ST. PAUL, ALTA. – Neighbouring dioceses are stepping up to help the thousands who have been displaced by the catastrophic wildfire threatening the very existence of Fort McMurray, Alta.
Relief efforts step up as Fort McMurray blaze spreads
By Evan Boudreau and Mickey Conlon, The Catholic RegisterAs firefighters continue the fight to save Fort McMurray from a wildfire that is threatening to consume the entire northern Alberta city, it is feared that St. Paul Church is one of the city’s structures that has been lost to flames.
Providence sisters help persuade library to revoke homeless policy
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterThe Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) will be withdrawing its new Patron Code of Conduct that some saw targetting the Eastern Ontario city’s homeless and mentally ill population.
German cardinal says 'unauthorized people' in Rome veto bishop nominations
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceBONN, Germany – A German cardinal said names of candidates submitted to the Vatican as potential bishops are being vetoed by "unauthorized people" in Rome.
March for Life tapping into youth to lead the movement
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterToday’s pro-lifers amust mentor the youth to make sure the movement keeps its momentum, says Jim Hughes, national president of Campaign Life Coalition.
Fundraising shortfall shows need for reconciliation with First Nations
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterA $21-million fundraising shortfall by Canadian Catholics in meeting commitments of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement highlights a need for reconciliation between mainstream Canada and its aboriginal people that goes beyond the Catholic Entities named in the legal settlement with residential school survivors, according to government spokespeople.
C-14 ‘fundamentally unjust,’ bishops tell committee
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThey’ve said it before and they’re saying it again.
“Bill C-14, no matter how it may be amended, is an affront to human dignity, an erosion of human solidarity, and a danger to all vulnerable persons,” the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops told the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights as it reviews a proposed law to regulate the practice of medically assisted suicide.
'Tastes of Heaven' fundraiser will help church rebuild in Northwest territories
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterVAUGHAN, ONT. – Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s plea for $300,000 to help rebuild a demolished church in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., was answered by about 500 donors who attended the annual Taste of Heaven gala fundraiser and banquet.
Campus pro-lifers sue Alberta university
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterA campus pro-life group has filed a lawsuit against the University of Alberta claiming it infringed on the pro-lifers’ freedom of speech by charging the group a $17,500 security fee to host a public event on campus.
Toronto welcomes two to a life of service
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO – Cardinal Thomas Collins, in ordaining the two newest members to the Toronto priestly fraternity, let them know that as priests they are called to be servants of their flock.
Society has lost time-honoured art of dying well
By Fr. Darren Dias, Catholic Register SpecialMy father was first diagnosed with cancer in 1999. It was in his jaw bone. In January of 2000 he went through an incredible surgery. The entire process — from diagnosis through surgery to post-op treatment — witnessed to the achievement of medical science in our time. Eventually, we were quite convinced Dad was cancer-free.