Times like these in human history, when fear pervades and even the coolest and calmest of heads around us seem to not be so cool or calm anymore, we sense our vulnerability. This is not just from this invisible virus but the fallout from it: financial, personal, religious, health; the list ...
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican said on Monday that in very exceptional circumstances and with special permission, lay Catholics can be allowed to perform marriage rites. In a document issued by the Holy See office for clergy, the Vatican said that could only happen if there are no priests or deacons available, the nation’s bishops sign off on the exception and the Holy See OKs it too. The same document stresses that lay faithful can preach at liturgy services, but never can give homilies at Masses. The Vatican document said that the local bishop, using his “prudent ...
ISTANBUL (AP) — Fulfilling a dream of his Islamic-oriented youth, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined hundreds of worshipers Friday for the first Muslim prayers in 86 years inside Hagia Sophia, the Istanbul landmark that served as one of Christendom’s most significant cathedrals, ...
Not long into the coronavirus pandemic, the Rev. Sandra Maria Van Opstal, a pastor at Grace and Peace Church on the West Side of Chicago, began to hear from congregants who lost their jobs and were struggling financially as the city closed nonessential businesses to slow the spread of the ...
During this challenging year, I have found it encouraging and helpful to write out my prayers. For me, this is practicing the verse, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). By writing out these concerns, I am transferring those troubling issues to the ...
The inability to attend church each week has been one of the most affecting consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to social distancing guidelines, it’s been nearly impossible for congregations around the country to gather in ways they were accustomed to prior to the COVID-19 ...
