The Catholic Review

01/30/2023

Catholic pro-life activist Mark Houck acquitted of federal charges - Catholic Review

Mark Houck, known for his sidewalk counseling outside a abortion facility, was tried in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of on two charges under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act, for allegedly assaulting an abortion clinic volunteer in October 2021. https://catholicreview.org/catholic-pro-life-activist-mark-houck-acquitted-of-federal-charges/

A Catholic pro-life activist has been found not guilty of charges that he violated a federal law protecting access to abortion clinics, thereby avoiding a possible 11-year prison sentence.

01/30/2023

Bishop's heroic crusade against America's su***de epidemic is personal - Catholic Review

The note Bishop John P. Dolan’s sister Mary left behind was both an apology, and something of a plea: “To all my friends and family — I am sorry. I hope you continue with your mental health work, John.” https://catholicreview.org/bishops-heroic-crusade-against-americas-su***de-epidemic-is-personal/ ***de

For Bishop John P. Dolan, his mental health ministry expertise has come at a terrible personal price -- which is why he has also become one of the most outspoken American prelates on the necessity of spiritual accompaniment for those suffering from mental illness.

01/30/2023

An open letter to Marie Kondo: Thanks for sparking my joy - Catholic Review

Dear Marie,

I’m grinning ear to ear. I hear you’ve given up on a tidy house—and that you’re happier for it.

I won’t say, “I told you so,” because it’s not true.

https://catholicreview.org/an-open-letter-to-marie-kondo-thanks-for-sparking-my-joy/

Dear Marie, I’m grinning ear to ear. I hear you’ve given up on a tidy house—and that you’re happier for it.

01/30/2023

Basketball sisters take different paths to same journey 40 years later - Catholic Review

Divine intervention may be the only explanation for how two college teammates graduated, ventured off on different career paths miles apart and then, 40 years later, ended up on the same journey in Miami, both wearing habits. https://catholicreview.org/basketball-sisters-take-different-paths-to-same-journey-40-years-later/

Divine intervention may be the only explanation for how two college teammates graduated, ventured off on different career paths miles apart and then, 40 years later, ended up on the same journey in Miami, both wearing habits.

01/30/2023

Make Jesus' 'Gospel friendship' the heart of Catholic social ministry, says Baltimore's Bishop Lewandowski - Catholic Review

“Seriously, when (people) really look at you (and say): ‘I care for you deeply, you’re the love of my life’ — if you have experienced that, you know something about the ministry of Jesus, because that’s Jesus’ style of ministry,” he explained. https://catholicreview.org/make-jesus-gospel-friendship-the-heart-of-catholic-social-ministry-says-baltimores-bishop-lewandowski/

Auxiliary Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski of Baltimore recalled in a homily Jan. 28 the kind of greeting he would always receive from a Puerto Rican woman who was a member of the parish he pastored in Philadelphia's Kensington section, Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

01/30/2023

Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has been celebrated every year throughout the United States. Joining us to talk about Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Baltimore is Dr. Donna Hargens, superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese. Also joining us to talk about teaching opportunities in Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools is Lauren Robinson, director of marketing for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Check out the here: https://catholicreview.org/radio-interview-celebrating-catholic-schools-week/

01/30/2023

Mission begins by meeting Jesus in the Scriptures and Eucharist, pope says - Catholic Review

Having come to know Jesus through the Scriptures and in the Eucharist, Catholics are called to share with others the hope and joy that come from faith and that endure even when life gets difficult, Pope Francis said. https://catholicreview.org/mission-begins-by-meeting-jesus-in-the-scriptures-and-eucharist-pope-says/

Having come to know Jesus through the Scriptures and in the Eucharist, Catholics are called to share with others the hope and joy that come from faith and that endure even when life gets difficult, Pope Francis said.

01/30/2023

Pope Francis condemns 'spiral of death' in the Holy Land - Catholic Review

Speaking to a crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly Angelus prayer Jan. 29, the said he was “greatly pained” to learn of the death of 10 killed during an anti-terrorism raid Jan. 26 and a outside of a synagogue that killed seven Israelis Jan. 27. https://catholicreview.org/pope-francis-condemns-spiral-of-death-in-the-holy-land/

The "spiral of death" that has materialized in the Holy Land in recent days threatens the little remaining trust that exists between Israelis and Palestinians, Pope Francis said.

