Copyright (c) 2012 The Georgia Bulletin http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local Local Catholic news happening in the Archdiocese of Atlanta from the The Georgia Bulletin http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/mandatedhealthplan/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/mandatedhealthplan/?s= WASHINGTON (CNS)— Although Catholic leaders vowed to fight on, the Obama administration has turned down repeated requests from Catholic bishops, hospitals, schools and charitable organizations to revise its religious exemption to the requirement that all health plans cover contraceptives and sterilization free of charge. Instead, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/nationdivided/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/nationdivided/?s= Paul Kelly and his 10-year-old son Aidan, foreground, join hundreds of others gathering for the Together for Life rally in front of the Georgia State Capitol, Jan. 23. The event was sponsored by Georgia Right to Life. (Photo by Michael Alexander) ATLANTA— Echoing the Gospel reading from St. Mark,... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/adlimina2012/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/adlimina2012/?s= ATLANTA— Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Auxiliary Bishop Luis R. Zarama will be leading an archdiocesan pilgrimage to Rome from May 2-12, as part of the bishops’ “Ad Limina Apostolorum” visit, a periodic requirement for the diocesan bishops to travel to Rome to report to the Holy Father... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/murray/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/murray/?s= Many Catholics would be eager to be given an all-expenses-paid trip to Lourdes, but there are some who might decline. After all, not everyone is keen on overseas travel, not to mention the huge crowds that gather there. And as the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes approaches on... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/awg/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/awg/?s= I love this particular week each year in my calendar—Catholic Schools Week. I love it because it means that I get a chance to visit a number of the schools in our Archdiocese. I generally visit schools throughout the course of the year, in the fall when the new year... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/abgesp/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/abgesp/?s= Cada año espero por esta semana con anticipación– la Semana de Escuelas Católicas. Me encanta esta semana porque significa que tendré la oportunidad de visitar a varias escuelas en nuestra Arquidiócesis. Normalmente visito escuelas a través del año escolar: en el otoño cuando comienza la escuela, al fin de año... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/frbehrens/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/frbehrens/?s= It seems like a long jump, to go from the readings given us during the Christmas season and the baptism of Jesus to the account of the wedding feast at Cana. But the narratives move fast and leave little, if any, room for what we are accustomed to when familiarizing... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/priestassignments/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/priestassignments/?s= ATLANTA— Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory has announced the following change in priest assignment. He has confirmed the recommendation of Father John Che-chon Chong, superior of the Korea Province of the Society of Jesus, and assigned Father Tae Jin Kim as parochial vicar at the Korean Martyrs Church, Doraville ,... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/letterstotheeditor/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/letterstotheeditor/?s= Heartened By New Church Efforts For Poor, Homeless To the Editor: It was truly heartening to read two recent articles (“Drive To Raise Funds, Food For St. Vincent De Paul Begins At MLK Mass” and “Family Promise Begins In Rockdale, Newton Counties,” Georgia Bulletin, Jan. 19), which detailed new... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/prolifelockin/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/prolifelockin/?s= Father Jimmy Adams, the chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy High School, standing left, introduced Father Timothy Hepburn, far right, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the night’s first speaker in the school’s media center. (Photos by Michael Alexander) FAYETTEVILLE— Piles of pillows, sleeping bags and backpacks sat... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/aaa2012/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/aaa2012/?s= ATLANTA— The 2012 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal was announced in parishes this past weekend, with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory by letter asking Catholics to support this annual fundraising effort “so that the many ministries operating in central and north Georgia may continue to bring knowledge and practice of the faith... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/taxcredits/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/taxcredits/?s= ATLANTA— Students, parents and teachers crowded the Statehouse rally Wednesday, Jan. 25, in support of school choice. People streamed into the legislature after the rally to tell lawmakers personal stories of what school choice has meant for them. The Archdiocese of Atlanta was among about a dozen organizations backing... