St. Mary\’s Parish Secretary Dan Spencer Resigning

by CNBNews Staff

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 10, 2020)—St. Mary\’s Parish Secretary Dan Spencer will be stepping down from his position on April 9 after serving in that capacity for the past 2.5

years.

When asked about a rumor that he was resigning from his mayor position he laughed. \”No, I am resigning from my full-time job as a parish secretary. It is just too much juggling that job with the mayor\’s position. I am going to do some part-time work and focus more time on being mayor. The new parish community center (next to the rectory) will be opening in April and I felt that this was a good time to make a move. I spoke with Monsignor Hodge (pastor) about it and he understood my reasons. I will still be helping the parish in some way once a week.\”

Spencer, who was elected as mayor of Gloucester City in November 2018, began his four-year term in January 2019 succeeding Bill James.

Prior to taking over the mayor position, he was a city councilman.

Five years ago Spencer retired from his job with Camden County with 30 years of service.

published

gloucestercitynews.net

January 2019 CNBNews CHEERS AND JEERS

Bill James, The Longest Serving Mayor in Gloucester City\’s History Dies Suddenly

Celebrate Gloucester Catholic Pride on Maroon & Gold Day

gostrum

January 2020

/ Comments are Disabled

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–Join us in a celebration of Gloucester Catholic pride as GC will sponsor a Maroon & Gold Day Exposition on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in which Ram students will display their talents in the arts. During the day’s activities, come view beautiful art work displayed by Gloucester Catholic students, who are mentored by GCHS faculty member Mr. Dave Sipple. Art work will be on display on the first floor of the St. Mary’s Building from 12 noon through 2 pm.

BUILDING CHARACTER: LITTLE WHITE LIES

Has your child heard you tell any of these “harmless” fibs? Experts say you may be teaching your child that lying is okay.

by:

Charity Ferreira

Greatschools.org

I already gave to your organization. It’s no trouble at all to feed your cat while you’re on vacation. We have plans that weekend. I won’t have time to stop by this afternoon.

That last one was said during a phone call with my dad, and generously speaking, I was stretching the truth. I had time. I just didn’t want to spend it stopping by my dad’s. When I noticed my son eyeing me suspiciously as I ended the call, I hastened to explain. “I want some downtime this afternoon,” I said, “and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.” My son was nonplussed and I was chastened. We think of so-called “little white lies” as harmless, but what about when our kids hear us tell them?

By the most conservative estimates, the average American adult lies at least once a day. Most of these lies are benign; they’re called “prosocial lies” by researchers because they smooth our interactions with others, making our lives easier and helping us avoid conflict. We tell them to avoid hurting someone’s feelings (

I already have plans

), to excuse our own behavior (

I’m late because the traffic was terrible

), and to make someone feel better (

I can hardly see that pimple

). Most of us don’t put these kinds of lies in the same category as lies that cause obvious harm to others or break laws. One survey found that the majority of adults don’t consider “white lies” to be lies at all.

So maybe you don’t think twice when your child hears you tell a friend that you love the gift they gave you, or the cashier at the movie theatre that your just-turned 13-year-old is 12. Maybe you’ve told your child they can’t have ice cream because you don’t have money with you, rather than open the door to an argument about sweets before dinner. But when kids hear adults lying, research suggests they’re more likely to lie themselves. A study done at the University of California, San Diego found that 5- to 7-year-olds who were first told a lie by an adult were both more likely to cheat and then more likely to lie about it afterward.

Lying lessons

When it comes to kids and lying, conventional wisdom has been that young children outgrow lying as they learn the difference between lying and telling the truth. But research — not to mention our own lie-telling behavior as adults — reveals otherwise.

