Diocesan News

Initial Draft of Diocesan Pastoral Plan Completed
Document available for review and comments

Posted by - November 4, 2017

The Pastoral Planning Committee have completed the initial draft of the 5-year Pastoral Plan. This is the fruit of a year-long process of listening sessions, workshops and discussions in all levels of the diocese. On October 31st, Bishop Ryan has released to the clergy the copy of the draft. It will be also available for

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DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLANNING PRIORITY MINISTRIES (DRAFT)

Posted by - November 4, 2017

EVANGELIZATION AND FAITH FORMATION To proclaim the gospel of Jesus to non-practicing, baptized Catholics. Objective: 1.1 There will be an increase of at least 5% on the number of people receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation in all parishes by the end of 2022. Goal Statement #2 – Evangelization To proclaim the

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Book of Revelation (Part 2)

Posted by - November 4, 2017

John wrote the Book of Revelation for the Christian communities of the seven major cities of the province of Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey. These were Greek speaking communities and part of the Roman Empire. This was a time of persecution under the emperor Domitian. This was a mixed experience for many Roman

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XXXI DAMENGGU GI UTDINÅRIU NA TIEMPU

Posted by - November 4, 2017

FINE’NA NA TINAITAI                                                                  Mal 1, 14b-2. 2b. 8-10   Un tinaitai ginin i Lepblun i Prufeta as ‘Malachi’   Må’gas Yu’ na Rai, ilek-ña i Sainan i ehetsitu siha, ya i na’ån-hu siempri mama’añågui gi entalu’ i nasion siha. Intonsis, mamåli’, esti na månda para hamyu: Yanggin ti en pe’lu gi kurason-miyu, na para

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Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching, Part 4

Posted by - October 28, 2017

THE COMMON GOOD We began this series by emphasizing the value and uniqueness of each individual human person and then considered the importance of JUSTICE as one of the foundational principles in Catholic Social Teaching (CST). If human beings are endowed with great personal dignity and were created with the ability to relate directly to

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A crucifix is seen in Pontchateau, France, Aug. 24. Pope Francis said in his homily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae Oct. 24 that one must truly enter into the mystery of Jesus Christ's precious gift of "loving me" so much, "he gave himself" and was crucified and died for everyone's sins. (CNS photo/Stephane Mahe, Reuters)

In the end, everyone faces God with ’empty hands,’ pope says

Posted by - October 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God waits for everyone, even the worst sinner who repents only with his dying breath, Pope Francis said. “Before God, we present ourselves with empty hands,” he said, meaning that all the good works people have or haven’t done throughout their lives aren’t measured to determine entry into heaven. “A word

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A crucifix is seen in Pontchateau, France, Aug. 24. Pope Francis said in his homily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae Oct. 24 that one must truly enter into the mystery of Jesus Christ's precious gift of "loving me" so much, "he gave himself" and was crucified and died for everyone's sins. (CNS photo/Stephane Mahe, Reuters)

Only Jesus, in his infinite mercy, would die for sinners, pope says

Posted by - October 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Going to Mass regularly, praying and doing good works are not enough to make a person a good Christian, Pope Francis said. One must truly enter into the mystery of Jesus Christ’s precious gift of “loving me” so much, “he gave himself” and was crucified and died for everyone’s sins, the

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Pope Francis greets a woman in a wheelchair during an audience with catechists and people with disabilities at the Vatican Oct. 21. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

Church can’t be blind, deaf to people with special needs, pope says

Posted by - October 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church must be welcoming and creative in finding ways to not let people’s physical, psychological or intellectual limitations keep them from encountering God, Pope Francis said. “The church cannot be ‘mute’ or ‘tone deaf’ when it comes to the defense and promotion of people with disabilities,” he told differently

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Volunteer Kaely Martinez, 11, assists Martha Vega with relief goods Oct. 24 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Las Marias, Puerto Rico. Vega's home was destroyed by Hurricane Maria more than one month ago. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Puerto Rico recovery effort shows ‘a church that walks with the poor’

Posted by - October 28, 2017

LAS MARIAS, Puerto Rico (CNS) — By joining forces to create coalitions on behalf of those who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the Catholic Church in Puerto Rico has been fulfilling Pope Francis’ expressed wish to see “a church that walks with the poor.” At the parish level, that cooperation has been

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Aid is delivered to a rural couple in Vasad, Hungary, Dec. 19, 2016. Pope Francis will celebrate a special Mass with the poor and people who assist them Nov. 19, the first World Day of the Poor. (CNS photo/Szilard Koszticsag, EPA)

Pope’s November-January schedule includes new World Day of the Poor

Posted by - October 28, 2017

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will celebrate a special Mass with the poor and people who assist them Nov. 19, the first World Day of the Poor. After the 2015-16 Year of Mercy, the pope established the day to encourage new initiatives fostering encounter, friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance to the poor. Pope Francis

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