![[home]](/comm/images/usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Lent, Easter Season Bring New Catechism
Lent is a time when Catholics and other Christians prepare for the celebration of Easter on April 23 by praying more and reading more about their faith. One help in education is the U.S. Catholic Conference's recently published second edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which features modifications of the 1997 Latin version, an expanded index, and a glossary of terms. "This edition is easier to use when one is trying to read about a particular subject or teaching," notes Father Daniel J. Kutys from the Office for the Catechism. "It is a valuable addition to any personal or professional library." Copies of the English language version of the second edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church are available from the United States Catholic Conference (800-235-8722) or from Our Sunday Visitor (800-348-2440). The Spanish language version of the second edition of the Catechism will be published later this year.
Father Daniel Kutys can be reached at 202-541-3032.
Overseas Appeal Expresses Solidarity with World's Poor
The American Bishops' Overseas Appeal (ABOA) will be collected in most dioceses on the weekend of April 1-2. The beneficiaries of the appeal, Catholic Relief Services, the USCC Office of Migration and Refugee Services, the USCC Department of Social Development and World Peace and the Holy Father's Relief Fund, carry out the theme of the collection, to "provide hope in the new millennium," in their everyday work. As Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote in a letter to his brother bishops, "the church agencies supported by the ABOA express our solidarity with the poor and suffering of the world and help give them the resources to rebuild their lives while creating more just societies." Mark Franken, Executive Director of Migration and Refugee Services, U.S. Catholic Conference, notes that "The American Bishops' Overseas Appeal provides Catholics with a tremendous opportunity to give hope and practice global solidarity on behalf of their needy and excluded sisters and brothers. Through their generosity, the Church is able to respond to the persecuted and suffering in so many concrete and effective ways."
Mark Franken can be reached at 202-541-3169.
There are two goals for the Jubilee Day for Single Persons to be celebrated April 27: to celebrate the gift of single people in society and in the Church, and to draw attention to the needs and gifts of singles in the Catholic faith community. Dioceses and groups across the country will commemorate the Jubilee Day. "We are delighted to offer resources to encourage the celebration of single persons in the Catholic faith community and in society during the Jubilee Year," says Richard McCord, Executive Director of the NCCB Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth. "This population is often misunderstood or even worse, ignored. The single life is not always easy and any support that can be offered is overdue and most welcome. This Jubilee Year calls us to celebrate single persons and the enormous gift they are to our Church. The dedication and service of single persons has helped to shape the U.S. Catholic community and their presence is a great gift." Resources for the event are available online (www.nccbuscc.org/laity).
Richard McCord can be reached at 202-541-3043.