College principal appointed as bishop-elect

Msgr. Mark Hagemoen to take charge of Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith

The northernmost diocese in Canada will greet a new bishop soon. Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Mark Hagemoen, principal of St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges, as bishop-elect of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith.

“I was in Columbo, Sri Lanka, visiting their Catholic high school system (when) I was contacted by the papal nuncio,” Bishop-elect Hagemoen recalled.

The phone call came at the end of September and left the clergyman “a bit speechless.”

 See the B.C. Catholic website for more.

Serbs mark 1,700th anniversary of Edict of Milan

After miraculous victory, Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 A.D.

Bishops stream past Gian Lorenzo Bernini's statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 2009 in St. Peter's Basilica. The statue shows Constantine looking at a cross that appeared in the sky in Rome in 312. Paul Haring / CNS.

Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan celebrated a Mass 1,700 years in the making Sept. 21. Surrounded by politicians, diplomats, and representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the papal envoy marked the anniversary of the Edict of Milan, a landmark proclamation that legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire in 313. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Curia vision will be one of 'service' to Pope, local churches

After the conclusion of their meetings, two cardinals from Pope Francis' group of eight reveal that curia reform will largely focus on service to Pope Francis and the universal Church in its various areas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Decision on assisted suicide applauded

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) and Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) are applauding a B.C. Court of Appeal (BCCA) decision upholding the prohibition against assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Former Korean PM recalls history

Anniversary event honours missionaries, teachers, and doctors

The Maranatha dance group from Seoul, South Korea, plays cultural rhythms during local celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Korea. The week-long festivities also included a parade in honour of seven Canadians who strengthened ties between the countries. Photo submitted.

In the same week as the feast day of the Korean Martyrs, a Burnaby parade commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea, and seven Canadian missionaries who strengthened our ties. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope Francis entreats youth not to fear commitment

Pope Francis concluded his one-day pilgrimage to Assisi with a visit to young people, encouraging them to reject a "provisional culture" that fears making definitive commitments. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Conversion means falling in love with God: Sister Maureen Sullivan

Find a way to help young people fall in love with God, Sister Maureen Sullivan told the Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association's (CCSTA) annual conference Oct. 4. For
full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-Lifer attacked by armed man

Knight of Columbus rushes to aid

Josue Gauron in Knight of Columbus regalia. Lifesitenews.com.

"As I was crossing the street, that's when the guy saw the opportunity to attack me," said Faye Arellano.

Arellano was participating in a Life Chain event on Oct 9 in Toronto when she walked away from her group and was assaulted by a man. She was doused with water from a bottle that was then hurled at her face, grabbed by the hair, slammed to the ground, punched, and kicked. As Arellano screamed for someone to call the police, the man, identified as Michael Panagapko, pulled out a knife.

She credits 60-year-old Knight of Columbus Josue Gauron as the man who came to her rescue. While preparing to take a photo of his brother knights he heard shouting and saw Arellano thrown to the ground.

"My only thought was to keep the woman free from the man's reach," Gauron said.

Read the full story on Elizabeth Sutcliffe's blog and on Lifesitenews.com.

Hall strengthens St. Mary's Parish

Multi-purpose room finished after 20 years

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, and pastor Father Nelson Santos, CSsR (right), snip a ribbon as they open the new hall for St. Mary's Parish. "It's been a dream in the making," said building committee member Sheila Giolito. Lori Johnson Photography / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The intense late-August sun could not outshine the smiles on the faces of the members of St. Mary's Parish in Chilliwack. They filled their church to celebrate the grand opening of a long-awaited addition to their parish hall with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

U.S. government shutdown affects military clergy

The U.S. federal government shutdown Oct. 1 halted garbage collection for Washington, D.C., and closed American national parks. It also imperilled the ability of some Catholic military personnel who serve the stars and stripes to receive the sacraments. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Dioceses grapple with problems afflicting the modern family

Canada's Catholic bishops heard how four Canadian dioceses deal with the many challenges facing modern families at their annual plenary Sept. 23. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

The Vatican Bank takes action against accusations

The Institute for Religious Works faces relentless accusations of corruption

The bank has been accused of money laundering and lack of due diligence in allowing non-religious businessmen to hold accounts. Photo credit: Reuters.

The Vatican Bank has published its first annual report in attempt to become more financially transparent.

