Sister Doris Marie Batt, CSJ
Author: Christine
Letters to the Editor Week of December 16, 2023
I Have Questions, Catholics, Please Return to Mass, Essential Article about Nuclear Disarmament, Wonderful Retreat
The Rise of Antisemitism Should Concern All of Us
As people of the Jewish faith gather together to celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah season, a darkness is falling over the faithful.
The Presence of the Lord Among Us Is a Great Joy
Upon entering most of our Catholic schools and academies, a visitor will see a sign on the wall that reads, “Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in all its classes, the model of its faculty, and the inspiration for its students.”
Deacon Remembers Msgr. John Lavin
I have a confession to make. But I’ll get to it later because, after all, you can’t rush a good confession, and I haven’t finished examining my conscience yet anyway.
Palestinian Ambassador Lauds Pope’s Description of Gaza War as ‘Defeat’
Palestine’s ambassador to the Holy See has lauded Pope Francis’ description of the current war in Gaza as “defeat” and has called for both a cease-fire and an end to Israeli settlements, urging international leaders to do more.
Nebraska Priest Dies After Attack During Apparent Rectory Break-In
A Nebraska priest has died after being attacked in the rectory of his parish in the early morning before he was to celebrate Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.
Pope Marks 800th Anniversary of Nativity Scene, Asks Prayers for Holy Land
Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223.
Senate Republicans Block Ukraine-Israel Emergency Aid Over Border, Raising Catholic Concerns
Senate Republicans Dec. 6 blocked an emergency spending bill to provide billions of dollars in wartime aid to Ukraine and Israel while calling for strict new policies at the U.S.-Mexico border opposed by some Catholic immigration advocates.
Gaza Pastor Stresses Spiritual Life for Advent, Says Pope’s Closeness Is Key
As the Church begins its Advent and Christmas seasons, the pastor of Gaza’s lone Catholic parish stressed the importance of stepping up one’s spiritual life amid the tragedies of war, and said the pope’s attention to them has been a major consolation.