“Children don’t start out thinking lies are okay, and gradually realize they’re bad. The opposite is true. They start out thinking all deception — of any sort — is bad, and slowly realize that some types are okay,” writes Po Bronson in his 2011 book

Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children

Kids tend to be blunt truth tellers when they’re between the ages of 2 and 3. By about age 4, most children tell lies, usually to avoid getting in trouble. Prosocial lying, or lying to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, develops around the same time or a little later, as empathy develops, says Victoria Talwar, associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at McGill University in Montreal. Talwar, a leading researcher on the development of lying in children, found that while 72 percent of 3- to 5-year olds would tell a white lie, 80 percent of 6- to 8-year-olds and 84 percent of 9- to 11-year-olds told white lies. Essentially, kids lie more — and get better at it — the older they get. It’s a skill they learn, at least in part, Talwar says, by observing the behavior of the adults around them.

“It’s one thing to say to kids that honesty is important,” she says, “but then if they see you lying, it sends a mixed message.”

When kids hear us lie, the implicit message is that sometimes lying is okay. And then there are the times we explicitly encourage our kids to lie — about liking a gift, for example. We all want our kids to be honest, but we tend to be proud when they tell a polite lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. And for good reason — the ability to lie is a developmental milestone associated with intelligence and social sophistication. Picture your second grader opening a dictionary from well-meaning Grandma. Of course you’re pleased and proud if he convincingly says he likes it.

But these sanctioned falsehoods come at a cost.

“Encouraged to tell so many white lies, children gradually get comfortable with being disingenuous. Insincerity becomes, literally, a daily occurrence. They learn that honesty only creates conflict, while dishonesty is an easy way to avoid conflict,” writes Bronson in Nurture Shock. And, he concludes, it’s a slippery slope from small polite lies to telling other kinds of lies.

Rx for honesty

We want to raise honest children. We also want them to be socially adept and sensitive to other people’s feelings. And as parents, surely we can be cut some slack for sometimes wanting to make things a little easier on ourselves. Is there a truth-telling prescription that accomplishes all of these ends?

“We want to teach our children to be honest, but we want to teach them to be kind as well. We need to teach honesty in a way that potentially helps others rather than potentially hurts others,” says Talwar. She recommends that parents model and teach what she calls “strategic honesty,” which she describes as being honest without hurting the person with the blunt truth. It’s a similar strategy, she says, to praising the action rather than the result when talking with kids.

“When a child brings us a scrawled drawing they’ve made, we don’t tell the child, ‘Your drawing is a big scribble.’ You discuss the details. You say, ‘I like how you used the color yellow.’”

In the case of a gift, try finding something nice to say about it that feels honest. Rather than, “I love this sweater, I’m going to wear it every day,” maybe you say how soft it is or that it looks warm.

The reason we don’t use strategic honesty more often, Talwar says, is that it’s more work. For sure, it would have taken a little more effort — and perhaps invited conflict — to tell my dad, “I want some time at home this afternoon. Can I come next week?” Or to tell the person on the phone, “I am not interested in donating to your cause. Good luck with the rest of your calls.” Or my friend, “I’m late because I didn’t give myself enough time to get here. Thank you for waiting for me.”

Teaching truth

While it may feel like more effort in the moment, there are good reasons for teaching kids how to get along in the world without making a habit of relying on small lies — and for telling fewer of them ourselves. Studies show that lying takes a toll on our mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. “Even the lies we call prosocial can have negative consequences,” says Angela Crossman, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at City University of New York. “They can backfire. Your credibility can come into question.”

Even kids recognize that telling the truth just feels better. Talwar’s research found that telling 9- to 11-year-olds that they would feel better about themselves if they told the truth decreased the chances they would tell a lie. And as Talwar points out, none of us likes to be lied

—even politely. “If you think about the people in your life who always tell you the truth, those people are really valuable.”

If you catch yourself telling a lie in front of your kids, treat it as an opportunity, says Dr. Peter Stavinoha, a clinical neuropsychologist and author of the Stress-Free Discipline series of parenting books. “I’m a big advocate for parents stating what was in their head at the time. Let your child know why you said what you did.” And if you want to really spark discussion, he says, ask if they have ideas for what you could have done differently.

“Kids really like to engage if you say, ‘Wow, I really could have handled that better. Can you think of any ways I could have?’ That’s a very non-threatening way for a child to problem solve.”