01/30/2023

Pope clarifies remarks about homosexuality and sin - Catholic Review

reaffirmed that is not a , and that any sexual act outside of is a , in a written response to a request for clarification about his remarks during a recent interview with AP https://catholicreview.org/pope-clarifies-remarks-about-homosexuality-and-sin/

- Pope Francis reaffirmed that homosexuality is not a crime, and that any sexual act outside of marriage is a sin, in a written response to a request for clarification about his remarks during a recent interview with the Associated Press.

01/30/2023

Catholics call for prayer, justice as video of Memphis Black man's deadly arrest released - Catholic Review

Catholics in Memphis, Tenn., and throughout the nation are joining in prayer while calling for justice, as disturbing images of a police arrest turned fatal in that city were released late Jan. 27. https://catholicreview.org/catholics-call-for-prayer-justice-as-video-of-memphis-black-mans-deadly-arrest-released/

Catholics in Memphis, Tennessee, and throughout the nation are joining in prayer while calling for justice, as disturbing images of a police arrest turned fatal in that city were released late Jan. 27.

01/30/2023

Bilingualism is a ‘superpower’ at Archbishop Borders School - Catholic Review

Archbishop Borders School is the only Spanish-immersion Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and one of the few dual-language schools in Baltimore. It’s located on the campus of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus/ Sacred Heart of Jesus https://catholicreview.org/bilingualism-is-a-superpower-in-catholic-schools/ Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools

Archbishop Borders School is the only Spanish-immersion Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and one of the few dual-language schools in Baltimore.

01/29/2023

Pope tells Knights of Malta to strengthen unity, reject lust for power - Catholic Review

Conflict and division hurt the mission of the Knights of Malta, and craving for power creates distance from Christ, Pope Francis told members of the religious, charitable and chivalric order. https://catholicreview.org/pope-tells-knights-of-malta-to-strengthen-unity-reject-lust-for-power/

Conflict and division hurt the mission of the Knights of Malta, and craving for power creates distance from Christ, Pope Francis told members of the religious, charitable and chivalric order.

01/29/2023

Movie Review: 'Missing' - Catholic Review

John Muderig reviews

The film contains brief but intense violence with some gore, underage drinking, at least one use of profanity, about a half-dozen milder oaths, several crude terms and a crass expression. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13

https://catholicreview.org/movie-review-missing/

It's the adolescent child and not the parent who's at the center of the action in "Missing."

01/29/2023

Catholic schoolteachers describe what they love about their jobs - Catholic Review

“This is where I’m supposed to be, I know that now after these past two years. I see wonderful things in the public school, but this is where I want my children to be.” https://catholicreview.org/catholic-schoolteachers-describe-what-they-love-about-their-jobs/ Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Maryvale Preparatory School Bishop Walsh St. Casimir Catholic School

A strong sense of community in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Baltimore is one of the major reasons many teachers choose to work in the Catholic school system.

01/28/2023

Montse Alvarado named president, COO of EWTN News - Catholic Review

Montse Alvarado, vice president and executive director of Becket, the Washington-based religious liberty firm, has been named president and chief operating officer of EWTN News Inc., the EWTN Global Catholic Network announced Jan. 23. https://catholicreview.org/montse-alvarado-named-president-coo-of-ewtn-news/ EWTN

Montse Alvarado, vice president and executive director of Becket, the Washington-based religious liberty firm, has been named president and chief operating officer of EWTN News Inc., the EWTN Global Catholic Network announced Jan. 23.

01/28/2023

Christians must not be oppressed by guilt, but filled with joy, pope says - Catholic Review

Christians must not “put pressure on others” to convert or induce in them “feelings of guilt,” but take a weight off their shoulders through joyfully sharing the Gospel, Pope Francis said. https://catholicreview.org/christians-must-not-be-oppressed-by-guilt-but-filled-with-joy-pope-says/

Christians must not "put pressure on others" to convert or induce in them "feelings of guilt," but take a weight off their shoulders through joyfully sharing the Gospel, Pope Francis said.

