ActiveParishioner.com Blog

Pope Benedict’s Prayer Intention for December 2010

APWeb — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:08 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of December, the Pope’s prayer intention is “that our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for November 2010

APWeb — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:56 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of November, the Pope’s prayer intention is “that victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for October 2010

APWeb — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:56 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of October, the Pope’s prayer intention is ”that Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for September 2010

APWeb — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:15 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of September, the Pope’s prayer intention is about the Word of God as a sign of social development, specifically, that “in less developed parts of the world, the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.”

Pope Benedict’s Prayer Intention for August 2010

APWeb — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:00:49 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of August, the Pope’s prayer intention is for the Unemployed and the Homeless, specifically, “that those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for July 2010

APWeb — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:00:35 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of July, the Pope’s prayer intention is for justice in electing those who govern throughout the world, specifically, “that in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.”

Schedule of Catholic Conferences for Summer 2010 (June, July and August)

APWeb — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:21:31 +0000

6/1/2010 – 6/4/2010
Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
RBTE – Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
St. Charles, IL
Annual gathering of Catholic and Episcopal book publishers and dealers. This gathering includes members of the Association of Catholic Booksellers.

6/2/2010 – 6/5/2010
NALM – National Association for Lay Ministry
NALM Annual Conference – The Christian Steward: the Call, the Cost & the Way
Pittsburgh, PA
A professional membership association for lay ministers in the Catholic Church. NALM’s mission is to support, educate and advocate for lay ministers and promote the development of lay ministry.

6/2/2010 – 6/4/2010
CPA – Catholic Press Association
2010 Catholic Media Convention
New Orleans, LA
The official membership association for Catholic press/media personnel. The mission of CPA is to build and strengthen the value and worth of the Catholic press by facilitating the professional, economic and spiritual growth of members.

6/6/2010 – 6/9/2010
ACHTUS – Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the US
ACHTUS Colloquium 2010
Coral Gables, FL
A membership association of Roman Catholic Hispanics who possess a doctoral degree in theology, Scripture, ministry or general religious studies and are actively engaged in the North American Hispanic religious experience. The mission of ACHTUS is to promote research and critical theological reflection with the context of the US Hispanic experience.

6/9/2010 – 6/11/2010
DISC – Diocesan Information Systems Conference
2010 DISC Conference
Toronto, ON, Canada
An organization of diocesan information systems managers, as well as others involved in the use of electronic technology for the work of the Catholic Church. DISC’s mission is to provide data processing expertise and professional service to the local and national church as well as to encourage networking of information and ideas among its members.

6/10/2010 – 6/13/2010
CTSA – Catholic Theological Society of America
CTSA 2010 Convention
Cleveland, OH
The official membership organization of Catholic theologians (professionals with a degree in theological or related studies and who are or have been actively engaged in teaching and research.) CTSA’s mission is to promote studies and research in theology, to relate theological science to current problems, and to foster a ore effective theological education.

6/13/2010 – 6/15/2010
CHA – Catholic Health Association
2010 CHA Assembly
Denver, CO
The official membership organization of Catholic health care sponsors, systems and facilities. The mission of CHA is to support the Catholic health ministry’s pursuit of the strategic directions of mission, ethics, and advocacy.

6/18/2010 – 6/20/2010
CSWNA – Catholic Social Workers National Association
CSWNA 2010 Annual Conference
Ave Maria, FL
A national professional association of Catholic social workers. CSWNA’s mission is to promote the implementation of Catholic social teachings in social work practice while supporting competent professional social workers living out their baptismal call by being the hands and feet of Christ.

6/23/2010 – 6/26/2010
NACFLM – National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
2010 NACFLM Conference – A Marriage-Building Parish: Blueprints & Construction Plans
Cincinnati, OH
The membership association for family life ministers. This includes singles, marriage prep, respect life, interchurch/ecumenical marriage, families in crisis, separated/divorced, widowed/bereaved, older adults, and special needs families. NACFLM’s mission is to offer support and professional enrichment for those who minister to and with families, to be a voice and advocate for families, to promote the development of family life ministry and to foster a family perspective in Church and Society.

7/28/2010 – 8/1/2010
Tekakwitha Conference
Annual Tekakwitha Conference – We Walk in Beauty with Kateri in the Land of Enchantment
Albuquerque, NM
A membership organization open to all clergy, religious, all Native People, and all women and men ministering with Native Americans. The mission of the Tekakwitha Conference is to unify the Native Catholic voice, presence and identity while respective the diversity, to empower Native Catholics as Church, and to deepen and affirm Native Catholic identity and pride in their culture and spiritual traditions.

