes of finding a secure future in their [ more... ]Holy Father's Urbi et Orbi message
December 25, 2009 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world, and all men and women, whom the Lord loves! ( Watch video: http://vod.vatican.va/auguri25122009.mov ) “Lux fulgebit hodie super nos, [ more... ]Local pastor reflects on vocation, priesthood
Father Tom Hamilton knew as early as his boyhood years that he wanted to be a priest. “Priesthood was always in sight for me,” Father Tom told Catholic San Francisco. “I grew up with the idea of wanting to be a [ more... ]U.S. bishops urge ban on abortion coverage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops again have urged U.S. senators to put Hyde amendment language into proposed health care reform legislation to prohibit federal funds from being used for elective abortion coverage. Such a [ more... ]Top stories of 2009
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The debate over health care reform topped the religious news stories of 2009, and Pope Benedict XVI and President Barack Obama were again the top newsmakers, according to the annual poll conducted by [ more... ]Study of Latinos sees optimism in struggle
WASHINGTON (CNS) – A major study of the values, circumstances and aspirations of Latino youths paints a portrait of optimism and enthusiasm in the face of significant struggles, including inadequate education, problems [ more... ]Archbishop’s Journal
“Let the one among you who has no sin be the first to cast a stone at her.” That’s one of the most famous sayings of Jesus. One writer has described it as “words we have grown to love and failed to live [ more... ]
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