Morning Briefing

Dennis Coday | Jan. 15, 2013 NCR Today

Learn more about the texting Franciscans (see photo above) here [1].

Obama: Gun control specifics to come within days [2]

Obama weighs executive action in gun control debate [3]

Gun Control Advocates See 'Opportune Moment' as Biden Readies Proposals [4]

But states aren't waiting:

New York will be first on gun control
Tougher Oregon gun laws get Gov. John Kitzhaber's support
Maryland Governor Hot on Gun Control at Political Risk [5]

Of course there are always exceptions: Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst calls for state-funded gun training for teachers and administrators. [6]

Debt Ceiling -- Newt Gingrich: Obama bullying House GOP [7]

Parish changes in Boston: Boston Catholics React Positively To Parish Collaboratives [8]

Parish changes in Boston: North Shore parishes in 'New beginning' [9]

Parish changes in Boston: Evangelization key to new pastoral plan in Boston [10]. This is an NCR story from last month anticipating the pastoral chanages that kicked in this week.

Parish changes in Milwaukee: Northwest side Catholic parish ponders use of merger money [11]. Questions revolve around best ways to help the poor

While W. Philadelphia parishes merge, Catholic life on campus thrives [12]

Good News: Ste. Genevieve, Mo. -- Relics stolen from Catholic parish returned in plastic bag [13]

[14]Looking for an a little inspiration to begin your day? NCR's sister publication, Celebration, gives you two options, both based on the Scripture readings of the day:

Pencil Preaching [14] is blog that Celebration editor Pat Marrin combines scripture and sketching to reflect on the word.

Daily Bread [15] is a series short reflections, written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings. Daily Bread is intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. It's a great way to begin the day.

Texting in church!? Franciscan Brothers Richard Mcfeely and Robert Frazzetta read prayer requests on their mobile phones Jan. 3 at St. Anthony Friary in Butler, N.J. The largest group of Franciscan friars in the United States is offering the faithful a new way to pray in th e digital age by accepting prayer requests via text messages. (CNS photo/Octavio Duran)