Recently my son was invited to a sleepover where the kids, middle school-aged boys, were going to be watching movies. He is sensitive to violent movies, even ones most kids his age love. I wondered if he would tell the other boys he was busy that night. It’s what I probably would have done. Instead he told them he “didn’t do” violent movies. Would they consider watching a comedy? To my surprise they agreed, and when another sleepover party invite came the next week and the boys opted to go with a gory sci-fi movie, my son was comfortable saying he’d pass — no lie necessary.

This is part of a new series on

how the science of character development can help parents

promote

honesty

diligence

gratitude

, generosity, forgiveness, and curiosity in their children.

https://www.greatschools.org/

Gloucester Catholic Principal Ed Beckett Selected as Grand Marshal For St. Patrick\’s Day Parade!

Gloucester Catholic Principal Ed Beckett has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the Fifth Annual St. Mary\’s Parish and Gloucester City St. Patrick\’s Day

Parade. The parade will be held on Sunday, March 1 starting at 1:00 pm.

Mr. Beckett will receive his Grand Marshal sash from Bishop Sullivan at the 9:30 am Irish Mass at St. Mary\’s Church..

Mr. Beckett has served as Gloucester Catholic\’s Principal since August 2013 and is highly regarded for his work with youth and his devotion to the Catholic Community. Mr. Beckett also served the school as Assistant Principal for Spiritual Formation for 8 years. An alumnus of the Gloucester Catholic Class of 1978, he previously taught at St. Joseph\’s Preparatory School and served as an administrator at Boston College High School.

The Parade begins at Martin\’s Lake (Baynes Ave and Johnson Blvd) and continues down Monmouth Street, and will feature String Bands, Bagpipes, Irish Dancers, Irish Music. Memorabilia, and Community Organizations.

Gloucester Catholic alumni are encouraged to attend the parade, and are invited to march with the school\’s contingent as we salute

Mr. Beckett as well as celebrate Irish Pride and the great city of Gloucester!

Local parade officials also announced that Mr. Beckett will receive the First Community Impact Award on Friday, March 6, at Elizabeth Ballroom in Gloucester City. Doors will open for the event beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling the Rectory at (856) 456-0052.

Link to St. Patrick\’s Day Parade Festivities

For further information please contact St. Mary Rectory at (856) 456-0052. You may also click on the link below for general information and a sponsorship registration form!

General Information on St. Patrick\’s Day Parade and Activities

Thank You from St. Mary\’s Parish and Gloucester Catholic

GUEST OPINION: Radical Muslims And Leftists Are A Threat

Bill Donahue | CNBNews Contributor

January 28, 2020

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments

on who is attacking Christians

Attacks on Christianity, throughout the world, emanate from two principal sources: radical Muslims and leftists. The role played by radical Muslims is detailed in the 2020 World Watch List published by Open Doors; the Gatestone Institute cites radical Muslims as well, but it also mentions the role played by radical left-wing groups.

By using the data provided by Open Doors, of the 50 most oppressive nations for Christians to live in, 38 are run by Muslims and 4 are Communist controlled; the other 8 are neither Muslim nor Communist states.

For all the talk about an Islamic Reformation, it appears that nothing has changed. The violence against Christians is epidemic, yet there is little in the way of Christian persecution of Muslims.

If Muslims run three out of four of the most violent places in the world for Christians to live, radical left-wing groups are responsible for the lion\’s share of anti-Christian attacks in the secular nations of Western Europe. The Gatestone Institute\’s research shows that approximately 3,000 Christian churches, schools, cemeteries and monuments were defaced or destroyed there in 2019.

France and Germany are the most anti-Christian nations in Europe; Spain is also notorious for its assaults on Christianity. That these nations are beacons of secularism cannot be denied. Theirs may be a softer persecution than is true in Islamic nations—the left-wing activists favor arson, defecation, looting, mockery, profanation, Satanism, theft, urination, and vandalism to armed attacks on individuals—but it is no less menacing.

