Vocations -- A Guide for Catholic Parents

Information for Parents Whose Children May be Called to Spiritual Marriage

President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Expresses Sadness over

Death of Cardinal Avery Dulles, SJ

WASHINGTON—The death of Cardinal Avery Dulles, SJ, "brings home to God a great theologian and a totally dedicated servant of the Church," Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said of the cardinal who died December 12 at Fordham University at the age of 90.

"His wise counsel will be missed; his personal witness to the pursuit of holiness of life as a priest, a Jesuit and a Cardinal of the Church will be remembered and will encourage the Church to remain ever faithful to her Lord and his mission," Cardinal George said.

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Voices from the Monastery

Selected quotes from the Vocation Stories of the Passionists of St. Joseph Monastery

Sr. Mary Elizabeth of the Holy Spirit, C.P. -- The Passionist Nun, in imitation of Mary at the foot of the Cross, spends her life in worship of the Father in union with Jesus Crucified, while praying that all souls will turn to Him for pardon, grace. and peace.

A Postulant, in a letter to her brother -- I know that if I do not follow Him when and where He leads me I will never be happy and always wonder if I really was called or not. Even if I am not called to be a Passionist Nun, I will be a better person for having followed Him and giving Him the chance.

Mother Catherine Marie, C.P. -- [T]he day I was to leave for the Passionist retreat house in Owensboro, my car broke down, and I nearly missed catching the Greyhound bus to Owensboro. Then, don’t you know---half-way to Owensboro, even the bus broke down, forcing us to wait for another to take us the rest of the way to Owensboro!! I have often wondered if the devil was trying to prevent me from going. In the midst of all this, my heart had a steady peace and a kind of certainty that I was on a spiritual journey, but I had no clue what was going to happen. I remember looking out the bus window as we left Louisville, and feeling the strangest sense that I was "heading home." At this time, I had no idea of who the Passionist Nuns were, nor that I would ever feel so drawn to their life.

What You Need to Know: Priesthood (Holy Orders)

A Message from Catholic Culture

The Catholic priesthood is under attack from all sides. This is due partly to the shortcomings of some priests, but in a broader sense the crisis of the priesthood and the attacks upon it arise from the Protestantization and secularization of our surrounding culture, which has affected even those within the Church herself. Read More.....

Q & A from Archbishop Dolan on Married Clergy Becoming Priests

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Just how do married clergy become priests? Find out what Archbishop Dolan had to say. Read More....

A Message from the Holy Father on the Role of Grandparents

An address to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family

Grandparents: Their Witness and Presence in the Family, by Pope Benedict XVI

An excerpt:

In the past, grandparents had an important role in the life and growth of the family. Even with their advancing age they continued to be present with their children, their grandchildren and even their great-grandchildren, giving a living witness of caring, sacrifice and a daily gift of themselves without reserve. They were witnesses of a personal and community history that continued to live on in their memories and in their wisdom. Today, the economic and social evolution has brought profound transformations to the life of families. The elderly, including many grandparents, find themselves in a sort of "parking area":

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A Guide for Catholic Parents