01/28/2023

Movie Review: 'The Pale Blue Eye' - Catholic Review

John Mulderig Review:

In adapting Bayard’s work for the screen, moreover, writer-director Scott Cooper, whose eponymous film is currently streaming on Netflix gets things off to a promising start. He successfully evokes a gothic atmosphere and sets a quick pace for the action. What viewers will make of the plot’s eventual wrap-up, however, is less certain.

The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R

https://catholicreview.org/movie-review-the-pale-blue-eye/

The idea of incorporating iconic author Edgar Allan Poe, the inventor of the modern detective story, into a whodunit would seem like a winning one.

01/28/2023

How is God like a flyswatter? (answered by ChatGPT and a human) - Catholic Review

My friend Dave, who’s a technology guru, has been plugging questions into ChatGPT. Knowing that I am a flyswatter collector, Dave sent me the results for his request, “Write an article comparing God to a flyswatter.”

I was excited by this wonderful challenge—and I thought you might enjoy reading what ChatGPT wrote, and then what I wrote.

https://catholicreview.org/how-is-god-like-a-flyswatter-answered-by-chatgpt-and-a-human/

Dolly Parton said, “I feel closest to God when I write.” That’s how I feel, too. So, it’s hard for me to believe that any kind of computer program or artificial intelligence can write the way a person can, bringing light and beauty and emotion to the written form.

01/28/2023

Mercy delivers Magic show in ‘Classic’ victory over Maryvale - Catholic Review

Myah Hazelton and Olivia Liszt each scored 13 points, Milan Brown added 11 points as Mercy ran past Maryvale, 77-40, in “The Classic” Jan. 27 at Towson University’s SECU Arena in front of nearly 2,000 spectators.
https://catholicreview.org/mercy-delivers-magic-show-in-classic-victory-over-maryvale/

Myah Hazelton and Olivia Liszt each scored 13 points, Milan Brown added 11 points and Mercy ran past Maryvale, 77-40, in “The Classic” Jan. 27 at Towson University’s SECU Arena in front of nearly 2,000 spectators.

01/28/2023

Women help religions share wisdom, promote peace, pope says - Catholic Review

The world’s religious traditions and their followers are called to offer wisdom to the world and to “infuse it with a spirit of warmth, healing and fraternity,” which requires the participation of women as well as men, said. https://catholicreview.org/women-help-religions-share-wisdom-promote-peace-pope-says/

The conference, "Women Building a Culture of Encounter Interreligiously," was sponsored by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations.

01/27/2023

Analysis: As GOP primary season nears, will pro-lifers embrace Trump or hold out for a new hero? - Catholic Review

Thus far, the only declared candidate in the field is former President Donald , who announced his third bid for the last fall. https://catholicreview.org/analysis-as-gop-primary-season-nears-will-pro-lifers-embrace-trump-or-hold-out-for-a-new-hero/

Some pro-life activists have listed winning the White House next year among their post-Roe goals, but the 2024 Republican primary is off to a slow start, with lingering questions about how candidates will address the issue of abortion.

01/27/2023

Catholic Charities assists in counting Baltimore’s homeless population - Catholic Review

As it has done throughout 100 years of assisting Marylanders in need, Catholic Charities of Baltimore provided a helping hand earlier this week, when Our Daily Bread Employment Center partnered with the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office to lead an effort to count every poverty-stricken person experiencing previously undocumented homelessness. https://catholicreview.org/catholic-charities-assists-in-counting-baltimores-homeless-population/

Our Daily Bread Employment Center partnered with the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office to lead an effort to count every poverty-stricken person experiencing previously undocumented homelessness.

01/27/2023

It is nearly impossible to look at any place where people are struggling within Baltimore City and the nine counties that comprise the Archdiocese of Baltimore – the impact of poverty, violence, poor health care, lack of education, addiction – and not see the presence of the archdiocesan charities agency. It is the third-largest Catholic Charities agency in the country, despite Baltimore, with about 505,000 Catholics, not being among even the top 25 dioceses, based on the number of Catholics.

