Priests in U.S., Canada can already absolve women who had abortions
BALTIMORE (CNS) — Pope Francis’ Sept. 1 announcement that priests worldwide will be able to absolve women for the sin of abortion will have...
Catholic women ready to host first meal in new peer ministry
An emerging Arizona chapter of an international peer ministry to Catholic women is taking root in the Diocese of Phoenix. Catholic women from throughout the Valley have been in formation for two years and are eager to see a slew of fresh faces at an inaugural meal. Catholic women and their friends of any or no faith are invited.
First graduating class begins final year at Annunciation Catholic School
The newest school in the Diocese of Phoenix now has its first graduating class in the waiting. Two of the 12 eighth-graders at Annunciation Catholic School in Cave Creek have been there since its doors opened on the St. Gabriel Parish campus in 2009. They were second-graders at the time and huddled around their principal in a small circle — with first-graders too — for opening prayer.
For Year of Mercy, pope extends possibilities for absolution
In an extraordinary gesture for the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has extended to priests worldwide the authority to absolve women for the sin of abortion and has decreed the full validity during the year of the sacrament of confession celebrated by priests of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X.
Conference-Goers Encouraged to ‘Do What Love Requires’
SCOTTSDALE — Fr. Don Calloway, MIC had a message for the more than 1,100 people who packed into the DoubleTree Resort Aug. 21-23 for a three-day Marian Conference. “We need Our Lady in a big way, probably more than we’ve ever needed her before.” He referred to “so-called gay marriage” and the series of recent videos casting light on the trafficking of unborn body parts by employees of Planned Parenthood, calling the organization “a bastion of evil, it is a place of darkness and death.” He also praised the effort that saw over 300 protests earlier that morning against Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood protests draw 4,700 throughout state
Thousands attended rallies throughout the country in response to a series of undercover videos released by the Center for Medical Progress that showed Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of organs from aborted children.
Benedictine University at Mesa athletic program begins this fall
MESA — After having been accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) last spring, Benedictine University at Mesa is launching its athletic program this fall. While students were able to participate in club sports in previous years, being accepted into an athletic association allows the university to formally compete against other institutions.
Community pitches in to provide students with pair of back-to-school homes
Backpack, supplies and clothing drives often equip students in need for the new school year. A massive amount of corporate and civic groups pooled their resources to give 16 students what might be called a pair of back-to-school homes. Their makeovers were unveiled Aug. 6-7 as eight residents in each two-story home near Seventh Street and Camelback Road moved back in following a summer with their families.
St. Louis the King School celebrates 50 years of Catholic education
For the past 50 years St. Louis the King Catholic School has prided itself on forming the mind, body and soul of children. Michael Hoffarth, class of 1973, would add one more word — friendships. “To this day, we still have class reunions,” he said. “When you find similar ideals and beliefs you build friendships for a lifetime.” Hoffarth was joined by a handful of other ’73 graduates during the school’s Golden Jubilee celebration Aug.15 at the parish and school.
University of Mary – Tempe welcomes teens to campus for ‘Summer Institute’
With 80 percent of Catholic youth leaving their faith by age 23, the need for Catholic education during the college years has never been more pressing.
