'They were buoyant messengers of the Gospel'

Bishop Jaime Soto reflects on young people from around the world at World Youth Day

The following reflection from Bishop Jaime Soto about World Youth Day2008 was sent via e-mail on July 20. Bishop Soto traveled to Australia as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ liaison to the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and as a member of the U.S. bishops’ Committee and on the Laity and its Subcommittee for Youth and Young Adults.

"I caught one of the first vans out of Royal Randwick Racecourse, the site of the closing Mass for World Youth Day 2008 on July 20. I was able to get back to the hotel by 2:30 p.m. This was not bad, considering that the Mass ended at about 1 p.m. and none of the bishops were allowed the leave the Mass site until the papal entourage had departed under heavy security."

 Read more of Bishop Soto's reflection on World Youth Day

 Link to EWTN's media coverage of World Youth Day '08

 Link to Sydney Morning Herald's online slide show of World Youth Day '08

Diocese invites mission group to speak at Cathedral

At all Masses this Sunday

Representatives from Hands Together will speak at all Masses this weekend, July 27, 2008 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.  Volunteers Terry and Cristina Wadsworth will share their own personal experiences of helping in Haiti.  They invite all to consider reaching out to this small country suffering with overwhelming need. 

The Wadsworths bring both inspirational and educational insights regarding the work of Hands Together, which sponsors schools, orphanages, elder care facilities, hospices and clinics.  Hands Together also runs an emergency relief food distribution program for mountain communities in dire situations due to extended droughts.

 Learn more on the Hands Together Web site

 Link to more information on the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Web site

Church marks 40th anniversary of papal encyclical "Humanae Vitae"

July 25, 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the historic papal encyclical “Humanae Vitae.”  Issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968, the document was quite controversial.  Even today, it is described as counter-culture due to its teaching against artificial contraceptives.  Yet, Pope Benedict XVI recently affirmed the wisdom of the encyclical, affirming the value and sacred character of human love.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope Benedict XVI defended the church's teaching against artificial birth control and said its wisdom has become clearer in light of new scientific discoveries and social trends. In an age in which sexual activity can become like a drug, people need to be reminded that married love should always involve the whole person and be open to new life, he said May 10.

The pope made his comments as the church prepared to mark the 40th anniversary of the encyclical "Humanae Vitae." Issued by Pope Paul VI July 25, 1968, it affirmed the church's teaching on married love and said use of artificial contraception was morally wrong.

 Read the entire story

 Read the encyclical

 Read a Catholic Herald story about a local couple influenced by the message of Humanae Vitae

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is
July 20-26, 2008

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is a national education campaign created to provide information and understanding of Natural Family Planning.  The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops offers extensive information about Natural Family Planning as the recommended method to achieve or avoid pregnancies without the use of drugs, devices or surgical procedures.  Stories, articles, prayers and liturgy guides are available. The method is consistent with Church teachings and reflects these principles:

• Upholds the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life
• Promotes openness to life
• Recognizes the value of the child

This year, NFP Awareness Week also coincides with other significant and related dates:  The 40th anniversary of the papal encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (July 25) as well as the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), parents of the Blessed Mother.

 Read more about Natural Family Planning

 Link to USCCB's Web page about NFP Awareness Week