1+ hour, 25+ min ago (504+ words) ISTANBUL (CNS)With their different rites, cultures, languages and races, Catholics find a unity around the altar that "is a gift from God. As such, it is strong and invincible, because it is the work of his grace," Pope Leo XIV said. Celebrating Mass Nov. 29 in Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena, Pope Leo was joined by laypeople, priests and bishops from the Latin, Chaldean, Armenian and Syriac Catholic churches. The readings and prayers at the Mass were recited in Latin, Turkish, English, Armenian, Arabic and Italian. Celebrating the vigil Mass for the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Leo gave the Catholics what he described as "resolutions" to work on this Advent: building bridges with other Catholics, other Christians and other believers in God. The unity in diversity on display in the arena, like three Istanbul bridges over the Bosphorus Strait linking Europe…...

1+ hour, 25+ min ago (504+ words) ISTANBUL (CNS)With their different rites, cultures, languages and races, Catholics find a unity around the altar that "is a gift from God. As such, it is strong and invincible, because it is the work of his grace," Pope Leo XIV said. Celebrating Mass Nov. 29 in Istanbul's Volkswagen Arena, Pope Leo was joined by laypeople, priests and bishops from the Latin, Chaldean, Armenian and Syriac Catholic churches. The readings and prayers at the Mass were recited in Latin, Turkish, English, Armenian, Arabic and Italian. Celebrating the vigil Mass for the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Leo gave the Catholics what he described as "resolutions" to work on this Advent: building bridges with other Catholics, other Christians and other believers in God. The unity in diversity on display in the arena, like three Istanbul bridges over the Bosphorus Strait linking Europe…...

1+ day, 6+ hour ago (556+ words) Across the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Catholics are answering needs with action. When parishioners saw people outside on cold winter nights, they opened a warming center. Volunteers stitched quilts for newborns in intensive care units, and donated supplies to their mothers." " These Georgia Bulletin's profiles reveal how the Gospel moves people from the pew to helping neighbors. Also included are steps everyone can take to aid others. As Pope Leo XIV recently wrote, "I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society." " MARIETTA'The community's largest emergency shelter has space for more than 150 people. On the coldest nights, that number is not enough." That's"where Transfiguration Church steps in'with warm meals, hot showers and support for women who would otherwise be left to sleep outside in freezing temperatures....

1+ day, 6+ hour ago (556+ words) Across the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Catholics are answering needs with action. When parishioners saw people outside on cold winter nights, they opened a warming center. Volunteers stitched quilts for newborns in intensive care units, and donated supplies to their mothers." " These Georgia Bulletin's profiles reveal how the Gospel moves people from the pew to helping neighbors. Also included are steps everyone can take to aid others. As Pope Leo XIV recently wrote, "I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society." " MARIETTA'The community's largest emergency shelter has space for more than 150 people. On the coldest nights, that number is not enough." That's"where Transfiguration Church steps in'with warm meals, hot showers and support for women who would otherwise be left to sleep outside in freezing temperatures....

1+ day, 7+ hour ago (398+ words) JACKSON'It's'in the eyes of the young and the'very old'that members of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Mother of God Church find inspiration." St. Mary is a rural parish, about 44 miles south of Atlanta, with about 300 families worshipping here. The St. Vincent de Paul conference at the church has been helping in the community for the past six years. The conference has only a handful of members but is generously supported by many." "We've learned to see Jesus in the eyes of the people we serve," said conference president George Levins. Helping children and the elderly has "really kept us spiritually inspired," he said." Father Jose'Kochuparampil, pastor, said the ministry helps the parish embody the Gospel mandate to serve the poor that Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to embrace." "Our Vincentians, though small in number, are doing a yeomen's…...