Muslim nations that persecute Christians have their origins in the most extreme interpretations of Islam. But what accounts for the anti-Christian assaults by radical secularists?

The Gatestone researchers sought to understand the motives of the anti-Christian acts in Western Europe. Vandalism and theft were two of the four listed in the report; there was nothing extraordinary about these findings. The other two motives were more revealing: they were grounded in politics and religion.

\”Some attacks\” they said, \”especially those against Roman Catholicism, which some radical feminists and radical secularists perceive to be a symbol of patriarchal power and authority, are political in nature. Such attacks include defacing churches and religious symbols with political graffiti, much of it anarchist or feminist in nature.\”

\”Many attacks that appear to be religious or spiritual in nature reflect a deep-seated hostility toward Christianity. Such attacks include smearing feces on representations of Jesus Christ or statues of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Other attacks involve the defilement of or theft of Communion wafers…[which] may be the work of Satanists, who use the consecrated host in a ritual called the Black Mass.\”

Radical feminists, radical secularists, anarchists, and Satanists. What do they have in common? They are all aligned with the politics of the left.

No one doubts that radical feminists and radical secularists are among the most influential left-wing activists in the western world. More contentious is the proposition that anarchists and Satanists are also associated with left-wing politics.

Historically, some extremists on the right have been anarchists, but today anarchists more typically resemble Antifa in the United States. \”Anarchists and antifascists, often called the antifa, are factions of the far left who feel they are not represented by the mainstream Democratic Party.\” That description, offered by a reporter for the Washington Post, is accurate.

The Church of Satan says it has no \”official\” political position. Yet a look at the positions staked out by The Satanic Temple are squarely on the left: for instance, their support for abortion-on-demand is so extreme that it is impossible to go beyond it.

Many who have followed the litany of anti-Christian offenses in Western Europe have noted how left-wing the perpetrators are.

Ellen Fantini, director of The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe, says her organization has documented that \”churches and other symbols of Christianity in Europe are targets for many groups—from Islamists to radical feminists, LGBT activists to anarchists and self-proclaimed Satanists.\” Four of the five groups mentioned (the last four) are clearly in the camp of leftists.

The bishop of Fréjus-Toulon, Dominique Rey, agrees, but goes one step further. \”We are witnessing the convergence of laicism—conceived as secularism, which relegates the faithful only to the private sphere and where every religious denomination is banal or stigmatized—with the overwhelming emergence of Islam, which attacks the infidels and those who reject the Koran.\”

It is striking to note that radical Muslims and radical left-wing activists prefer to attack Christianity, but not each other. Yet in terms of their respective worldviews, they could not be more different, particularly on matters governing marriage, the family, and sexuality. Moreover, as Bishop Rey observes, Christianity is being privatized while Islam is expanding in Western Europe. How can this be?

There is no cabal at work. What conjoins the two radical wings, one religious and the other secular, is hatred of Christianity. But the source of their animosity is not the same. Radical Muslims want to conquer the West but cannot do so without attacking the Christian roots of Western civilization. Radical secularists want a full-blown libertine society—a sexual Shangri-La—but cannot do so without also attacking the Christian roots of Western civilization.

Christians are fighting for their lives against radical Muslims, and are fighting for their heritage against radical left-wing activists. They are the only sane players in this very sick development. More important, Christianity is the only tonic that can save us from their ravages.

SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2020

The National Catholic Schools Week Theme:

“Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed”

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in the national observance of Catholic Schools Week

January 26, 2020 – February 1, 2020. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the Christ-centered, faith-based education that students receive in the 119 elementary, 17 secondary, and 4 schools of special education in the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese. The national theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CORNERSTONE EVENT

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD TO CELEBRATE

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS

CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year to be honored.

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be joined by senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education as well as teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year for a special Mass.

Friday, January 31, 2020

12:05 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Chapel

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Following Mass, Bishop Fitzgerald along with senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education will join these teachers for a reception in recognition of their commitment to the school communities they have faithfully served.