In the report, President Ernst Von Freyberg, said the IOR needed to be a well-respected member of the global financial community.

"The annual report seeks to contribute to the transparency which the Catholic Church, our customers, our correspondent banks, our authorities and the public rightfully expect," he said.

Mr Von Freyberg added that the bank had been "been engaged in a process of far-reaching reform" to improve its organization, compliance and transparency.

 For full story, see the BBC News website.

Archdiocesan offices to 'go green'

'It's the right thing to do,' according to Jim Radford, director of project management

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, lifts a shovel of dirt at the ground-breaking and blessing of the construction site for the new John Paul II Pastoral Centre Aug. 29. The plan is to create an eco-friendly building that will reach the gold level of certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The new John Paul II Pastoral Centre, currently under construction, is part of a plan to ensure care for the souls of the archdiocese as well as the planet. To limit the impact the offices have on the environment, building plans were designed to meet the gold level in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Church's Catholicity embraces all of humanity, Pope says
During his weekly general audience Pope Francis explored the different elements of what makes the Church catholic, reflecting on why we call ourselves by that name. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Defund abortion campaign goes national
Defund Abortion rallies organized by Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) youth in Ontario since 2011 have gone national. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Carney wing receives blessing

140 singers and 80 musicians to use high school's new facility

A choir performs in Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School's gymnasium before the grand opening of the fine arts annex Sept. 12. The new building features improved acoustics and instrument lockers. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Saxophones and trumpets bellowed in celebration of the grand opening of Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School's new fine arts wing. Music students and their families gathered for the blessing of the facility Sept. 12. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Catholics continue to have lowest divorce rates, report finds

Recent studies on marriage show that while their rates of divorce are significant, U.S. Catholics are less likely to divorce than people of other religious affiliations. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Caritas at the heart of the Church, says Roy
Caritas Internationalis general secretary Michel Roy told Canada's bishops Sept. 24 that 2011 was time of tension for the Holy See's charitable federation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Seven thousand students attend local history lesson

Children learn about residential schools and aboriginal culture during education day at PNE

One hundred and twenty-five buses brought elementary and high-school students to and from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's education day Sept. 19. All nine Catholic high schools in the archdiocese participated in the event. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Thousands of children streamed into the Pacific Coliseum on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds for a day-long history lesson on residential schools and native culture. Organizers said 7,000 kids arrived en masse for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Education Day Sept. 19.  For
full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Council meetings emphasize reform of Vatican offices, role of laity

In their final day of meetings with Pope Francis, a group of eight cardinals defined concrete steps in curia reform and specified that the role of the laity will be a significant area of focus in the future. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Physicians' Alliance and Living with Dignity seek to stop Bill 52

Two prominent Quebec organizations hoping to block the province's euthanasia Bill 52 submitted forceful briefs to the Health and Social Services committee seeking public input on the bill.  For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Podcast for parents

Burnaby parent looks to shed some light on the topic of Catholic parenthood

The Flailing Dad podcast and blog discusses the topic of being a Catholic parent in the modern day.

Burnaby parishioner Rob Maxwell is bringing the ins and outs of Catholic parenthood to a new light.

The Flailing Dad is a podcast and blog that deals with the issues faced by Catholic parents in the modern age. The podcast covers topics such as discipline and social issues as well as providing feedback to curious listeners.

The podcast talks of the elements of Catholic parenthood, as well as the concept of "flailing."

"Flailing means to 'struggle uselessly,' and I don't know about you, but I struggle uselessly a lot," explains Maxwell. In his various podcasts, Maxwell describes life from his point of view: he has to juggle his family duties with his responsibilities as a father.

The Flailing Dad website includes opportunities for booking Rob as a speaker at congregations or gatherings, as well as links to his blog and podcast. Titles of his podcast installments include "The "Cool" Diatribe," "Brotherly Torture and Hypnosis: Raising Kids of Character," and "Getting Off the Hamster Wheel."

All topics featured on the podcasts are discussed from a standpoint faithful to the teachings of the Church, hoping to "entertain and discuss fatherhood from a humorous light." The blog features advice as well as general thoughts on parenthood.

There are currently 15 podcasts and counting. 

Ever show up to Mass with PB&J hand prints on the back of your pants? Do people recognize you not by your face, but the spit-up on your shoulder? Wondering if you can pursue sanctity as a parent and still have a sense of humour? Flailing Dad Podcast discusses all the important questions of Catholic Parenthood and provides some laughs in the process. The show is free to download on iTunes. Check it out!

