WASHINGTON (USCCB) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops publicly praised yesterday’s decision by California Supreme Court to uphold the definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" contained in California’s Proposition 8 as approved by the voters last November.
Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Bishops, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage,expressed the bishops’ satisfaction with the decision.
"We are pleased that yesterday the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8. The Court has thus respected the eminently reasonable decision of the California electorate to retain the perennial definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman," Archbishop Kurtz said.
"This respects the uniqueness of the marital relationship and its service to the common good by respecting the value of procreation and the good of children as well as the unique complementarity of man and woman. Advancing the truth and beauty of marriage enhances, rather than diminishes, the intrinsic dignity of every human person."
On the other hand, the bishops expressed disappointment and concern that the court failed to apply this definition to the nearly 18,000 same-sex unions formed between May and November 2008.
"Attempts to change the legal definition of marriage or to create simulations of marriage, often under the guise of ‘equality,’ ‘civil rights,’ and ‘anti-discrimination,’ do not serve the truth. Such attempts undermine the very nature of marriage and overlook the essential place of marriage and family life in society," Archbishop Kurtz said.
"The state has a responsibility to protect and promote marriage as the union of one man and one woman as well as to protect and promote the intrinsic dignity of every human person, including homosexual persons." There are ways to do that but "sacrificing marriage is not one of them," said Archbishop Kurtz.
For more information, contact Mar Muñoz-Visoso at (202) 541-3202.
May 27, 2009
May 22, 2009
Cardinal George praises President Obama's promise to support conscience clauses
WASHINGTON (USCCB) — Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, praised President Barack Obama’s promise to support conscience clauses.
“Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need,” Cardinal Francis George said.
“Catholic providers, in particular, make a large and essential contribution to health care in our society. Essential steps to protect these conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.
“A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars. As this discussion continues we look forward to working with the Administration and other policy makers to advance this goal,” he said.
The 2009 Official Catholic Directory reports that in the United States there are 562 Catholic hospitals treating more than 85 million people annually. President Obama spoke of conscience protections during his May 17 address at the University of Notre Dame.
Cardinal George’s entire statement follows.
I am grateful for President Obama’s statement on May 17 that we should all “honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion,” and his support for conscience clauses advancing this goal.
Since 1973, federal laws protecting the conscience rights of health care providers have been an important part of our American civil rights tradition. These laws should be fully implemented and enforced. Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need.
Catholic providers, in particular, make a large and essential contribution to health care in our society. Essential steps to protect these conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.
A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars. As this discussion continues we look forward to working with the Administration and other policy makers to advance this goal.
“Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need,” Cardinal Francis George said.
“Catholic providers, in particular, make a large and essential contribution to health care in our society. Essential steps to protect these conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.
“A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars. As this discussion continues we look forward to working with the Administration and other policy makers to advance this goal,” he said.
The 2009 Official Catholic Directory reports that in the United States there are 562 Catholic hospitals treating more than 85 million people annually. President Obama spoke of conscience protections during his May 17 address at the University of Notre Dame.
Cardinal George’s entire statement follows.
I am grateful for President Obama’s statement on May 17 that we should all “honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion,” and his support for conscience clauses advancing this goal.
Since 1973, federal laws protecting the conscience rights of health care providers have been an important part of our American civil rights tradition. These laws should be fully implemented and enforced. Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need.
Catholic providers, in particular, make a large and essential contribution to health care in our society. Essential steps to protect these conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.
A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars. As this discussion continues we look forward to working with the Administration and other policy makers to advance this goal.
May 20, 2009
Philadelphia Auxiliary Joseph R. Cistone named as the 6th Bishop of Saginaw
The new leader will be introduced at a 9:00 a.m. press conference,
taken on tour of the Tri-Cities, participate in evening prayer
SAGINAW – Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he has selected Bishop Joseph R. Cistone as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw.
The new bishop of Saginaw will be introduced at a 9:00 a.m. press conference at the Center for Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., in Saginaw Township.
Following the press conference, Bishop Cistone will make a tour of the Tri-Cities. Each of the following stops are open to the public (times are approximate):
g 10:30 a.m.: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
g 2:00 p.m.: St. James Parish (Langley Hall), 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City
g 3:00 p.m.: Blessed Sacrament Parish and School, 3109 Swede Ave., Midland
g 5:00 p.m.: Vespers (Evening Prayer) at Holy Spirit Parish, 1035 N. River Rd., Shields
Cistone, 60, has served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2004. His installation in Saginaw is scheduled for July 28, the fifth anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.
Joseph Robert Cistone was born on May 18, 1949 in Philadelphia, son of Josephine R. (Altomare) and Daniel A. Cistone Sr. He has two brothers, Daniel and Anthony.