Catholic Review Editor Chris Gunty talks with Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, about the agency’s legacy of service as it marks its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Listen to our here: https://catholicreview.org/radio-interview-catholic-charities-of-baltimore/

01/27/2023

Mass media needs more kindness, truth spoken with charity, pope says - Catholic Review

The media and the field of communications need to exercise more kindness and share the truth with charity, Pope Francis said. https://catholicreview.org/mass-media-needs-more-kindness-truth-spoken-with-charity-pope-says/

The media and the field of communications need to exercise more kindness and share the truth with charity, Pope Francis said.

01/27/2023

Centered on Christ - Catholic Review

Over the past two years, enrollment in our schools has risen by about 10 percent.

What’s more, these schools are academically excellent. Last year, students in the Archdiocese of Baltimore placed first in the nation in high school placement tests. https://catholicreview.org/centered-on-christ/ Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools

Christ is at the center, there in the midst of all that we do, the way we approach every subject, every aspect of the school.

01/27/2023

God 'suffers' when believers injure, ignore those God loves, pope says - Catholic Review

God suffers and grieves when those who profess to believe in him do not love the people he loves and do not work for the justice he desires, Pope Francis said. https://catholicreview.org/god-suffers-when-believers-injure-ignore-those-god-loves-pope-says/

Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant representatives joined the pope at Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for vespers closing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

01/26/2023

'I love you, Papa!': Maryland Catholics recall encounters with Pope Benedict XVI - Catholic Review

“He looked right at me, as though he recognized me,” Dauses remembered. “He held my hands, put a hand on my head and prayed silently for what seemed like 10 minutes, but was only about four. I was bawling, and he tapped the side of my face.” https://catholicreview.org/?p=219981

Catholics from the Archdiocese of Baltimore share their encounters with Pope Benedict XVI, a man one lay woman called a "wise, understanding, holy man."

01/26/2023

Ukraine's religious leaders renew invitation to pope to visit Kyiv - Catholic Review

’s religious leaders asked Pope#Francis to visit , said Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, the head of the Catholic Church. https://catholicreview.org/ukraines-religious-leaders-renew-invitation-to-pope-to-visit-kyiv/

Ukraine's religious leaders asked Pope Francis to visit Kyiv, said Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

01/26/2023

Gov. Moore’s budget cuts BOOST, proposes phase-out of scholarship program - Catholic Review

Wes Moore’s newly unveiled budget cuts $2 million from a state scholarship program that helps children from low-income families attend Catholic and other nonpublic schools in Maryland. Even more alarming to Catholic school leaders is language in the proposed budget that would effectively phase out the program. https://catholicreview.org/gov-moores-budget-cuts-boost-proposes-phase-out-of-scholarship-program/ Maryland Catholic Conference

Gov. Wes Moore’s newly unveiled budget cuts $2 million from a state scholarship program that helps children from low-income families attend Catholic and other nonpublic schools in Maryland.

01/26/2023

Church tensions are not new or all bad, says Cardinal Hollerich - Catholic Review

Pope Francis did not need to launch listening sessions for the of Bishops for people to discover there are tensions in the Catholic Church, said the cardinal serving as the synod’s relator general. https://catholicreview.org/church-tensions-are-not-new-or-all-bad-says-cardinal-hollerich/

Pope Francis did not need to launch listening sessions for the Synod of Bishops for people to discover there are tensions in the Catholic Church, said the cardinal serving as the synod's relator general.

01/26/2023

Trial of pro-life activist charged with violating federal FACE Act gets underway - Catholic Review

Mark Houck, known for his sidewalk counseling outside a Philadelphia abortion facility, is being tried in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of on two charges under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act, for allegedly assaulting an abortion clinic volunteer in October 2021. https://catholicreview.org/trial-of-pro-life-activist-charged-with-violating-federal-face-act-gets-underway/

A Catholic pro-life advocate is on trial for allegedly violating a federal law that protects access to abortion clinics, and the lead lawyer defending him said the charges against his client are being pursued "solely to intimidate people of faith and pro-life Americans."

