Category Archives: Catholicism

Republicans double down on evangelicals while Catholics stress everyday faith

Posted on June 10, 2013 by John Hilton

A couple of interesting stories caught my eye over the weekend — both of which I viewed in the context of declining faith adherence. First off, I read a Washington Post blog piece on comedian Jim Gaffigan and his pro-Catholic … Continue reading →

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Vermont fourth state to pass assisted suicide; Cardinal Sean O’Malley calls it ‘a tragic moment.’

Posted on May 28, 2013 by John Hilton

From footballers to frenchmen, everybody is talking about gay marriage. It seems to be the seminal issue of our time, one that crosses heavily into faith beliefs. So does assisted suicide. Last week, Vermont became the fourth U.S. state to … Continue reading →

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Harrisburg Diocese needs another Kevin Rhoades

Posted on May 7, 2013 by John Hilton

The late Bishop Joseph McFadden impressed me with his faith and commitment to serving the Catholics of central Pennsylvania. I reflected a little about my interaction with him in this post Thursday, the day McFadden died suddenly in Philadelphia from … Continue reading →

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Remembering Bishop Joseph McFadden

Posted on May 2, 2013 by John Hilton

I had nearly gotten to my desk this morning when I took a quick look at my work email on my Smartphone. The time was 9:51 a.m. and I had a fresh email from Joe Aponick, spokesman for the Roman … Continue reading →

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NJ Priest Michael Fugee, once convicted of sex crime, permitted to work with kids

Posted on May 1, 2013 by John Hilton

It seems stories of sexual abuse by Catholic priests continue to surface from time to time. And accusations of bishops shielding priests won’t go away either. I wrote last year about Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City, who went on … Continue reading →

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Do you have any cherished religious tattoos?

Posted on April 3, 2013 by John Hilton

I met earlier this week with Frank and Karen Arcuri of West Manchester Township. I talked to Frank about a story I did last year on annulments. At that time, he suggested a future article on religious tattoos. He has … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and media, Catholicism, Local events, Pop Culture | 4 Comments

Catholic Church: Sen. Casey wrong on same-sex marriage

Posted on April 2, 2013 by John Hilton

Father Joseph Bambora of the Diocese of Scranton called Sen. Bob Casey’s change of heart on same-sex marriage a disappointing decision. In a statement released Monday night, Bambora said the senator “has unfortunately and disappointingly set aside the Catholic belief … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis dazzles at the Vatican

Posted on March 18, 2013 by John Hilton

He was spontaneous. He was engaging. He was accessible. In other words, Pope Francis was everything Pope Benedict wasn’t during his first formal public appearances Sunday. With a freestyle manner that must have caused anxiety for his security, Francis walked … Continue reading →

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Prominent faith leaders condemn Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget

Posted on March 13, 2013 by John Hilton

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan was back at it yesterday, releasing a fresh budget that calls for lower tax rates on the wealthy and deep cuts in the social safety net. The Ryan budget, which has no chance of being passed, … Continue reading →

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Pew Research Center poll: U.S. Catholics divided on future of church

Posted on March 12, 2013 by John Hilton

Black smoke means no pope. While the cardinals continue to huddle in an attempt to produce the next pope (wouldn’t you love to hear those conversations??), it seems like the perfect time to consider what U.S. Catholics want to see … Continue reading →

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