He attended Our Lady of Consolation School and Father Judge High School in Philadelphia before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Penn., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1971 and Master of Divinity degree in 1975.
The new bishop of Saginaw will be introduced at a 9:00 a.m. press conference at the Center for Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., in Saginaw Township.
Following the press conference, Bishop Cistone will make a tour of the Tri-Cities. Each of the following stops are open to the public (times are approximate):
g 10:30 a.m.: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
g 2:00 p.m.: St. James Parish (Langley Hall), 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City
g 3:00 p.m.: Blessed Sacrament Parish and School, 3109 Swede Ave., Midland
g 5:00 p.m.: Vespers (Evening Prayer) at Holy Spirit Parish, 1035 N. River Rd., Shields
Cistone, 60, has served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2004. His installation in Saginaw is scheduled for July 28, the fifth anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.
Joseph Robert Cistone was born on May 18, 1949 in Philadelphia, son of Josephine R. (Altomare) and Daniel A. Cistone Sr. He has two brothers, Daniel and Anthony.
He attended Our Lady of Consolation School and Father Judge High School in Philadelphia before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Penn., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1971 and Master of Divinity degree in 1975.
Father Cistone was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1975 by Cardinal John J. Krol. In 1998, he was named as an honorary prelate to Pope John Paul II, giving him the title of monsignor.
Monsignor Cistone was appointed by Pope John Paul II as an auxiliary bishop for Philadelphia in 2004. He was consecrated as a bishop by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, Bishop Robert P. Maginnis and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on July 28, 2004.
Bishop Cistone has served as vicar general and vicar for administration for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 1998. His previous assignments have included Dean of Formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Newman Chaplain at the Delaware Valley College of Science, and several parish assignments and administrative positions within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Cistone serves on the USCCB Committee for Protection of Children and Young People, USCCB Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church and Subcommittee for African-American Affairs, and the USCCB Committee on Budget and Finance.
The Diocese of Saginaw was established in 1938 by Pope Pius XI. Its previous ordinaries are Bishop William F. Murphy (1938 – 1950), Bishop Stephen S. Woznicki (1950 – 1968), Bishop Francis F. Reh (1968 – 1980), Bishop Kenneth E. Untener (1980 – 2004) and Bishop Robert J. Carlson (2004 – 2009), who was named Archbishop of Saint Louis, Mo., on April 21.
The Diocese of Saginaw is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
Monsignor Cistone was appointed by Pope John Paul II as an auxiliary bishop for Philadelphia in 2004. He was consecrated as a bishop by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, Bishop Robert P. Maginnis and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on July 28, 2004.
Bishop Cistone has served as vicar general and vicar for administration for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 1998. His previous assignments have included Dean of Formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Newman Chaplain at the Delaware Valley College of Science, and several parish assignments and administrative positions within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Cistone serves on the USCCB Committee for Protection of Children and Young People, USCCB Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church and Subcommittee for African-American Affairs, and the USCCB Committee on Budget and Finance.
The Diocese of Saginaw was established in 1938 by Pope Pius XI. Its previous ordinaries are Bishop William F. Murphy (1938 – 1950), Bishop Stephen S. Woznicki (1950 – 1968), Bishop Francis F. Reh (1968 – 1980), Bishop Kenneth E. Untener (1980 – 2004) and Bishop Robert J. Carlson (2004 – 2009), who was named Archbishop of Saint Louis, Mo., on April 21.
The Diocese of Saginaw is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
May 6, 2009
U.S. Bishops urge Catholics to contact Congress, NIH and oppose destructive stem cell research
WASHINGTON — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a new "Oppose Destructive Stem Cell Research" campaign today, equipping citizens to contact Congress and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to oppose embryonic stem cell research and support ethical cures and treatments "we can all live with."
The campaign is facilitated by the USCCB’s partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
Following President Obama’s March 9 executive order, the NIH proposed guidelines for federally funded research that will require destroying live human embryos for their stem cells. The draft guidelines are open for public comment through May 26.
The campaign homepage, www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign, summarizes why the proposed guidelines are unacceptable, provides links to USCCB resources (including the bishops’ statement "On Embryonic Stem Cell Research" and multi-media resources and ads), and encourages web users to "Contact Congress & NIH Now" through an e-mail interface. Several resources are available in both English and Spanish.
The campaign site explains that the NIH guidelines "would—for the first time—use taxpayer funds to encourage the killing of embryonic human beings for their stem cells." It continues, "Embryonic stem cell research treats innocent human beings as mere sources of body parts, as commodities for our use."