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/timesblogmaristseniors/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/timesblogmaristseniors/?s= ATLANTA— Two Marist School students are sharing their heartaches and triumphs as they apply to college, from rejection letters to concerns about a college price tag. Eric Eichelberger and Clare Tiarsmith are bloggers for “The Choice,” an education blog at The New York Times. They are among eight high... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/vietnamesenewyear/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/vietnamesenewyear/?s= RIVERDALE— Our Lady of Vietnam Church, a parish of some 800 families, marked the Vietnamese New Year, formally know as Tet Nguyen Dan, with a Mass and all-day celebration Jan. 22. Msgr. Francis Pham Van Phuong, pastor of the Clayton County parish, was the liturgy’s main celebrant and parochial... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/stann_respondstopoor/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/stann_respondstopoor/?s= MARIETTA— It began with a simple idea of providing candles to MUST Ministries for the homeless in hopes of keeping rats away while they slept in the streets. Just two months later, the response and support of the parishioners at St. Ann Church has turned into a full-fledged ministry... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/lentenrecipes/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/lentenrecipes/?s= Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, and once again, The Georgia Bulletin is seeking those delicious Lenten, meat-free recipes most enjoyed by your family to share with the readers of the newspaper. If you have any stories to go along with the recipes, we’d love to read them,... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/areacatholicathletescollegesports/?s= Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/02/02/areacatholicathletescollegesports/?s= ATLANTA— This year’s National Signing Day took place on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Local Catholic high school seniors joined other athletes around the country by making it official when they signed binding national letters of intent to play collegiate sports at the college or university of their choice. The list... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/stvincentdepaul_mlk/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/stvincentdepaul_mlk/?s=   (L-r) Beatrice Soublet speaks on behalf of herself and her husband, Lawrence, as they accept the 2012 Father Bruce Wilkinson Founders Award. Looking on are Charles Prejean, director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministry, and Luella Chambers, a member of the 2012 planning committee. (Photo by Michael... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/family_promise/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/family_promise/?s= (Clockwise from right) Darryana Walker, 9, her mother, Ethel, and her siblings, Nevaeh, 3, and Elijah, 2-months-old, Marayla Brown, 11, her mother, Elaine, her brother, Issac, 4, her sister, Miya, 8, Zakira Ruff, 3, her mother, Tyesha Appleberry, and her 8-month-old brother, Tradderius, Kathryne Pusch (standing), Family Promise of... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/ocs_gaugespecialneeds/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/ocs_gaugespecialneeds/?s= ATLANTA— The superintendent of Catholic schools, Dr. Diane Starkovich, has announced the launch of a new survey focused on gauging interest in and need for programs for students with special needs in the archdiocese. Coming on the heels of an announcement of the pursuit of district-wide accreditation, Starkovich and... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/murray/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/murray/?s= I feel a special affinity for St. Paul because he was so honest about what a wretched sinner he was before his conversion. He started out as a bloodthirsty man named Saul who persecuted Christians, including the first martyr, Stephen. And then on the road to Damascus Saul was blinded... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/priestassignments/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/priestassignments/?s= ATLANTA— Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory has announced the following changes in priest assignments. Archbishop Gregory has assigned Father Fabio Alvarez Posada as temporary parish administrator of St. Brendan the Navigator Church, Cumming , effective Jan. 5. At the recommendation of Father Luis Garza, territorial director of the Legionaries of... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/awg/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/awg/?s= Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and his enduring presence hold a unique place within the heart of this Archdiocese. Atlanta, after all, was his home as a young man and later the privileged location where he exercised the zenith of his pastoral career. Atlanta was the place where his funeral... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/awgesp/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/awgesp/?s= El legado de Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tiene un lugar único en el corazón de esta Arquidiócesis. Después de todo, él vivió en Atlanta durante su juventud y luego fue el lugar en donde ejerció en el apogeo de su carrera pastoral. Atlanta también fue el sitio de su... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/srimassandfootball/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/srimassandfootball/?s= The experience of many Catholics at Mass reminds me of my Italian cousin Stefano’s first time to an NFL football game. Coming from Italy, Stefano knew football very well—but his football was soccer! So when he first visited the USA and our family took him to a Chicago Bears football... