The ‘Ministry’ Aspect of Administration

by Carolyn Woo

WHILE PREPARING for the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, I paused on a statement describing a design principle for the event. In calling for missionary discipleship, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in the participant guidebook cites Pope Francis’ caution that “‘mere administration’ can no longer be enough.”

Encounter Puts Faith To the Test of Reality

This year’s New York Encounter drew a crowd of 10,000 for a three-day cultural gathering of presentations, exhibits and performances centered around the theme “Reality has never betrayed me.”

Catholic Relief Services Names Veteran Staffer as New CEO

A six-month search for a new president and CEO for one of the largest humanitarian relief agencies in the world ended at its doorstep, with Catholic Relief Services announcing Sept. 16 that it is hiring a veteran employee – Sean Callahan, as its new president and CEO.

Carolyn Woo

Rising With Christ in A Broken World

Jesus’ rising only changed people, His Apostles and each of us who professes His resurrection to life that could not be defeated by death, nor chained by fear, hatred and suffering. Jesus did not seek to settle scores with the Romans, Pilate, Herod, the Pharisees, the fickle mob. He just walked and spent time with His friends, accompanying them into life and love with the promise that He is always with them.

Carolyn Woo

Lessons for the Year of Mercy

AS THE YEAR of Mercy began, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, I remembered the popular parable: the prodigal son. Its graphic depiction of the younger son’s profligate behavior, the depth of his misery groveling for scraps among pigs, and the father’s magnanimous welcome with rings, robe, sandals and feast leave little unsaid about the father’s boundless mercy. However, the character who intrigues me is the older brother.

Preparedness Is Key as Philippines Still at Risk

Two years after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, community members in a small town met to discuss how to survive another typhoon, what to do in case of an earthquake and how to plan for a tsunami.

Filipino Spirituality Aids Recovery in the Islands

The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 shook the lives of millions of Filipinos, including Sister Vilma Orejola, F.L.P, director of faith formation at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Cambria Heights.

UN Archbishop’s Forum Studies Genius of Women

“Today we are here to ponder that feminine genius, to celebrate it, to thank God for it… I am convinced that a deeper recognition and a greater appreciation of this genius is key to fighting violence against women.”

Meeting Needs Around the World

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, This weekend, March 14 and 15, the Diocese of Brooklyn will take up the Catholic Relief Services Collection that funds six Catholic agencies that work to serve our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. Through humanitarian aid, resettling displaced individuals and families, and providing legal and […]