The webpage features a video of Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, critiquing the draft guidelines.
"The Catholic bishops of the United States will be writing to Congress and the Administration about the need to restore and maintain barriers against the mistreatment of human life in the name of science, and we urge other concerned citizens to do the same," Cardinal Rigali said.
Catholics and other citizens are urged to contact both NIH and Congress because members of Congress and the Administration have expressed interest in pursuing an even broader policy.
"They want to obtain stem cells by destroying human embryos specially generated for research through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or cloning procedures – a ‘create to kill’ policy," the campaign page explains.
Those who want to call for stem cell research and cures "we can all live with" may speak out by visiting www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign and clicking on "Contact Congress & NIH Now."
The campaign is facilitated by the USCCB’s partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
Following President Obama’s March 9 executive order, the NIH proposed guidelines for federally funded research that will require destroying live human embryos for their stem cells. The draft guidelines are open for public comment through May 26.
The campaign homepage, www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign, summarizes why the proposed guidelines are unacceptable, provides links to USCCB resources (including the bishops’ statement "On Embryonic Stem Cell Research" and multi-media resources and ads), and encourages web users to "Contact Congress & NIH Now" through an e-mail interface. Several resources are available in both English and Spanish.
The campaign site explains that the NIH guidelines "would—for the first time—use taxpayer funds to encourage the killing of embryonic human beings for their stem cells." It continues, "Embryonic stem cell research treats innocent human beings as mere sources of body parts, as commodities for our use."
The webpage features a video of Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, critiquing the draft guidelines.
"The Catholic bishops of the United States will be writing to Congress and the Administration about the need to restore and maintain barriers against the mistreatment of human life in the name of science, and we urge other concerned citizens to do the same," Cardinal Rigali said.
Catholics and other citizens are urged to contact both NIH and Congress because members of Congress and the Administration have expressed interest in pursuing an even broader policy.
"They want to obtain stem cells by destroying human embryos specially generated for research through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or cloning procedures – a ‘create to kill’ policy," the campaign page explains.
Those who want to call for stem cell research and cures "we can all live with" may speak out by visiting www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign and clicking on "Contact Congress & NIH Now."
May 5, 2009
Date announced for installation of Archbishop Carlson in Saint Louis
SAINT LOUIS - Archbishop-elect Robert J. Carlson will be installed as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10.
Carlson served as the 5th Bishop of Saginaw from February 2005 until his appointment to Saint Louis on April 21, 2009.
Click here to learn more about the June 10 Installation of the Archbishop-elect.
Carlson served as the 5th Bishop of Saginaw from February 2005 until his appointment to Saint Louis on April 21, 2009.
Click here to learn more about the June 10 Installation of the Archbishop-elect.
May 1, 2009
Sign up for e-mail blast announcing Sixth Bishop of Saginaw
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Join the Diocese of Saginaw listserv being organized to announce the appointment of the Sixth Bishop of Saginaw.
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Join the Diocese of Saginaw listserv being organized to announce the appointment of the Sixth Bishop of Saginaw.
Send and e-mail including your NAME, STREET ADDRESS, and E-MAIL ADDRESS to our database manager. Write SIXTH BISHOP LISTSERV in the subject line.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!
Pastoral assignments announced
SAGINAW – Archbishop-elect Robert J. Carlson has announced the following changes in pastoral assignments within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw:
< Father Gerald Balwinski pastor for Our Lady of the Visitation, Bay City, and sacramental minister to St. Maria Goretti, Bay City, is granted senior priest status (retired), effective July 1.
< Father José Maria Cabrera from associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament, Midland, and sacramental minister to St. Brigid of Kildare, Midland, to graduate studies in biblical theology at the in Rome, effective July 1.
< Father Nicholas Coffaro from associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas, Saginaw, to associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament, Midland, and sacramental minister to St. Brigid of Kildare, Midland, effective July 1.
< Father Christopher Coman from associate pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka, Bay City, to administrator for St. Denis, Lexington, and St. Patrick, Croswell, effective July 1.
< Father Donald Eppenbrock pastor for St. Denis, Lexington, and St. Patrick, Croswell, is granted senior priest status (retired) and will serve as sacramental minister to St. Pancratius, Cass City, and St. Agatha, Gagetown, from July 1 to December 31, 2009.
< Father Stephen Fillion from pastor for St. Pancratius, Cass City and sacramental minister to St. Agatha, Gagetown, to pastor for Our Lady of the Visitation, Bay City, effective July 1.
< Father Denis Heames from associate pastor at Sacred Heart, Mt. Pleasant, to graduate studies in canon law in Rome, effective July 1.
