Seminary grads find news ways to minister
Across the United States, less seminary graduates are looking to become ministers once their education is complete, according a Washington Post article:
NCR Today
NCR Today is the group blog of NCR. Each member of our diverse team of bloggers writes on different topics, including the politics of the church and secular society (and the interaction between the two), culture, management of the church and more.
The value of community in today's 'everyone-is-special' America
The tension between individual freedom and community responsibility may be hitting its tipping point — with community tilting into the winner’s column.
This contrast has always existed in American society but the Great Recession has put it into sharp focus: How do we respond to tough times? Are we individual actors who find our way alone, or do we pull together?
Morning Briefing
NCR Today: Take NCR's web survey, please; Suburban poverty on rise in US; Buyouts in Bridgeport; More questions in Newark; Canada's church media needs.
A Case of Mistaken Identity With Benefits
As I've traveled around the country asking questions about American religion recently, I've been hearing something that may fleetingly imply a surprising trend among American sisters.
It's a matter of hearing a word that sounds like another word with a different spelling, something linguists call a homophone. For real.
So I'll be interviewing someone who seems to make a claim that Catholic sisters are growing rapidly. The comment rattles me for a moment until I remember to unscramble the puzzle.
Francis speaks of church harmony, service to the poor
Speaking before a packed St. Peter's Square on Pentecost, Pope Francis Sunday, once again stressed the need "to go out" of the church and to serve the poor.
He made his remarks in off the cuff comments during a homily on always being prepared for the new, on living the faith in diversity and harmony with the church, and on going out to live and preach the faith. These, he said, are characteristics of a life of the Spirit.
Calling for the closure of Guantanamo
Across the United States, people are fasting in support of the fasting prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and of the closure of the Cuban prison. Friday marks 100 days since inmates began fasting. Witness Against Torture invites people to join a one-day solidarity fast over the weekend.
Media need to do a better job of reporting political scandals
Since Watergate in the 1970s, a certain media-driven script has unfolded that goes something like this: During a president's first term, the media, generally speaking, allow the new leader some breathing space. However, if re-elected, the script calls for a new version of Watergate and a focus on presidential scandals.
Faith leaders promote civility in Washington
Well, if faith leaders can do it -- actually promote civility in Washington, D.C. -- they will have worked a miracle that rivals those recorded in the Gospels.
Apparently, some are trying. Recently, the nonpartisan Faith and Politics Institute sponsored a two-day conversation among faith groups, "Faith, Politics and Our Better Angels: A Christian Dialogue to Promote Civility."
Former Chicago vicar for religious - and a big brother - dies
Eugene McClory died May 3 in Cincinnati and was buried May 9 following a funeral Mass in Michigan City, Ind. Back in the late 1960s, he was a priest of the Chicago archdiocese serving as vicar for religious under Cardinal John Cody. This was a time of great turmoil, when religious orders were being restructured and many sisters were leaving. Gene was constantly in action, visiting convents and motherhouses not only in Chicago, but around the country. He was a great listener and wise counselor.
Morning Briefing
NCR Today: Parish opened, parishes closed; The media and Pope Francis' agenda; G. Weigel's agenda.
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In This Issue
May 10-23, 2013
- Illinois parish's ESL program welcomes all
- A different Mary assumes the stage
- A question few seem to consider when the US wages war afar
- [Print Edition Only] Special Section: Summer Listings
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