1:00 p.m.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center – Auditorium

222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Mass and portions of the reception will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools Facebook page

www.facebook.com/AOPSschools/

ADDITIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK EVENTS

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Saint Joseph/Saint Robert School; 850 Euclid Avenue, Warrington, PA 18976

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

will host an Open House for prospective families on the opening day of Catholic Schools Week.

The school offers education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school has an option for five half or full day Pre-K and Kindergarten. Applications are being accepted for all grades. Saint Joseph/Saint Robert 7th & 8th grade students will greet and act as tour guides for interested families.

Bishop Shanahan High School; 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 (Chester County)

10:00 a.m. (Mass)

will kick off Catholic Schools Week with a Mother/Son Mass and Communion Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at the Downingtown Country Club; 93 Country Club Drive, Downingtown, PA 19335. The school will also host its annual Father/Daughter dance on Saturday, January 25th from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. This year’s theme is, “Ties and Tiaras.”

Saint Norbert Catholic School; 6 Greenlawn Road, Paoli, PA 19301 (Chester County)

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During its Catholic Schools Week Open House, Saint Norbert Catholic School will welcome current and prospective school families for a tour of its school. Additionally, the school will showcase its students work and the lessons they tackle in their classrooms each day with the instruction of their teachers. Saint Norbert, Upper School’s curriculum is bolstered through 1:1 computing and the use of iPads daily in the classroom and at home, with iPads provided to each Lower School classroom to complement traditional learning approaches. In 2019, Saint Norbert 8th graders earned $249,000 in scholarships to archdiocesan and private high schools.

Saint Dorothy Catholic School; 1225 Burmont Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 (Delaware County)

11:30 a.m. (Mass); 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Open House)

Saint Dorothy Catholic School’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week begins with a special Mass on Sunday, January 26 at 11:30 a.m. Following the conclusion of Mass, current and prospective families are invited to tour the school, view student work, and meet the faculty. Additionally, the school’s Book Fair will be open between the 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.

Saint Albert the Great Catholic School; 214 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 18976 (Montgomery County)

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

To showcase its students array of strengths in STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math), Saint Albert the Great is kicking off Catholic Schools Week with a “Showcase of Excellence.” The hallways will be filled with it student projects and live demonstrations by students. Visitors will be able to see all the hard work students have put in, so far, for the 2019-2020 school year.

Saint Peter the Apostle Church (Shrine of Saint John Neumann); 1019 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123

9:30 a.m.

Saint Peter the Apostle School will celebrate the Opening of Catholic Schools Week with a Mass at the Saint Peter the Apostle Church, home to the Shrine of Saint John Neumann. Saint John Neumann is one of two local saints in Philadelphia and the founder of the first Catholic School System in America. Immediately following Mass, the school will have refreshments in the Atrium. Many school families will take part in the Mass and students will assist with the liturgical celebration.

Archbishop Wood Catholic High School; 655 York Road, Warminster, PA 18974 (Bucks County)

2:00 p.m.

For over 30 years, Archbishop Wood has sponsored an “Elementary School Writing Contest” and for the past two decades the awards ceremony takes place on the Sunday of Catholic Schools Week.

In November, writing prompts were sent to all of the surrounding elementary schools. Students were invited to submit an essay. Hundreds of submissions were received and three winners from each grade were selected. During the Awards Ceremony, the winners will be invited to read their essay. Five eighth grade winners will be selected and two of these winners will receive a $500 scholarship to attend Archbishop Wood for the 2020-2021 academic year. Members of The National Honor Society of Archbishop Wood judged the essays. At the Awards Ceremony, the president of the National Honor Society will also addresses the assembly. Families of participants are invited to attend as well. Each winner will receive a certificate and a gift card.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Our Lady of Good Counsel School; 611 Knowles Avenue, Southampton, PA 18966 (Bucks County)

8:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel School will open its doors on what it has deemed “Parent Appreciation Day” for an Open House. The school is inviting all parents and guardians to visit with their sons and daughters in their daily learning environment and see students putting their learned skills in STREAM curriculum into action.