< Deacon David Jenuwine to associate pastor at Sacred Heart, Mt. Pleasant, with residence at St. Mary University Parish, Mt. Pleasant, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Deacon Thai Hung Nguyan to chaplain at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital, Saginaw, and in-residence at Holy Family, Saginaw, and assisting as needed at the St. Francis Home, Shields, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Father Peter Nwokoye to administrator at Sts. Peter & Paul, Ruth, and St. Patrick, Palms, in addition to his duties as administrator at St. Mary, Parisville, effective July 1.
< Father Robert Paré from pastor for Sts. Peter & Paul, Ruth, and St. Patrick, Palms, to pastor for St. Roch, Caseville, and St. Felix of Valois, Pinnebog, effective July 1.
< Deacon José Parra to associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas, Saginaw, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Father Daniel Roa from chaplain at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital, Saginaw, to associate pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka, Bay City, effective July 1.
< Father William Spencer to pastor for St. Anthony of Padua, Helena, in addition to his duties as pastor for Our Lady of Lake Huron, Harbor Beach, effective July 1.
< Father Prentice Tipton from associate pastor at St. Hyacinth, Bay City, to administrator at Sacred Heart, Merrill, and St. Patrick, Ryan, effective July 1.
< Father Kenneth Yaroch pastor for St. Roch, Caseville, and St. Felix of Valois, Pinnebog, is granted senior priest status (retired), effective July 1.
In addition, Father Daniel Anholzer, OFM Cap. has been assigned by his religious community to serve as pastor for St. Joseph, Saginaw, effective May 1.
The Diocese of Saginaw is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
< Father Gerald Balwinski pastor for Our Lady of the Visitation, Bay City, and sacramental minister to St. Maria Goretti, Bay City, is granted senior priest status (retired), effective July 1.
< Father José Maria Cabrera from associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament, Midland, and sacramental minister to St. Brigid of Kildare, Midland, to graduate studies in biblical theology at the in Rome, effective July 1.
< Father Nicholas Coffaro from associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas, Saginaw, to associate pastor at Blessed Sacrament, Midland, and sacramental minister to St. Brigid of Kildare, Midland, effective July 1.
< Father Christopher Coman from associate pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka, Bay City, to administrator for St. Denis, Lexington, and St. Patrick, Croswell, effective July 1.
< Father Donald Eppenbrock pastor for St. Denis, Lexington, and St. Patrick, Croswell, is granted senior priest status (retired) and will serve as sacramental minister to St. Pancratius, Cass City, and St. Agatha, Gagetown, from July 1 to December 31, 2009.
< Father Stephen Fillion from pastor for St. Pancratius, Cass City and sacramental minister to St. Agatha, Gagetown, to pastor for Our Lady of the Visitation, Bay City, effective July 1.
< Father Denis Heames from associate pastor at Sacred Heart, Mt. Pleasant, to graduate studies in canon law in Rome, effective July 1.
< Deacon David Jenuwine to associate pastor at Sacred Heart, Mt. Pleasant, with residence at St. Mary University Parish, Mt. Pleasant, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Deacon Thai Hung Nguyan to chaplain at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital, Saginaw, and in-residence at Holy Family, Saginaw, and assisting as needed at the St. Francis Home, Shields, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Father Peter Nwokoye to administrator at Sts. Peter & Paul, Ruth, and St. Patrick, Palms, in addition to his duties as administrator at St. Mary, Parisville, effective July 1.
< Father Robert Paré from pastor for Sts. Peter & Paul, Ruth, and St. Patrick, Palms, to pastor for St. Roch, Caseville, and St. Felix of Valois, Pinnebog, effective July 1.
< Deacon José Parra to associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas, Saginaw, effective July 1 following his ordination to the priesthood on June 5.
< Father Daniel Roa from chaplain at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital, Saginaw, to associate pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka, Bay City, effective July 1.
< Father William Spencer to pastor for St. Anthony of Padua, Helena, in addition to his duties as pastor for Our Lady of Lake Huron, Harbor Beach, effective July 1.
< Father Prentice Tipton from associate pastor at St. Hyacinth, Bay City, to administrator at Sacred Heart, Merrill, and St. Patrick, Ryan, effective July 1.
< Father Kenneth Yaroch pastor for St. Roch, Caseville, and St. Felix of Valois, Pinnebog, is granted senior priest status (retired), effective July 1.
In addition, Father Daniel Anholzer, OFM Cap. has been assigned by his religious community to serve as pastor for St. Joseph, Saginaw, effective May 1.
The Diocese of Saginaw is home to an estimated 119,000 Catholics worshiping in 105 parish communities throughout Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.
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