Over the course of this new year, Byzantine Catholic World readers will see several articles about a new cantor education program. In this issue, I’ll explain why we are creating a new program. In brief: the Church needs new cantors … Continue reading
News
Nativity of Our Lord 2015 – Christmas Pastoral Letter of Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me. From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.’” (John 1:14-18)
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
We once again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the City of Bethlehem! We gather together to remember the greatest gift by the Father of his only begotten Son. Following His example and the example of the three Kings we give one another gifts in honor of God’s grace and truth.
Little children wait for Christmas with the hope of receiving gifts. From their parents they learn to give gifts in return to family and friends. Each gift given reminds us of the great gift of the Father to us. And each time that we help someone we change, becoming a little closer to the image and likeness of God. The Christmas gifts we give and receive are small compared to the gifts of forgiveness and mercy. Continue reading
2015 St. Nicholas event: celebrating 59 years of charity
The 59th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration was held Sunday, December 6 – the Feast of Saint Nicholas – at St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Center in Munhall, Pa. Co-sponsored by the Greek Catholic Union and the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, … Continue reading
CASP responds to refugee crisis in Middle East, Europe
Faithful Urged to Respond with Mercy from Christian Associates of Southwest Pennslvania Rev. Liddy Barlow, Executive Minister “Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child … Continue reading
BCW to adopt monthly publication
In an effort to keep The BCW affordable for both subscribers and the publisher, Archbishop William, President of the Byzantine Catholic Press Associates, has made the decision to adopt a monthly publication schedule for The Byzantine Catholic World newspaper. With … Continue reading
Proclamation for the Jubilee Year of Mercy
The Jubilee Year of Mercy officially began Dec. 8 – the Feast of the Maternity of Holy Anna (Immaculate Conception) – when Pope Francis opened a Holy Door of Saint Peter Basilica in Rome. Upon encouragement from the Holy Father, … Continue reading
Bishops vote in Fall General Assembly
BALTIMORE — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved several items, including a proposed statement on pornography and a new introductory note and limited revision of their quadrennial statement on political responsibility, during their annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 17. The bishops also voted on a liturgical book, strategic priorities for the 2017-2020 cycle and on the 2016 budget. The bishops approved the strategic priorities for the 2017-2020 planning cycle with 233 votes in favor, 4 against and 0 abstaining. The priorities are:
Evangelization: Open wide the doors to Christ through missionary discipleship and personal encounter.
Family and marriage: Encourage and heal families; inspire Catholics to embrace the sacrament of matrimony.
Human life and dignity: Uphold the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death with special concern for the poor and vulnerable.
Vocations and ongoing formation: Encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and provide meaningful ongoing formation to clergy, religious and lay ministers.
Religious freedom: Promote and defend the freedom to serve, witness and worship, in the U.S. and abroad.
The full body of bishops also voted 230-4-1 to approve a proposed formal statement, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” This is the first formal statement issued by the body of bishops focused exclusively on a pastoral response to pornography production and use. Continue reading
59th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration
Family: the Foundation of Consecrated Life’ What Laity can learn from Consecrated Lives (Part 4 of 4) The theme for this year’s St. Nicholas Event is “Family: The Foundation of Consecrated Life.” This theme highlights two major overlapping events: the … Continue reading
Cathedral to ‘Open the Doors of Mercy’ Dec. 13
Faithful Urged to Attend Emmanuel Moleben To herald the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh will open the doors of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (201 Greentree Roadin Munhall, Pa.) on December13. The … Continue reading
Bishops’ Migration Chair: U.S. should welcome refugees, work for peace
BALTIMORE — Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued a statement on Syrian refugees during the Bishops’ annual General Assembly in Baltimore Nov. 17: Statement on Syrian Refugees and the … Continue reading