Saint Elizabeth Catholic School; 120 Saint Elizabeth Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425 (Chester County)

11:15 a.m.

Students in fourth through eighth grades will have the opportunity to compete in the school-wide annual spelling bee in the school gymnasium.

Archbishop John Carroll High School and Saint Katherine Day School (Radnor Site); 211 Matson Ford Road, Radnor, PA 19087 (Delaware County)

9:10 a.m.

Archbishop John Carroll High School

and

Saint Katherine Day School

(Radnor Site)

will open Catholic Schools Week with a school wide, student led Mass and Community Service Award vote.

Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School; 3040 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 (Montgomery County)

1:30 p.m.

On “Patriotic Day” at the school, the Holy Rosary Community will welcome Command Sergeant Major Edward Pfannensteil, who is traveling from his base in Germany to speak with students. He will thank them and explain how much the 1,000 stockings students, faculty, and staff filled with food for his troops at Christmas meant to the soldiers. He will also present the school community with a token of appreciation. Students have prepared several patriotic songs, speeches, and poems to fit with the theme of the event.

Blessed Trinity Regional Catholic School; 3033 Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149

9:00 a.m.

The Blessed Trinity School community in Northeast Philadelphia will hold its 6th annual “Community Helpers” breakfast. They have invited members of the community to the school to thank them for serving and keeping the students safe throughout out the school year. Representatives of the15th and 2nd Police Districts of the Philadelphia Police Department as well as Engine 52 of the Philadelphia Fire Department will be on-hand. Additionally, school crossing guards and other members of the community who provide support to the school will be shown appreciation by the students through songs, poems, and other tokens of thanks. Many parents and grandparents of students at Blessed Trinity are first-responders.

Father Judge High School for Boys; 3301 Solly Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19136

8:45 a.m.

During a school-wide Mass,

the “Salesian 7 Awards” will be presented to five deserving members of the senior class. These students exemplify the “Salesian 7” virtues, which reflect the moral teachings of Jesus as practiced and promoted by the school’s Patron, Saint Francis de Sales: Respect yourself and others, Recognize your unique gifts and talents, Be patient with everyone, especially yourself, Be gentle as you go through your day, Be grateful – appreciate all that life offers, Be positive – approach life with an optimistic attitude, and Be confident – believe in yourself. During this ceremony, the “Salesian Achievement Award” will also be presented to two deserving faculty members.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes School; 1015 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

8:00 a.m.

Cardinal O\’Hara High School student and Saint Bernadette Alum, Liam Walsh, will be presenting 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Theresa MacIntosh, the Cardinal O\’Hara High School “Excelsior Award” at 8am during a morning gathering in front of the student body.

Saint Dominic Catholic School; 8510 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia 19136

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Saint Dominic students will spend the day “Celebrating Our Students” by holding a spirit-wear and school colors dress down day as well as an afternoon social among students through games of skill for older students and toy sharing for younger students.

Cardinal O’Hara High School, 1701 South Sproul Road, Springfield, PA (Delaware County)

9:10 a.m.

Cardinal O’Hara will hold its Student Council Induction Mass and Reception for members of the student leadership who assist with activities and projects within the school community throughout the year.

Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls; 1000 W Lycoming St, Philadelphia, PA 19140

8:15 a.m.

During Catholic Schools Week, Little Flower will honor its alumnae with a token of appreciation at the school Liturgy. Each alumnae in attendance will be given a rose by current students. Additionally, faculty and staff will display photos.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School; 815 Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128

8:30 a.m.

The entire student body of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) will gather for a special Catholic Schools Week Mass. Students will serve as lectors, altar servers, gift bearers, and cantors. Additionally, the student council will show the schools appreciation for its adult volunteers including bus drivers and crossing guards.

