US Bishops vow to fight HHS edict

The Catholic bishops of the United States called “literally unconscionable” a decision by the Obama Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans. Today's announcement means that this mandate and its very narrow exemption will not change at all; instead there will only be a delay in enforcement against some employers.

Catholicism Series

Filmed in stunning high-definition and spanning more than 50 locations in 15 countries, Catholicism illustrates the history and treasures of the Catholic faith. Fr. Robert Barron created this groundbreaking program – CATHOLICISM: a 10-Part DVD Series -- as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why, so all adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith.  For the first time, in breathtaking, high-definition cinematography, the beauty, goodness and truth of the Catholic Faith are illustrated in a rich, multimedia experience.  The entire 10 DVD series will be presented at the St. Joseph Catholic Center, Hwy. 28 West in Alexandria for 10 weeks, Jan. 12- March 15, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. FREE and open to the public.

Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29 through Feb. 3

Catholic Schools Week 2012 will be celebrated Jan. 29 – Feb. 5 throughout the Diocese of Alexandria. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large.

Permanent Deacons to be ordained Feb. 4 and Feb. 11

After five years of theology study, 15 men from the Diocese of Alexandria will be ordained as Permanent Deacons in February.

Because the group is so large, diaconate formation director Father Dan O’Connor decided to split the ordination Mass into two weekends, so that more family members and friends could attend the event.

Deacon candidates to be ordained Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria are Rodrick “Benny” Broussard, Ray D. Gibson, Todd J. Marye, Richard Wayne Mitchell, Ted Anthony Moulard, Bill Shaidnagle, William M. Travis, and Michael L. Young.

Winnsboro Confirmation group tours Rome

Most students in the diocese spent Thanksgiving watching football games or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, eating turkey and rice dressing, or waking up early for Black Friday.

But for me and a group of Confirmation candidates from Winnsboro, Thanksgiving was spent visiting St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, exploring catacombs, cramming into subways, and visiting the Colosseum, where early Christians were martyred.

Rediscovering the Faith

During the Advent and Christmas seasons, the Church often welcomes home those who have been away from the Church. When people return to the Church, they often have questions and concerns. In an effort to welcome these Catholics and address their questions, the USCCB's Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis has created a web resource, “Rediscovering the Faith,” which can be found here.

Steubenville South Volunteer Application

Each year hundreds of individuals volunteer for the conference, helping in various areas. Volunteers attend FREE but must apply by May 25! Please review the Conference Policies and Procedures Booklet and remember to print a Code of Conduct form once you submit your application.

All Volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application and Code of Conduct form, signed by their priest. Volunteer Applications and Code of Conduct forms are due by May 25, 2012!