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News from Around: Twelve years ago, I had an opportunity to travel to the West Bank and the Holy Land. Even then, they were very concerned about the declining Christian/ Catholic presence there. JIFNA, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — After the first and second Palestinian uprisings, the church lost many of its youth to the political arena, and political rivalries infiltrated the lives of families and the church, Father Aridah said before the Mass. Now he and other priests in the diocese have been focusing on bringing Catholic youth back into the church. "The youth need many things, like hope," Father Aridah said. "We have to gather them inside the church and beside the church, to live their brotherhood and to live their Christianity as it should be." On Saturday evenings Father Aridah normally leads the young adult group in Bible study, reading a selection from the Gospel and discussing its relevance to their lives, but this particular Saturday in May was dedicated to the younger children of the parish. Read more of the Catholic News Service story. |
News from ‘Round Here: The new week found me in Cumberland continuing a road trip started the week before. Mass was a confirmation celebration for the Mountain Maryland Six at St. Peter, Westernport with Bishop Rozanski as presider. It had been a long while since I’d participated in a Confirmation and it was good to see the fine work that the local folks had done in preparation. (and Bishop Mitch had a good homily to boot,) I also sat in for a portion of a New Roman Missal training and intentionally sat down and quietly wrote for about three hours. Monday to Wednesday, I was in Latrobe at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish for a series of speaking gigs in support of a friend and former co-worker. I also had a lunch with Greensburg diocese’s Bob Sherwin and a consultation with the parish staff. I found my time away to be very restful and good. It is always good to step away for space and perspective. After a late drive home, I was back in the office Thursday. We had an intern start his summer stint with us, had a town meeting (mostly regarding the new retirement plan), consultations with Georgina, and a meeting at the retreat house for program planning… and some quality desk time. Friday was more of same, but lots of time with Margaret (who gave me weekend homework.) Lunch was with CRS’ Ted Miles for some justice planning. Saturday was a housecleaning. home project (staining furniture) day |