Presentation BVM Catholic School; 105 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012 (Montgomery County)

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Students will take part in an

American Society of Civil Engineers STREAM activity. Prior to the start of the activity, students in grades kindergarten through eight will see a slide presentation on, \”What is Civil Engineering\” and have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A to learn more on the topic. Students will work as a class on the “Slender Tower Challenge.” Participants will draw out a tower and using materials will build from the plan. The culmination of the activity will be measuring the tall towers.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Saint Agnes School, 211 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380 (Chester County)

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Grades 1-4)

1:10 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. (Grades 5-8)

Students will “Celebrate Vocations,” the national theme for Thursday, with a Career Day. Students will dress to impress emulating a career they may like to hold in the future. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn more about vocations and careers from adults in various fields of work.

Pope John Paul II High School; 181 Rittenhouse Rd, Royersford, PA 19468 (Montgomery County)

1:45 p.m.

Pope John Paul II High School will celebrate a Winter Sports Pep Rally recognizing student athletes competing in Winter Sports including basketball, swimming, and wrestling.

Friday, January 31, 2020

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CORNERSTONE EVENT

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD TO CELEBRATE

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS

CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year to be honored.

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be joined by senior leadership in the Office of Catholic Education as well as teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years or more than 50 years this academic year for a special Mass.

Friday, January 31, 2020

12:05 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Chapel

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1:00 p.m.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center – Auditorium

222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Mass and portions of the reception will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools Facebook page

www.facebook.com/AOPSschools/

# # #

GUEST OPINION: Trump Champions Pro-Life Cause

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor

January 24, 2020

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on

President Trump\’s decision to address the March for Life crowd

Other presidents have offered their support to the pro-life cause, but only President Donald Trump has decided to participate in the March for Life. His pro-life record, coupled with his record in defense of religious liberty, makes him the most important Christian voice in the United States. No president, including President Ronald Reagan, can match his stellar achievements on these twin issues.

By contrast, we have the likes of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, both of whom have endorsed infanticide: there are no penalties for doctors who intentionally allow an innocent baby to die if he or she survives a botched abortion. However, First Prize goes to California Governor Gavin Newsom: he out-Hitlerized both men.

Earlier this month, Newsom said he wants to stop euthanizing animals. \”We want to be a no-kill state.\” Yet last year he issued a California Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom, one part of which was designed to welcome \”women to California to fully exercise their reproductive rights.\” In other words, his enthusiasm for killing the least among us is so passionate that he extended an open invitation to pregnant women across the United States to have their babies killed in his home state.

It will surprise no one to learn that Newsom is also a proponent of assisted suicide. Indeed, he likes it so much that he boasts of his role in assisting a person to commit suicide in 2002.

That person was his mother

. [At that time assisted suicide was a felony in California—he put her down in San Francisco.]

It\’s too bad Mr. \”No-Kill State\” Newsom didn\’t think of his mother the way he thinks of hamsters.

These are sick times. Kudos to President Trump for standing up for the most defenseless human beings. He looks positively angelic next to these monsters.

Trump\’s Religious Liberty Reforms

January 17, 2020

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on

public policy reforms issued by the Trump administration on January 16

The public policy reforms governing religious liberty issued by the Trump administration are compelling and much needed. President Trump has proven once again that he is the most religion-friendly president in the modern era.

The Trump administration has provided a much-needed corrective to the draconian directives promulgated by the previous administration: the role of religious liberty under President Obama was diminished to such an extent that it all but neutered the free exercise of religion in public policy programs. Trump has reversed this condition, awarding religious liberty the kind of breathing room it deserves, both morally and legally.

There are three areas of public policy affecting religious liberty that have been targeted for reform by the Trump administration: faith-based programs; higher education; and religious institutions.

While the directives that have been issued are tailored to each of these three sectors, there are two elements that are common to all of them: religious institutions will not be afforded a second-class status any longer and their autonomy will be protected.

The Trump administration wants to end the invidious practices of discriminating against religious institutions and associations that were instituted by the Obama administration. Any institution that does not treat religious institutions as the equal of secular institutions will be faced with the prospect of having federal funds terminated.