7/31/2010 – 7/31/2010
NAfIM – National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry
NAfIM 2010 Annual Membership Meeting
Washington, DC
A membership organization of parish ministers, diocesan leaders, university professionals, parents, and persons with mental retardation, intellectual disability and other developmental differences. NAfIM’s mission is to lead the Catholic community to the full inclusion of persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

8/10/2010 – 8/14/2010
LCWR – Leadership Conference for Women Religious
2010 LCWR Assembly
Dallas, TX
The association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the US. The scope LCWR’s work includes collaborating in Catholic church and societal efforts that influence systemic change, studying significant trends and issues within the church and society, utilizing our corporate voice in solidarity with people who experience any form of violence or oppression, and creating and offering resource materials on religious leadership skills.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for June 2010

APWeb — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:32 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of June, the Pope’s prayer intention is for respect for human life, specifically, “that every national and transnational institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2010

APWeb — Sat, 01 May 2010 08:00:33 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of May, the Pope’s prayer intention concerns human trafficking, specifically, “that the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended.”

Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2010

APWeb — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:00:21 +0000

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on a special prayer intention. For the month of April, the Pope’s prayer intention is “that every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers.”

Schedule of Catholic Conferences in April and May 2010

APWeb — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:01:45 +0000

The following Catholic organizations will be hosting a conference in April and May 2010:

4/6/2010 – 4/8/2010
NCEA – National Catholic Education Association
107th Annual NCEA Convention
Minneapolis, MN
The official organization for Catholic educators in elementary schools, secondary schools, religious education programs, seminaries, chief administrators of Catholic education and boards/councils of Catholic education. NCEA’s mission is to advance the educational and catechetical mission of the Church.

4/6/2010 – 4/8/2010
NPCD – National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors
2010 NPCD Convocation
Minneapolis, MN
An organization within NCEA’s Department of Religious Education, NPCD is an association for parish catechetical leaders. Its mission is to support members in their role of advancing the catechetical mission of the Church and to enhance the professional development of parish catechetical leaders.

4/6/2010 – 4/9/2010
CLA – Catholic Library Association
2010 CLA Convention
Minneapolis, MN
The membership association of individuals and organizations involved with Catholic libraries. The mission of CLA is to provide leadership for professional development, coordinate the exchange of ideas, offer spiritual support, promote Catholic and ecumenical literature, and foster community.

4/12/2010 – 4/15/2010
NFPC – National Federation of Priests’ Councils
2010 NFPC Convention
Houston, TX
The membership association for priests’ councils. NFPC’s mission is to promote priestly unity and fraternity, to provide a national forum for priests to discuss pastoral matters, to enable priests councils to speak with a common voice and to promote pastoral research.

4/14/2010 – 4/17/2010
NADD – National Association of Diaconate Directors
NADD Convention 2010
Spokane, WA
The membership association for directors of diaconate programs. NADD’s mission is to serve as a documentation and resource center, to develop professional expertise, promote research, training, and self-evaluation procedures, and to facilitate communication.

4/18/2010 – 4/22/2010
NCCL – National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
2010 NCCL Annual Conference
Las Vegas, NV
The official organization of diocesan, parish, academic, publishing, and other catechetical personnel. NCCL’s mission is to enrich and strengthen the ministry of catechesis throughout the Catholic dioceses of the US.

4/19/2010 – 4/22/2010
CADEIO – Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers
National Workshop on Christian Unity
Tampa, FL
The official membership organization for diocesan ecumenical and interreligious officers. CADEIO seeks to stimulate an exchange of ideas, experiences and networking among the ecumenical officers of the dioceses, to promote programs that further work of Christian unity and interreligious cooperation, and to cooperate with other organizations.

4/20/2010 – 4/23/2010
CCC – Catholic Cemetery Conference
61st Annual Catholic Cemetery Conference
Omaha, NE
The organization that helps Catholic Cemetery staff enhance their skills in caring for the deceased and comforting their loved ones through ministry, education, network and service opportunities. Members come from the US, Australia, Canada, Italy and Guam.

4/25/2010 – 4/28/2010
CPPCD – Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development
CPPCD 2010 Annual Conference – Pastors, Staff, Councils: Building Positive Relationships
Rensselaerville, NY
The professional membership organization for Catholic Church leaders who are responsible for planning, research, and council development at the diocesan and parish levels. CPPCD’s mission is to promote and advocate consultative processes that foster effective planning for the pastoral life of the Church.

