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Millennium Fever Becomes Millennium Fervor for New Year's 2000
Millennium fever may give way to millennium fervor for January 1, 2000. "Churches nationwide are planning special services to celebrate the start of the new millennium," says Paul Henderson, head of the U.S. bishops' Office for the Millennium and Jubilee year 2000. "There seems to be a greater desire that this year's New Year's celebrations be family-oriented and recognize that the occasion celebrates 2,000 years of Christianity. It's appropriate to recall the international jubilee theme set by the Vatican: Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever" from the Book of Hebrews 13:8."
Paul Henderson can be reached at 202-541-3245.
Faithful Citizens Vote With Gospel Values
Faithful citizens look to Gospel values as they participate in the electoral process. That's the message from the U.S. bishops who will distribute kits on Faithful Citizenship at the end of January. "The bishops are urging all parishes to share the message of Faithful Citizenship," explained Joan Rosenhauer, coordinator for the program. "They hope the Catholic community can be a force for a new kind of politics, based on moral principles and the common good rather than the latest polls and the demands of special interests. They are calling on all Catholics to use the values of our faith and our opportunities as citizens to shape a world more respectful of human life and dignity, and more committed to justice and peace."
Joan Rosenhauer can be reached at 202-541-3381.
Immigrants Bless United States Economically, Spiritually
Immigrants bless the United States economically and spiritually, a point to recall during National Migration Week, January 3-9. "There are many misconceptions about immigrants, note Father Anthony McGuire, director of the U.S. bishops Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refuges. "According to the national Immigration Forum and the Cato Institute," says Father McGuire, "immigrants as a group pay more in taxes than they collect in any benefits." he also noted that the Forum points out that "within 20 years of arrival in the United States more than half of our country's immigrants have bought homes and approximately 1 out of every 12 immigrants support themselves with their own business." The theme for National Migration Week is "Open Wide the Doors."
Father Anthony McGuire can be reached at 202-541-3357.