Religious autonomy is another feature of these reforms. For instance, the state cannot force religious associations to jettison their religious character as a condition of federal aid. Regrettably, this has been done, the effect of which has been to secularize these entities. What is the sense of having a religious institution if it cannot freely exercise its religious prerogatives?

In effect, the Trump administration is going to continue its efforts to put an end to the animus against religious institutions that characterized the Obama administration.

As is customary, the public is being given 30 days to comment on these proposals. I will submit a detailed account of the Catholic League\’s problems with the Obama administration in its handling of faith-based programs, and the need for the kinds of reforms as outlined in the new directives. We will make public our input.

Beatrice C. “Bea” Bobiak, of Gloucester City; Housekeeper for St. Mary\’s Church Rectory

Beatrice C. “Bea” Bobiak

Gloucester City – On January 6, 2020. Age 81. (nee Pennino). Loving and devoted wife of the late Raymond A. “Babe” Bobiak. Loving mother of Jeana Baumiester (William), Denise Hofmann (Roger), Lynn Barrett (Steve), Raymond Bobiak and Joseph Bobiak (Toni). Cherished mom-mom of Stephen Ulak (Kara), Eric Ulak (Jen), Keith Hofmann (Nicole), Joe Jr. and Jason Bobiak, Dana and Haley Barrett, Lauren Dutka (Bill) and Chris Hofmann (Heather); and great-grandmother of Lilly and Logan Dutka and McKenna and Dalton Hofmann.

Beloved sister of Daniel Pennino (Edwina) and Joseph Pennino. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Bea was the housekeeper of St. Mary’s Church rectory in Gloucester City for over 40 years. She was a former gym teacher for St. Mary’s school and previously worked at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Bea loved trips to the beach and to the casinos.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday evening, January 10th from 6 to 8 PM and again on Saturday morning, January 11th from 9 to 10:15 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Interment will follow in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, at the above church address. Please memo, Beatrice C. Bobiak.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.comunder the obituary of Beatrice C. Bobiak. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ.

Ph: 856-456-1142.

American Life League Calls for Catholic Response to Murphy\’s $9.5M Bailout of Planned Parenthood

\”Planned Parenthood is a vicious, racist institution whose actions are diametrically opposed to Catholic moral and social teaching\”~

American Life League president Judie Brown

WASHINGTON, D.C. (03 January 2020) —

American Life League president Judie Brown

issued the following statement calling on Bishop James F. Checchio of the Catholic Diocese of Metuchen to impose canonical sanctions against New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy:

Planned Parenthood is a vicious, racist institution whose actions are diametrically opposed to Catholic moral and social teaching. For Murphy to shovel $9.5 million of New Jersey’s taxpayer dollars into the maw of the nation’s #1 abortion machine is abhorrent.

Such actions taken by Catholic public figures do more than just scandalize the faithful. They present to Catholics the idea that they too can create their own private version of truth. Such a condition not only coarsens society, but further erodes the authority of the Catholic bishops in the United States who continue to allow pro-abortion public figures, such as Governor Murphy, to profane the Holy Eucharist.

On behalf of the millions of pro-life Catholics whom we represent and the over 70,000 families who support our work, American Life League calls on Bishop James Checchio to take the sad but necessary step of enforcing Canon 915 and formally instructing Governor Murphy that he is not to present himself to Holy Communion.

Catholics need to be bold enough to realize the link between abortion and the Real Presence of Christ. It should be no small wonder that only 1 in 6 Catholics actually believe in the Real Presence when we do so little to defend Christ’s image in the womb.

Bishop Checchio, millions of Catholics across America are looking to you to see whether or not the Real Presence is more than what the world sees. Murphy’s mockery should not be met with silence, but correction. What would St. Thomas Becket do?

American Life League is the nation’s oldest grassroots, Catholic, pro-life organization. Its president, Judie Brown, has led the organization since its 1979 beginning. She has served three terms on the Pontifical Academy for Life—appointed twice by Pope John Paul II and again by Pope Benedict XVI.