VATICAN CITY — More than 40 years ago, then-Archbishop William Borders of Baltimore issued a pastoral letter signaling his intention to ask that the “official ministries” of … Read More
Author Archives: Patricia Kasten
‘Mass’ or ‘liturgy,’ which is it?
Question Sometimes we call it a “Mass” and sometimes a “liturgy?” What’s the difference? Or are they the same? — Green Bay Answer This is a great … Read More
Second Catholic president causes some to celebrate, gives others anxiety
WASHINGTON — Joe Biden became the second Catholic to be inaugurated as president of the United States Jan. 20, giving some U.S. Catholics and their religious leaders … Read More
Pope prays Biden works to heal divisions, promote human dignity
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis prayed that President Joe Biden would work to heal the divisions in U.S. society and promote human dignity and peace around the … Read More
Bishops applaud HHS rule change that aids adoption, foster care providers
WASHINGTON — A Department of Health and Human Services modified rule that helps ensure that faith-based social service providers will not be excluded from certain federally funded … Read More
Trump signs anti-Semitism bill into law, creating ambassadorial post
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump, a week before leaving office, signed into law a bill that elevates to a full ambassadorship the rank of a special envoy … Read More
Sotomayor: 13 executed under Trump administration ‘deserved more’ from court
WASHINGTON — Although the Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution of Dustin Higgs Jan. 15, two justices made their objections known loud and clear in … Read More
Pandemic, Capitol violence change March for Life plans but not its commitment
WASHINGTON — If all goes well Jan. 29, Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Defense and Education Fund, and other pro-life advocates, including clergy, maybe … Read More
A river runs through Israel
This past weekend (Jan. 10, 2021), we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, an event the Gospel of John tells us took place at the River Jordan. … Read More
When did we start baptizing babies?
Question We just celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. If Jesus was baptized as a man and John was baptizing people in the Jordan, when and how … Read More