Thursday, October 30, 2014

English "Relatio Synodi" Published

The final "relatio" of the Synod of Bishops on the Family -- "Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization" --  has been published in English.  Click here to access the report. 

Monday, October 27, 2014

40 Days for Life: One Week to Go!

With one week left in the campaign, have you been participating in "40 Days for Life"?  Click here to read the latest update.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Have you signed the poverty pledge?

Catholic Charities USA has reached 33% of its goal of 20,000 signatures on the Pledge to Fight Poverty in America.  Click here for more information.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Speech at the Conclusion of the Synod

A "provisional" translation of Pope Francis's speech at the conclusion of the Synod is available here.  (At the time of this posting, the "official" translation was not available.)  The speech is noteworthy for several reasons, including the mention of some "tensions and temptations," such as inflexibility, a "destructive tendency to goodness," and "coming down off the cross" to please people rather than doing the Will of God.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As you may be aware, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Click here to access a prayer calendar for the month. 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Resources for World Mission Day

Resources for World Mission Day (Sunday, October 19) are available here from the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Message for World Mission Day 2014

Sunday, October 19 is World Mission Day.  Click here to access the message from Pope Francis for this day.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Are you praying for the synod?

Remember to pray for the Synod of Bishops meeting in Rome until October 19.  Click here for more information from the USCCB site.  Here is the prayer from Pope Francis for the Synod, available at the link above:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

October Issue of Stop Trafficking

Click here to access the October issue of the Stop Trafficking newsletter, focusing on providing assistance to trafficking survivors for their healing journey.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Pray for the Synod

The USCCB has provided great resources for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family (October 5-19, 2014).  Click here to access those resources.  Here is the prayer for the Synod (also available through the same link):

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.