Wainuiomata barista Hayden “Professor Scrape” Eising calendar’s cover boy on a fund raising calendar. He was posing in a headscarf and workshirt as the iconic World War Two pin-up Rosie the Riveter outside Wellington’s St Gerard’s monastery when a priest came out to watch the photoshoot. “The priest came out from the church and stood Read more
It has become common for parishes to put notices in their bulletins about powering off mobile phones during parish liturgies. But not everyone takes heed. There are instances of ringtones, texting or even calls during being taken during liturgies. Deacon Greg Kandra says his favourite moment involving a cell phone in church happened near the Read more
There are three kinds of Christians that outsiders to the faith respect: pilgrims, activists, and artists. The uncommitted will listen to them far sooner than to an evangelist or apologist. So says Philip Yancy in the HuffingtonPost. He says he decide to write his book Vanishing Grace: What Ever Happened to the Good News? after reading Read more
Brooklyn’s Fr. Carlos Velasquez celebrating his first All Souls Mass as a priest last weekend at St. Sebastian’s in Woodside. This seems to be a growing trend in the U.S, Traditionally, black was used at all Masses of the dead and funeral Masses, on All Soul’s Day, and on Good Friday. In the Novus Ordo, Read more
The YouVersion Bible App, downloaded more than 150 million times, now offers 1000 translations of the Bible. “It’s unprecedented in history having so many Bible versions in the palm of your hand—something we never imagined was possible even a few years ago,” said YouVersion’s Bobby Gruenewald in a statement. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible if Read more
A number of false Christs have been appearing worldwide. While many are following these self-proclaimed Messiahs, some are speaking out against their cults, being mindful of Christ’s words in Matthew 24:5, “For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ,’ and shall deceive many.” Read more
Paul VI oversaw the Second Vatican Council, the 1962-65 worldwide church meetings which brought the Catholic Church into modern times. The parallels between Francis and Paul, and the divisive issues both men confronted, are significant. Here are five things to know about Paul VI. Continue reading
A last-ditch fight to protect one of Hamilton’s most distinctive historic buildings has failed – with the Environment Court rejecting an appeal to save Euphrasie House. It’s feared the outcome could hasten the demolition of other heritage buildings as owners try to avoid costly earthquake-strengthening fix-ups. In a 32-page decision, the Environment Court upheld a Read more
The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity or Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor. And those ministers who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court. “The city’s subpoena of sermons and other pastoral communications is both Read more
With all the focus on the Synod and some very heady issues on the table, and because it’s Friday, here’s Poncho the parrot reciting the Hail Mary. He’s pretty good. Even when he forgets, and with a little prompting he picks up where he left off. What would we do without the Internet? And if you wondered whether Read more