The Myths About the Contraceptive Mandate

by Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – Exaggerations and outright misrepresentations about the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate have been appearing in White House “fact sheets” and mainstream media. Here are some of the more frequently cited claims and the facts to counter them: Myth: Self-insurance is a seldom-used method of providing […]

It’s About Religion, Not Contraception

by Stephen Kent   Spending a week with our two-year-old granddaughter reintroduced me to the experience of the insincere “whoops” or the impenitent “sorry.” Neither represents penance nor a firm purpose of amendment. There was a similar feeling to hear President Barack Obama offer his “revision,” “compromise” or “walking some parts back” to the mandate […]

Hemrick

Restructuring Is Necessary for Survival

by Father Eugene Hemrick In an age of endless restructuring, will we ever be able to settle down and just enjoy the status quo? To answer this, we need to interpret what is meant by “turmoil.” Does it connote chaos and pandemonium, or is it simply the commotion that comes with restructuring? I believe it […]

HHS Undermines Religious Freedom

by Congressman Bob Turner Last August, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule that requires private employers to provide free insurance coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives. This mandate includes devices and drugs that have abortion-causing properties, including IUDs and the “morning-after pills” Ella and Plan B. The department offered a narrow exemption […]

Consecrated Life and World Day for the Sick

by Sister Constance Carolyn Veit, lsp, Each February, the Church celebrates two events of special significance to Little Sisters of the Poor. On Feb. 2, the Church celebrates the World Day of Consecrated Life, a day important to all men and women religious. On Feb. 11, the World Day of the Sick is observed. Each […]

Saying Goodbye To Uncle Ismael

by Nelsa I. Elías My uncle Ismael died Jan. 3 after a painful battle against cancer.  He was my deceased father’s youngest brother.  After Daddy passed away in 1995, I found myself reaching out to my uncle.  I guess he helped fill a void created by my father’s untimely passing.  Daddy and I were very […]

Yes, Baby Jesus Drooled And Burped

by Veronica Szczygiel The highlight of my Wednesday afternoons is teaching CCD to six second-grade students at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Greenpoint. These six children – two girls, four boys – are incredibly energetic, curious, witty, and brilliantly insightful. I decided to ask them how they think Jesus acted as a baby. One boy […]

Emerald Ball Continues Tradition at New Site

by Brendan Cahalan I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to what is the oldest, continuously operating Catholic charity event of its kind in the United States. It is also one that may be new to many of you. It’s the Emerald Ball of the Emerald Association of Long Island which will […]

A Radical Saturday Night With the Eucharist

by Joseph Amodeo On a recent Saturday, I joined nearly 25 other young adults in Astoria for what many may consider to be an “out of the ordinary” night.  Gathered at a local parish, we came together for Eucharistic adoration and benediction.  It was sitting in the pew that evening that I realized the radical […]

How Polish Children Prepare for Christmas

Continuing an 800-year-old Polish tradition, parishioners at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, Greenpoint gather in church Monday to Saturday at 6:30 in the morning during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Messiah by celebrating the Roraty Mass. This celebration of thanksgiving to Mary is done before dawn so the church can be in complete […]