Catholic Church

By Bernard Condon and Jim Mustian, AP - At the end of another long day trying to sign up new clients accusing the Roman Catholic Church of sexual abuse, lawyer Adam Slater gazes out the window of his high-rise Manhattan office at one of the great symbols of the church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral… Across the country, attorneys like Slater are scrambling to file a new wave of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy, thanks to rules enacted in 15 states that extend or suspend the statute of limitations to allow claims stretching back decades. Associated Press reporting found the deluge of suits could surpass anything the nation’s clergy sexual abuse crisis has seen before…

By Deacon Michael Bickerstaff, Integrated Catholic - Humble. Meek. Childlike. These are the qualities of the ones whom God has chosen for His Kingdom… It was not to those who were highly educated and most esteemed for their wisdom and learning that the Gospel first took root. It was to the poor in spirit and humble. What was taking place had been long anticipated, desired and watched for by the prophets of old. Yet, the spiritual leaders of Israel did not recognize the signs or the visitation to them by their God… Jesus looks on us with tenderness and asks us to be humble and trust Him.

By Christine Rousselle, CNA - Bishop Paul Sirba of the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota died on Sunday, after suffering a heart attack before offering Mass. He was 59 years old… “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I must inform you of tragic news regarding our Bishop,” said a Dec. 1 statement from Father James B. Bissonette, who had been the diocesan vicar general until the bishop's death. The office of the vicar general ceases upon the death of the diocesan bishop… “Words do not adequately express our sorrow at this sudden loss of our Shepherd,” Bissonette said.

By Jack Kenny, Crisis Magazine - We must remember that the feast we celebrated this Sunday past was not the Feast of “Christ the Democrat” but the “Feast of Christ the King.” Tyrants are often ushered in by democracies. “Power to the People,” when not threatening, has a hollow sound. Where do “the people” find their direction? Where is their moral compass? Is Vox populi really Vox Dei—the voice of the people accepted as the voice of God? Opinion polls and focus groups are a poor substitute for True North. Indeed, “True North,” however we perceive it, is a poor substitute for the Word of God and the teaching of the Holy Catholic Church.