Link to the Flailing Dad website.

China staggers under abortion numbers

Rate about five times that of the U.S.

A young Chinese mother looks up at the ceiling in the maternity ward of Guangzhou's Taihe Hospital. James Pomfret / Reuters.

China's National Health and Family Planning Commission has new data indicating 13 million surgical abortions occur in the country every year. The number does not include medically induced abortions or procedures conducted in unlicensed clinics.

While the one-child policy continues to be part of the reason for the high number, some critics claim it is due to lack of contraceptive education.

Read the full story from Time.

Journalist explains Obamacare fix

U.S. ignores proposed Health Care Conscience Rights Act

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, one of the writers of H.R. 490. Official photo.

U.S. journalist Sheila Liaugminas writes for Mercatornet.com that the bill "took some House members a lot of work and effort to pressure Speaker John Boehner into standing up for.”

The point of dispute is H.R. 940, also known as the Health Care Conscience Rights Act. The Act makes a change to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, by protecting individuals, employers, and health-insurance issuers from having to purchase or offer health insurance that includes abortion or other items or services to which they have a moral or religious objection.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged both houses of Congress to stand for conscience rights by enacting H.R. 940 just a few days before the U.S. government shut down.

Liaugminas presents startling facts about the impasse within the House of Representatives and the findings of the Charlotte Lozier Institute: “Americans will be complicit in the deaths of thousands of unborn children each year.”

Read the full article here.

Blogger tries to make sense of Tina Fey

Vice president of New Wave Feminists frustrated by 'fauxminists'

liveactionnews.org

While Tina is a role model for women in so many ways, she is a "fauxminist," claims blogger Kristen Walker Hatten of New Wave Feminists.

I don’t know if she intended to make my head explode from the combustive combination of irony and hypocrisy, but it did. It exploded.

Hatten expresses her disappointment over the promises of "fauxminism" or radical feminism, where women are allowed to be just as bad as men instead of demanding respect for her femininity. 

In particular, Hatten calls into question the character Fey espouses in her hit “30 Rock,” where the fauxminist lifestyle leads to unfulfilled hopes. A relatable and funny part of the small screen story line, but as Hatten points out, also a hard-hitting reality for many women.

Tackling Fey’s comments on abortion, Hatten examines the contradictions in very common pro-abortion arguments.

Read the full post here.

Prelates echo refrain for accountability

Bishop John Corriveau impressed by aboriginal commitment to rebuild families

Bishop Gary Gordon of Whitehorse carves a piece of cedar in the PNE Agrodome Sept. 18. "I've been involved in this whole process of reconciliation for 25 years," he commented. Four other B.C. bishops attended the first day of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Vancouver. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Five Catholic bishops brought unique, straightforward, and apologetic points of view to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Sept. 18-21 in Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope shares desire to guide Church to humble service, dialogue
In a recent interview, Pope Francis shared his vision of a poor, missionary Church that dialogues with the world and serves the needs of the people, as well as his hope for a Roman Curia that is less "Vatican-centric." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Orthodox Coptic bishop addresses bishops at plenary
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop Mina shared the plight of Copts and other Christians in Egypt with Canada's Catholic Bishops Sept. 23. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCCB hails upcoming canonizations

Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II to receive utmost of honours

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) release a statement regarding the canonization of the two Blessed Pontiffs.

A statement has been released written by Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, the president of the CCCB, about the April 27 canonizations of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II as well as their impact on the Catholic community.

The statement outlines the success each of the Pontiffs had throughout their papal careers. As well, Archbishop Durocher recalls his own memories and past stories dealing with both John XXIII and John Paul II.

The canonizations will be a monumental occasion as many people have close emotional connections with both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

I clearly remember June 3, 1963, when the church bell rang throughout our village for almost an hour. I was 9 years old. The principal of our little school came into our class and announced, “Children, kneel down. The Pope has died.” Even though young, I understood a great man had departed, “the good Pope John,” as people called him.

Later, I came to understand that he had reached out to all men and women of good will, to love, to understand, and to teach how to work for peace. Throughout his pontificate, John XXIII always showed deep concern for the suffering and needs of the world. His famous visit to the inmates of Regina Coeli Prison in December 1958 is an excellent example of his style of pastoral care. Looking into the eyes of the prisoners, he said, “I have put my eyes in your eyes; I have placed my heart next to yours.”

