Weekday readings for August 2014

Friday, Aug. 1: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14; Matthew 13:54-58 Saturday, Aug. 2: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24; Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Matthew 14:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 3: Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145:8-9, 15-18; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 Monday, Aug. 4: Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29, 43, 79-80, 95, 102; Matthew 14:22-36 Tuesday, …

Living the readings: Making it through rough times

Many lessons are learned about God’s abundant love August is known for its long hot days and sweaty boring nights that made kids wish school were back in session. Schools, in Tennessee at least, have accommodated this desire and have welcomed the children back ever earlier each year, making today’s …

Once upon a time: Road to heaven should be traveled with love

Incorporating Scripture into a trip, regardless of the distance, will deepen your spiritual journey About two millennia ago, a teenaged Jewish girl (shall we name her Miriam?) who lived in the northern third of the Holy Land (Galilee) got wind that her older cousin, Elizabeth, who lived in the hill …

Marriage enrichment: Home really is a holy place

Finding new ways to communicate this message more effectively I have just returned from the National Association of Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) annual conference. The theme this year was “Home is a Holy Place,” which was perfectly timed to tie into the emphasis Pope Francis has placed on the Church …

Understanding the sacraments: The Synod on the Family

Praying for the pope and bishops as they address how the Church can live more fully the sacrament of reconciliation Pope Francis, recognizing the enormous challenges facing the family, has called the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to consider “pastoral challenges to the family in the …

Funeral services held for Norah E. Ross Hut

Norah E. Ross Hut, a longtime correspondent for The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper who was a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City, died June 22 on her 98th birthday. Born June 22, 1916, in New York City to Anne Gertrude Seery and Arthur Patrick Ross, Mrs. Hut is …

Upcoming Synod of Bishops seeks frank, open discussion of issues

VATICAN CITY — The extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family will be shorter than a usual synod and will include new rules aimed at helping the bishops really grapple with the issues together, said the general secretary of the synod. “We want a frank, open, civilized discussion,” Cardinal Lorenzo …

Pope Francis to attend 2015 World Meeting in Philadelphia

FARGO, N.D. (Catholic News Service) — Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said Pope Francis has accepted his invitation to attend the World Meeting of Families in the United States next year, even though the Philadelphia Archdiocese still has not received official confirmation from the Vatican. Archbishop Chaput made the announcement …

Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Rigali as special envoy

By Jim Wogan Cardinal Justin F. Rigali will represent Pope Francis as his special envoy at a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city of St. Louis. “It is a great honor to be the personal representative of Pope Francis,” Cardinal Rigali said. It brings me …