4/25/2010 – 4/28/2010
NACPA – National Association for Church Personnel Administrators
2010 NACPA Convocation
Oak Brook, IL
The membership organization for personnel and human resource professionals within the Church. NACPA’s mission is to advocate for workplace justice rooted in Gospel values by promoting comprehensive church personnel systems; strengthening working relationships among church leaders, ministers and employees; developing church personnel and human resources skills and competence; and identifying and addressing church and societal issues which affect the church in its role as employer.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

Bishops to House of Representatives: Fix Flaws or Vote No on Health Reform Bill

APWeb — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:25:51 +0000

As Congress is set to vote on the Health Reform Bill, the US Bishops again are urging the House to fix the serious flaws in the bill, or to vote “NO” if the flaws are not fixed. The bishops are raising three key issues about the House:

1. House leadership is ignoring pro-life members for essential changes in the legislation

2. House leadership won’t even try to address the serious problems on abortion funding

3. House leadership is ignoring conscience protection and fair treatment of immigrants.

The full text of the statement is as follows:

“The U.S. bishops urged the House of Representatives to fix flaws in health care legislation or vote against its passage in a March 20 letter to House members. The letter was signed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, chair on the Committee on Migration. The letter follows.

“Dear Representative:

“For decades, the United States Catholic bishops have supported universal health care. The Catholic Church teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential for human life and dignity. Our community of faith provides health care to millions, purchases health care for tens of thousands and addresses the failings of our health care system in our parishes, emergency rooms and shelters. This is why we as bishops continue to insist that health care reform which truly protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority.

“We are convinced that the Senate legislation now presented to the House of Representatives on a “take it or leave it” basis sadly fails this test and ought to be opposed. Why do we take this position, when we have a long record of support for health care reform? Our fundamental objections can be summarized in two points:

“1. Health care reform must protect life and conscience, not threaten them. The Senate bill extends abortion coverage, allows federal funds to pay for elective abortions (for example, through a new appropriation for services at Community Health Centers that bypasses the Hyde amendment), and denies adequate conscience protection to individuals and institutions. Needed health care reform must keep in place the longstanding and widely supported federal policy that neither elective abortion nor plans which include elective abortion can be paid for with federal funds. Simply put, health care reform ought to continue to apply both parts of the Hyde amendment, no more and no less. The House adopted this policy by a large bipartisan majority, establishing the same protections that govern Medicaid, SCHIP, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program and other federal health programs.

“Despite claims to the contrary, the status quo prohibits the federal government from funding or facilitating plans that include elective abortion. The Senate bill clearly violates this prohibition by providing subsidies to purchase such plans. The House bill provided that no one has to pay for other people’s abortions, while this Senate bill does not. While the Senate provides for one plan without abortion coverage in each exchange, those who select another plan in an exchange to better meet the special needs of their families will be required to pay a separate mandatory abortion fee into a fund exclusively for abortions. This new federal requirement is a far more direct imposition on the consciences of those who do not wish to pay for the destruction of unborn human life than anything currently in federal law.

“It is not those who require that the Hyde Amendment be fully applied who are obstructing reform, since this is the law of the land and the will of the American people. Rather, those who insist on expanding federal participation in abortion, require people to pay for other people’s abortions, and refuse to incorporate essential conscience protections (both within and beyond the abortion context) are threatening genuine reform. With conscience protection as with abortion funding, our goal is simply to preserve the status quo.

“2. Universal coverage should be truly universal. People should never be denied coverage because they can’t afford it, because of where they live or work, or because of where they come from and when they got here. The Senate bill would not only continue current law that denies legal immigrants access to Medicaid for five years, but also prohibit undocumented immigrants from buying insurance for their families in the exchanges using their own money. These provisions could leave immigrants and their families worse off, and also hurt the public health of our nation.

“Now, after a year of divisive political combat, members of the House are told that they can advance health care reform only by adopting the Senate legislation as is, including these fundamental flaws. The House leadership is ignoring the pleas of pro-life members for essential changes in the legislation. Apparently they will not even try to address the serious problems on abortion funding, conscience protection and fair treatment of immigrants.

“We are bishops, not politicians, policy experts or legislative tacticians. We are also pastors, teachers, and citizens. At this point of decision, we cannot compromise on basic moral principles. We can only urge — and hope and pray — that the House of Representatives will still find the will and the means to adopt health care reform that protects the life, dignity, conscience and health of all. The legislation the House adopted, while not perfect, came closer to meeting these criteria. The Senate legislation simply does not meet them.

“With deep regret, but clear in our moral judgment, we are compelled to continue to urge House members to oppose the Senate bill unless these fundamental flaws are remedied. At this critical moment, we urge Representatives to take the steps necessary to ensure that health care reform respects the life and dignity of all, from conception to natural death.”