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June 6, 2017

Hundreds mourn Oregon man killed during heroic act to protect others

Msgr. Richard Paperini comforts Myhanh Best, wife of Ricky Best, who was killed on a Portland, Ore., commuter train May 26 while defending two girls from an anti-Muslim racist attack. The ceremony was held June 5 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, following a funeral Mass for Ricky Best at Christ the King Church in Milwaukie, Ore.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The morning after police in Portland arrested 14 demonstrators at dueling political protests, about 800 worshippers turned out in a unified show of support for a man whose heroic act transcended division.

Published in International
May 30, 2017

Oregon Catholic father of four killed trying to protect fellow passengers

Rick Best, a 53-year-old member of Christ the King Parish in Milwaukie, Ore., was stabbed to death May 26 when trying to defend two young women from a man who yelled epithets at them aboard a commuter train, said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. Best is pictured in an undated photo.

PORTLAND, Ore. – On a crowded Portland commuter train May 26, a selfless Catholic father of four stepped forward to calm a tense situation. He was that kind of guy.

Published in International
May 15, 2016

Bishop ordains father, son as deacons in a first for Green Bay Diocese

Bishop David L Ricken of Green Bay, Wis., is pictured with Deacon David Parker Sr., left, his wife, Denise, and their son David Jr., following the father and son's ordination as deacons May 7 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Pulaski, Wis. The younger Parker, a member of the Legionaries of Christ, was ordained a transitional deacon and and will be ordained to the priesthood in December.

PULASKI, Wis. – When David Parker informed his eldest child, Legionary Brother David Parker Jr., that he was pursuing the diaconate again, the son had a question for his father: "How many years do you have in formation?"

Published in International
April 7, 2016

Jesus invites us to be one with the Father

Jesus invites us to be one with the Father

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 17 (Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17; John 10:27-30)

There are many ways to relate a series of events, poetic, scientific, artistic and journalistic modes among them. When most people hear the word “history” they think of a straight-forward narration of unvarnished “facts.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. There is no such thing as an unbiased or dispassionate narrator — everyone has a point to make, an axe to grind, an agenda to address or an ideology to advance. This should not really surprise anyone, and there is nothing nefarious or sinister about it. 

Published in Fr. Scott Lewis
June 20, 2015

The Paulist century in Canada

The Paulists’ Catholic Information Centre in Toronto opened in 1958.

Paulist priests preached their first mission in Canada 156 years ago. Fifty-six years later they arrived in Toronto where they came to operate St. Peter’s parish and open the Newman Centre on what is now the campus of the University of Toronto. Due to declining numbers they are being forced to cease Canadian operations and return home. Here is a timeline of their years in Canada.

Published in Canada
June 20, 2015

The Paulists’ ministry of presence will be missed

The Paulists weren’t afraid to pitch the Church in the messiness of people’s lives.

TORONTO - For several years now, my office at the Paulist Ministry Centre has been flanked on either side by the office of a Paulist Father. I have appreciated the Paulist presence more each day, the priests who’ve occupied those rooms, and the spirit and community present with them. I’ve learned about their community through their actions and words, and through encountering the day-to-day life of the people at St. Peter’s parish and the Ministry Centre.

Published in Canada