01/26/2023

Pope expresses concern over tensions on the Baltic Sea - Catholic Review

The Baltic Sea, shared by Russia and northern European countries, is a “source of life threatened by human action,” Pope Francis said. https://catholicreview.org/pope-expresses-concern-over-tensions-on-the-baltic-sea/

The Baltic Sea, shared by Russia and northern European countries, is a "source of life threatened by human action," Pope Francis said.

01/26/2023

Machete-wielding attacker kills sacristan, severely injures priest and other faithful in southern Spain - Catholic Review

A Moroccan national is under arrest after a horrific attack in several Catholic churches in the southern Spanish city of , killing one person. https://catholicreview.org/machete-wielding-attacker-kills-sacristan-severely-injures-priest-and-other-faithful-in-southern-spain/

A Moroccan national is under arrest after a horrific attack in several Catholic churches in the southern Spanish city of Algeciras, killing one person.

01/26/2023

Pro-life thought leaders explore how to change hearts and minds post-Roe - Catholic Review

The pro-life movement should work to change hearts and minds on the issue of abortion by demonstrating “radical solidarity” with women and unborn children, some of the movement’s thought leaders said at a Jan. 19 panel in the nation’s capital. https://catholicreview.org/pro-life-thought-leaders-explore-how-to-change-hearts-and-minds-post-roe/

The pro-life movement should work to change hearts and minds on the issue of abortion by demonstrating "radical solidarity" with women and unborn children, some of the movement's thought leaders said at a Jan. 19 panel in the nation's capital.

01/26/2023

Pope thanks Ukrainian religious leaders for unity in the face of conflict - Catholic Review

As war ravages , the country cannot be divided among religious confessions but must be united behind “mother Ukraine,” said. https://catholicreview.org/pope-thanks-ukrainian-religious-leaders-for-unity-in-the-face-of-conflict/

As war ravages Ukraine, the country cannot be divided among religious confessions but must be united behind "mother Ukraine," Pope Francis said.

01/25/2023

Catholic organizations applaud, express concerns about private sponsorship program for refugees - Catholic Review

Catholic organizations applauded the announcement Jan. 19 of a new State Department program that allows groups of private individuals to directly support resettling in the U.S. https://catholicreview.org/catholic-organizations-applaud-express-concerns-about-private-sponsorship-program-for-refugees/

Catholic organizations applauded the announcement of a new State Department program that allows groups of private individuals to directly support refugees resettling in the U.S.

01/25/2023

Resolution Revival: Assemble a team to get back to your goals - Catholic Review

If you made a New Year’s resolution, chances are you’ve given up on it by now. According to InsideOut Mastery, 43 percent of us are back to our old ways by Feb. 1. You may feel as though you have tried everything, but allow me to make one more last-ditch suggestion: https://catholicreview.org/resolution-revival-assemble-a-team-to-get-back-to-your-goals/

Whenever you can, ask the people closest to you, your family and your best friends, to keep reminding you of your goal and, when possible, to join you in pursuing it.

01/25/2023

After California shooting, pope says world is 'obsessed' with guns - Catholic Review

After the shooting Jan. 21 in Monterey Park, , that killed 11 people and injured nine others, Pope Francis said that “the world is obsessed with having guns.” https://catholicreview.org/after-california-shooting-pope-says-world-is-obsessed-with-guns/

After the shooting Jan. 21 in Monterey Park, California, that killed 11 people and injured nine others, Pope Francis said that "the world is obsessed with having guns."

01/25/2023

In interview, pope says criticism is annoying, but can be helpful - Catholic Review

You prefer that they don’t criticize, for the sake of tranquility... But I prefer that they do it because that means there’s freedom to speak.”
The papacy is not a dictatorship, he said, and, besides, “criticism helps you to grow and improve things.” https://catholicreview.org/in-interview-pope-says-criticism-is-annoying-but-can-be-helpful/

The AP interview with the pope also covered topics ranging from his health to the ongoing clerical sexual abuse crisis and from homosexuality to potential policies for regulating the retirement of a pope who renounces his office.