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/fppw2012/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/fppw2012/?s= Members of the Church of St. Ann’s Life Teen Core Team and members from other area churches participate in a small group discussion based on some questions from the “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” document. (Photos by Michael Alexander) MARIETTA— Nearly 100 people participated in this year’s first Faith... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/cdac2012announcement/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/cdac2012announcement/?s= ATLANTA— The Archdiocese of Atlanta and Diocese of Savannah invite Georgia Catholics to participate in the fifth annual Catholic Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Georgia State Capitol. The day will begin with a legislative briefing at 8:30 a.m. at the Shrine of the Immaculate... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/februarymagnificat/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/februarymagnificat/?s= ATLANTA— Beth Mappes, a mother, former Catholic school teacher and ministry leader in children’s music and performing arts, will be the guest speaker at the Magnificat breakfast for women to be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Holy Cross Church in Atlanta. All women are invited to attend the... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/fatherjuanpabloordained/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/fatherjuanpabloordained/?s= Father Juan Pablo Durán Rueda, LC ROME— On Dec. 12, 2011, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, CS, the papal delegate for the Legionaries of Christ, ordained 49 new priests, including Father Juan Pablo Durán Rueda, formerly of Atlanta. Father Durán was a parishioner of the Cathedral of Christ the King... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/ocs_schoolsweek_spellingbee/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/ocs_schoolsweek_spellingbee/?s= ATLANTA— This year, Catholic Schools Week will focus on the theme, “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” This annual observance starts the last Sunday in January, running from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5. According to the website for the National Catholic Educational Association, the theme “focuses on three priorities that... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/gsunewgatheringspace/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/gsunewgatheringspace/?s= Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, standing, was the principal celebrant and homilist during the Jan. 11 Mass and blessing of the Catholic Students Association’s new chapel at Georgia State University, Atlanta. (Photos by Michael Alexander) ATLANTA— Members of the Georgia State University Catholic Student Association are giving thanks for the... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/stmarygoodsamaritanhospital/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/stmarygoodsamaritanhospital/?s= GREENSBORO— St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital plans to build a new hospital on 24 acres as it moves forward under new ownership. Good Samaritan Hospital, known as Saint Joseph’s East Georgia before Jan. 1, is now part of the St. Mary’s Health Care System based in Athens. In the... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/bishopofnewton/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/bishopofnewton/?s= During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Jan. 8, Bishop Nicholas Samra, the Eparchial Bishop of Newton, holds the jeweled chalice of wine with small icons at its base, while remembering the hierarchy, parish clergy, parishioners, and especially the new subdeacon Sami Butrus Jajeh. (Photos by Michael Alexander) ATLANTA— Bishop... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/notable/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/notable/?s= The Blessed Trinity High School varsity volleyball team presented a check of $4,186.48 to the American Cancer Society. The team hosted its fourth annual “Serve for the Cure” invitational volleyball tournament to support breast cancer research with the money going to the American Cancer Society. This year, the team’s effort... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/btdualschampion/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/btdualschampion/?s= ROSWELL— Blessed Trinity High School held onto its championship title as its wrestlers defeated Marist and St. Pius X High School during the seventh annual Catholic Duals. The wrestling tournament took place at Blessed Trinity’s gymnasium Jan. 4. Blessed Trinity managed to win this year’s tournament by defeating St.... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/righttolife_abgregory/?s= Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/19/righttolife_abgregory/?s= ATLANTA— Echoing the Gospel reading from St. Mark, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said Jan. 23 that the United States is a “kingdom divided against itself” regarding the life issue, and “if a kingdom is divided against itself that kingdom cannot stand.” “We are a nation that was born while... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/stjosephhospital_emory/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/stjosephhospital_emory/?s= ATLANTA— Saint Joseph’s Hospital has formed a new venture with Emory Healthcare. As of Jan. 1, it is now part of a joint operating company, which combines Saint Joseph’s with the Emory Johns Creek Hospital, under the Emory Healthcare umbrella. Emory Healthcare is the majority stakeholder. However, Saint Joseph’s... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/catholic_schools_district/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/catholic_schools_district/?s= SMYRNA— The archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools plans to seek district-wide accreditation for the 18 Catholic educational institutions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Superintendent Dr. Diane Starkovich said 2012 would be a big year for the schools in the Archdiocese of Atlanta as the process of converting the accreditation... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/murray/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/murray/?s= “Oh, it’s the feast of the Epiphany, right? That’s about the three guys in fancy clothes, who show up in Bethlehem with gifts, correct? Yeah, I’ve heard about that one before.” Maybe because we commemorate this day every year, it’s in danger of losing its sparkle, especially for those who... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/awg/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/awg/?s= All in all, I think there were about 40 of them, many of them looking quite relaxed wearing jeans and running shoes. Some sported mustaches while others were clean shaven. There were Koreans, Hispanics, Vietnamese, Anglos and African-Americans. Their ages varied perhaps from the early 20s to the mid-30s—maybe one... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/father_behren_commentary/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/father_behren_commentary/?s= New Year’s Eves are always quiet here at the monastery. I do not know of any monks who stay up through midnight. If there are, they welcome the New Year unnoticed. Most of us are long asleep by the time the New Year rolls into town. But that does not... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/sri_supperofthelamb/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/sri_supperofthelamb/?s= A few beautiful changes have been made to the translation of the prayer at Mass that comes shortly before holy Communion is distributed. Prior to Advent 2011, the priest said, “Happy are those who are called to his supper” as he held up the Eucharistic host. But the new translation... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/burnett_blessed_marianne/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/burnett_blessed_marianne/?s= ATLANTA— Meg Burnett remembers sitting on the convent porch overlooking the garden and the tropical scene where her great-great-aunt lived and worked among those afflicted with leprosy. Now, that great-great-aunt is to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. “It’s almost incredible that we have a saint... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/prolifeactivities/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/prolifeactivities/?s= ATLANTA— The Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Atlanta is sponsoring several activities in January, including a lock-in for teens and a Mass, to observe the 39th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the U.S. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in America on Jan. 22, 1973,... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/mlkcelebration2012/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/mlkcelebration2012/?s= ATLANTA— The archdiocesan Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Celebration will include the 28th annual Mass celebrating the life and legacy of King on Saturday, Jan. 14, and a youth celebration on Sunday, Jan. 15, as well as a new partnership this year—a food drive sponsored by the archdiocesan Office... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/notable/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/notable/?s= Christmas at the Gift of Grace House was a community event, said David Caron , who plays music at the home in the Poncey-Highlands neighborhood run by the Missionaries of Charity. He said four volunteers and 42 homeless people were treated to a meal of “baked ham and the fixins’.”... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/marriagevalentineball/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/marriagevalentineball/?s= ATLANTA— From now through Feb. 14, retailers will be busy convincing couples they need to purchase that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their spouse. Extravagant dinners, jewelry, roses and candy are a few popular ways of celebrating. In stores, when the Christmas decorations come down, the hearts go up.... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/christmas_4_all/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/christmas_4_all/?s= Four children pose for a picture at the “Christmas for All” celebration. The event began with a Mass celebrated by Father Dominic Pham and continued with food, fun and fellowship. ATLANTA— Many people, lay and ordained, came together last month to provide a Christmas celebration for the residents of... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/maltamass/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/maltamass/?s= ATLANTA— “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?” This famous verse in the Gospel of Matthew illustrates the responsibility that members of the Order of Malta accept as their duty when... http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/ecumenicaleventjan24/?s= Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/01/05/ecumenicaleventjan24/?s= comment ATLANTA— Holy Spirit Church is scheduled to host a Catholic-Orthodox Ecumenical Gathering on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. The event includes a reception in McDonough Hall. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Archbishop Alexios, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Atlanta, will preside at the gathering, which will also...