1+ day, 7+ hour ago (398+ words) JACKSON'It's'in the eyes of the young and the'very old'that members of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Mother of God Church find inspiration." St. Mary is a rural parish, about 44 miles south of Atlanta, with about 300 families worshipping here. The St. Vincent de Paul conference at the church has been helping in the community for the past six years. The conference has only a handful of members but is generously supported by many." "We've learned to see Jesus in the eyes of the people we serve," said conference president George Levins. Helping children and the elderly has "really kept us spiritually inspired," he said." Father Jose'Kochuparampil, pastor, said the ministry helps the parish embody the Gospel mandate to serve the poor that Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to embrace." "Our Vincentians, though small in number, are doing a yeomen's…...

5+ day, 1+ hour ago (269+ words) ATLANTA'Advent, the start of the church's liturgical year, begins Sunday, Nov. 30, and continues through Dec. 24. It is the season of preparation for Christ's birth and one of hope. Parishes and ministries across the archdiocese share Advent events from retreats to Masses:" PENANCE SERVICE: Wed, Dec. 10, 7-9 p.m. St. George Church, 771 Roscoe Rd, Newnan." PENANCE SERVICE: Thu, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Pkwy, Peachtree Corners. Several priests will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation. " PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS: Sun, Dec. 7; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Pkwy, Peachtree Corners. Join us in St. Joseph's Hall for a pancake Breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus and a visit with St. Nicholas. Open to all. ST. LUKE WOMEN'S GUILD COOKIE WALK: Fri, Dec. 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat, Dec. 13; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at St. Luke Church, 91 N Park St, Dahlonega. Join the annual holiday cookie walk…...

5+ day, 1+ hour ago (269+ words) ATLANTA'Advent, the start of the church's liturgical year, begins Sunday, Nov. 30, and continues through Dec. 24. It is the season of preparation for Christ's birth and one of hope. Parishes and ministries across the archdiocese share Advent events from retreats to Masses:" PENANCE SERVICE: Wed, Dec. 10, 7-9 p.m. St. George Church, 771 Roscoe Rd, Newnan." PENANCE SERVICE: Thu, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Pkwy, Peachtree Corners. Several priests will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation. " PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS: Sun, Dec. 7; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Pkwy, Peachtree Corners. Join us in St. Joseph's Hall for a pancake Breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus and a visit with St. Nicholas. Open to all. ST. LUKE WOMEN'S GUILD COOKIE WALK: Fri, Dec. 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat, Dec. 13; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at St. Luke Church, 91 N Park St, Dahlonega. Join the annual holiday cookie walk…...

5+ day, 6+ hour ago (538+ words) ATLANTA'Six priests delivered humor instead of homilies on Nov. 12, taking the stage at St. Pius X High School for a stand-up comedy show. " The night was put together by The Quest (1160 AM) and hosted by Josh Harris of its Morning Quest weekday show. Dave Savage, programming and production manager of The Quest, and Harris delivered a few jokes on stage as well. For Harris, the night was surreal. " "Just to see the joy etched on the priests" faces was moving,Harris said. "We got to watch them come alive on stage and show a completely different side of themselves." Father Tim Gallagher of St. Catherine Labour" in Jefferson led his brother priests in prayer prior to the program. Each priest performed an original routine, earning surprised looks from parishioners who had never seen their clergy quite like this before. " Father…...

5+ day, 6+ hour ago (538+ words) ATLANTA'Six priests delivered humor instead of homilies on Nov. 12, taking the stage at St. Pius X High School for a stand-up comedy show. " The night was put together by The Quest (1160 AM) and hosted by Josh Harris of its Morning Quest weekday show. Dave Savage, programming and production manager of The Quest, and Harris delivered a few jokes on stage as well. For Harris, the night was surreal. " "Just to see the joy etched on the priests" faces was moving,Harris said. "We got to watch them come alive on stage and show a completely different side of themselves." Father Tim Gallagher of St. Catherine Labour" in Jefferson led his brother priests in prayer prior to the program. Each priest performed an original routine, earning surprised looks from parishioners who had never seen their clergy quite like this before. " Father…...