Media must serve to promote ‘authentic culture of encounter’

At its best, media informs, inspires and engages. It creates unity and a common thread throughout a community, allowing people to share in the daily joys, sorrows and challenges of their neighbors. Media must provide for “an authentic culture of encounter” and serve to give voice to those on the margins of society.

God speaks to us in everyday moments

You’ve seen them. Holding cardboard signs with scrawled pleas for help, they stand at freeway exits, hoping for a handout. Should you give them money? Should you circle around and return with food and water?

Arizona Catholic Conference 2014 legislative wrap-up

On April 24, the Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die at 1:46 a.m., after spending 101 days in session. Like last year, the number of bills introduced was somewhat lower than normal with just over 1,300 pieces of legislation offered this session, about 300 of which actually became law.

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Six: The Gift of Mary

Last time we looked at what Pope Francis writes about Jesus in his apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel.” Now let us consider what the Holy Father has to say about the Mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Defining ‘Catholic’ — what’s it to you?

Chris Benguhe wants to know if what he writes about is “Catholic” enough. Make your voice heard in the comment box!

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Five: Who Do You Say I Am?

It should come as no surprise that Pope Francis has much to say about Jesus, since Peter and all his successors have been called by God to make Christ known and loved.

Streaming TV for pre-teens: Fraught with peril or promise?

Catholic News Service's media editor reviews a service from Canada called Ameba, which offers streaming video for kids. Content is entertaining, educational and music-based.

Love of a lifetime: Elderly couple shows the world what it takes

Dr. Nicholas Johns and his wife, Doris, are celebrating 76 years of wedded bliss and were recognized by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter this month as the longest married couple in Arizona. At 97 and 96 years of age, they’ve been married longer than most people on the planet have been alive.

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Four: Hear the Cry of the Poor

Pope Francis also hears their cry and has made service of the poor a top priority in his life and ministry. Repeatedly, since his election as pope, he has called for a Church of the poor, a Church for the poor. Let us see why pastoral concern for the poor is so important.

Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Three: The Unalterable Good of Marriage

While insisting that this document is not an encyclical or a document aimed at defining Church dogma, "The Joy of the Gospel" is nonetheless an important message of the Successor of Peter in which Pope Francis exhorts all of us in the Church to embrace the Gospel with confidence and to live it with joy.