For full story see the CCCB website.

Queen of the cha-cha follows her passion at 101

Evlyn Kavanagh dances, plays the piano, and praises Pope Francis's love of the Argentinian tango

Evlyn Kavanagh follows the lead of a dance studio partner during a gala. She began to learn ballroom dancing at the age of 90. Her daughter Doris says her mother is a fantastic cook, watches the Mass daily on TV, and is still "a terrible flirt with men." Submitted photo.

The term "active senior" usually does not apply to centenarians who compete in ballroom dancing and learn to play Frederic Chopin nocturnes. For Evlyn Kavanagh, 101 years old, all these activities are simply part of her schedule.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pius XII knew he would be misunderstood, theologian says
A priest who knew Pius XII personally and had access to "every strip of paper" in the Vatican archives says the Pontiff believed he did the right thing during the holocaust despite knowing he would be questioned.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Cardinal urges pursuit of charity at local parish level
Charity or caritas needs to begin face-to-face, at the local parish level, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, president of Caritas Internationalis, told the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Sept. 24.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Double-canonization set for April 27

Church to recognize two saints on Divine Mercy Sunday

Pope Francis meets with cardinals at the Vatican Sept. 30 to
announce the date for the canonization. (Photo: CNS)

The date for the canonization of Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II has been set for April 27, 2014. Pope Francis made the announcement on Sept. 30 during a meeting with cardinals.

The late Popes will be declared saints on Divine Mercy Sunday, the second Sunday of Easter.

"The canonization date couldn't be more appropriate," according to George Weigel, biographer for Pope John Paul II. Find out why here.

Gospel spirit motivates families in mission

Parenting and evangelizing unite in one vocation

Mary Johnson (back, second from right) and her husband Jim (to her left) pose with a Neocatechumenal Way community in Hong Kong. Originally from Ireland, the Johnsons spent 10 years working in the diocese of Hong Kong and teaching English. "We left everything just to be the presence of Jesus among the people," Jim said. Photo submitted.

Few parents dream of quitting their jobs, leaving their homes, packing up their children, and flying to foreign countries to evangelize. For four families, Vancouver is their "foreign country." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope to be invited to address European Parliament

At an Oct. 11 audience with the Pope, European Parliament president Martin Schulz is expected to formally invite Pope Francis to address the legislative body of the European Union. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Withdraw euthanasia Bill 52, national groups say

An array of national groups, including Priests for Life Canada and the Catholic Civil Rights League, have demanded Quebec withdraw Bill 52 to legalize euthanasia. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Retired skippers reflect on fishing and faith

Croatian emigre Marigo Carr displayed icon of Our Lady, palm branch, on his vessel

John Brajcich first cast nets alongside his father in 1947. He recalled a time when thousands of men and women worked in dozens of canneries in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Photo submitted.

Faith guides people in a variety of different ways. For two retired Catholic fishermen, public displays of their faith were part of their quest to catch salmon, herring, and halibut.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

China's one-child policy still a massive threat

In the wake of the 33rd anniversary of China's one-child policy, a women's rights activist has raised concern about those who believe the policy has ended, warning of the dangers it still poses.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop Durocher takes over as CCCB president

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' (CCCB) new president Gatineau Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher has a passion for evangelization and faith education.
For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Art in the Atrium exhibit showcases 26 artists

Catholic Women's league paints diverse portraits at Holy Trinity

Jane Appleby (left) displays her landscapes to CWL member Carol-Anne Campbell. Appleby's works include Yew Lake Trees (far left), inspired by the Group of Seven. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

What do the original Vancouver Canucks logo, landscapes inspired by the Group of Seven, and iconography have in common?

All were displayed at the "Art in the Atrium" exhibit hosted by the Catholic Women's League of Holy Trinity Parish Sept. 7-8.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Other stories recently posted to the site include:

Pope to be invited to address European Parliament
At an Oct. 11 audience with the Pope, European Parliament president Martin Schulz is expected to formally invite Pope Francis to address the legislative body of the European Union.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hockey nun 'traded' from Hawks to Maple Leafs
Sports loyalty usually comes about because people cheer for their hometown team. The sports loyalty of Sister Helena Burns, FSP, who was "trade

"I may be a traitor for switching from the Blackhawks to the Leafs, but I'm a loyal traitor: I will stand with the Leafs," Sister Burns said.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.