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News/Toronto-GTA

TORONTO - The Passion Play originated from the Church’s tradition that the Gospel on Good Friday should be sung in Latin, in parts divided among several people. Its popularity took off in 13th-century Europe and over the centuries has spread worldwide.

Easter baptism follows ancient Church tradition

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HAMILTON, Ont. - The practice of Christian Baptism at Easter, preceded by several weeks of instruction, prayer and other rites, dates as far back as the fourth century. In early times, candidates for the Catholic Church, known as catechumens, recited a creed on Holy Saturday to signify the completion of their studies and then, at dawn on Easter morning, were immersed in a font and baptized.

Archdiocese looking for huge jump in refugee sponsorships

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The Archdiocese of Toronto is asking Ottawa for the chance to sponsor another 4,000 refugees over the coming year, said Martin Mark, director of the refugee office.

Educator should mentor as well as teach

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TORONTO - Today’s educators need to reach back to the 19th century and adopt the mentoring mentality of the late Cardinal John Henry Newman, says Cardinal Thomas Collins.

Travelling Stations of the Cross unites university chaplaincies

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TORONTO - Toronto’s downtown Catholic campus chaplaincies came together to be visible witnesses of their faith on the streets.

There’s a religious-secular disconnect around food

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WINDSOR, ONT. - It’s obvious that fasting during Lent has slid, dramatically, over the last several decades.

A mother has a beautiful mission

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TORONTO - When the culture seems to be in decline, women are called to be countercultural.

For only the 40th time Hamilton diocese marks its proper birthday

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HAMILTON, ONT. - Although the Diocese of Hamilton has reached 160 years of age, only 40 times has it actually been able to celebrate its anniversary.

Realtor gives ShareLife share of his commissions

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TORONTO - Eric Arruda was sitting in the pews of St. Clare Church when a pamphlet for the Family of Faith campaign caught his eye. On the bottom of the pamphlet he read a passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”

Catholic hospitals adamant they won’t kill patients

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TORONTO - The parliamentary committee report on how to legalize assisted suicide may want “all publicly funded health care institutions (to) provide medical assistance in dying,” but Ontario Catholic hospitals, nursing homes and health centres aren’t having it.

Trafficking problem has too many solutions

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There’s no easy way out of Ontario’s sex trafficking crisis and no shortage of opinions about first steps.