St. Joseph, often depicted as an old man because of a tradition that he was many years older than Mary, has been venerated widely for centuries. His feast day, March 19, has been a universal feast day since 1870.

St. Joseph’s name will be added to most Eucharistic prayers used in the Roman Rite, and priests may begin doing so immediately.

Tuesday, citing an anonymous Vatican official, Catholic News Service reported that priests may begin adding his name at any time. While national bishops’ conferences can choose to set an official date for all parishes to add the name, the official official told CNS reporters that “because it is a matter of only adding five words, priests can begin immediately.”

Yesterday, Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr sent a letter to all priests in the Archdiocese, alerting them of the change and telling them that they may begin to add St. Joseph’s name to Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV in both English and Spanish (the “typical,” or official, prayers are still in Latin and thus the Latin has been changed as well).

In 1968, Bl. Pope John XXIII added St. Joseph’s name to Eucharistic Prayer I. CNS reports that Pope Benedict XVI made the decision to add the words “with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,” after the Virgin Mary’s the additional three Eucharist prayers and that Pope Francis confirmed it. A decree by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments signed May 1 and made public June 18 makes the announcement official. But in Vatican fashion the decree itself, “Paternas vices” (“Fatherly care”), hasn’t been issued yet.

Both Bishop of Rome Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose baptismal name is Joseph, and Pope Francis are especially devoted the saint. Pope Francis, includes a nard, a flower used as a symbol of St. Joseph, on his coat of arms and chose Feast of St. Joseph as the date for his inaugural Mass.

Describing St. Joseph as “an exemplary model of the kindness and humility that the Christian faith raises to a great destiny,” the decree says that devotion to St. Joseph has been strong around the world for centuries.

While it does not give any specific reason for the changes to be made now, new emphasis on marriage and the family may have something to do with it. The Holy Family is vital to understanding Christianity and the relationship of God, whom Christ revealed is our Father, to His children.

In the United States, where fatherhood is in special danger, the USCCB has launched a number of initiatives aimed at healing fractured families and building strong marriages. Greater emphasis on St. Joseph and his role as a father may help those efforts and similar efforts around the world.

Text of the prayers;

English

Eucharistic Prayer II

Have mercy on us all, we pray,

that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,

with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,

with the blessed Apostles,

and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages,

we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life,

and may praise and glorify you

through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Eucharistic Prayer III

May he make of us

an eternal offering to you,

so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect,

especially with the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,

with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,

with your blessed Apostles and glorious Martyrs

(with Saint N.: the Saint of the day or Patron Saint)

and with all the Saints,

on whose constant intercession in your presence

we rely for unfailing help.

Eucharistic Prayer IV

To all of us, your children,

grant, O merciful Father,

that we may enter into a heavenly inheritance

with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,

with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,

and with your Apostles and Saints in your kingdom.

There, with the whole of creation,

freed from the corruption of sin and death,

may we glorify you through Christ our Lord,

through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.

Spanish

Plegaria Eucarística II

Ten misericordia de todos nosotros,

y así, con María, la Virgen Madre de Dios,

su esposo san José,

los apóstoles

y cuantos vivieron en tu amistad

a través de los tiempos,

merezcamos, por tu Hijo Jesucristo,

compartir la vida eterna

y cantar tus alabanzas.

Plegaria Eucarística III

Que él nos transforme en ofrenda permanente,

para que gocemos de tu heredad

junto con tus elegidos:

con María, la Virgen Madre de Dios,

su esposo san José,

los apóstoles y los mártires,

(san N.: Santo del día o patrono)

y todos los santos,

por cuya intercesión

confiamos obtener siempre tu ayuda.

Plegaria Eucarística IV

Padre de bondad,

que todos tus hijos nos reunamos

en la heredad de tu reino,

con María, la Virgen Madre de Dios,

con su esposo san José,

con los apóstoles y los santos;

y allí, junto con toda la creación

libre ya del pecado y de la muerte,

te glorifiquemos por Cristo, Señor nuestro,

por quien concedes al mundo todos los bienes.

Latin

Prex Eucharistica II

Omnium nostrum, quǽsumus, miserére,

ut cum beáta Dei Genetríce Vírgine María,

beáto Ioseph, eius Sponso,

beátis Apóstolis et ómnibus Sanctis,

qui tibi a sǽculo placuérunt,

ætérnae vitæ mereámur esse consórtes,

et te laudémus et glorificémus

per Fílium tuum Iesum Christum.

Prex Eucharistica III

Ipse nos tibi perfíciat munus ætérnum,

ut cum eléctis tuis hereditátem cónsequi valeámus,

in primis cum beatíssima Vírgine, Dei Genetríce, María,

cum beáto Ioseph, eius Sponso,

cum beátis Apóstolis tuis et gloriósis Martýribus

(cum Sancto N.: Sancto diei vel patrono)

et ómnibus Sanctis,

quorum intercessióne

perpétuo apud te confídimus adiuvári.

Prex Eucharistica IV 

Nobis ómnibus, fíliis tuis, clemens Pater, concéde,

ut cæléstem hereditátem cónsequi valeámus

cum beáta Vírgine, Dei Genetríce, María,

cum beáto Ioseph, eius Sponso,

cum Apóstolis et Sanctis tuis

in regno tuo, ubi cum univérsa creatúra,

a corruptióne peccáti et mortis liberáta,

te glorificémus per Christum Dóminum nostrum,

per quem mundo bona cuncta largíris.

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Planted in pots or in the ground, a Bible garden is fun for kids.

Mark 4:3-20  This is the parable about a farmer who went to sow seed of grain. Some fell along the path and the birds came and ate it. Some fell on rocky ground with not much soil and it germinated quickly since it didn’t have a lot of soil for the roots to grow down into. When the sun cam e out the plant withered away. Some seed fell among thorns and when it came up the thorns choked it out. Others fell into good soil and came up healthy and produced much grain.

What is fun to do is to tell the kids the story and talk about how their spiritual life can grow and prosper just like the seed that fell into good earth. When they plant the seeds, have them put a few into poor soil so that they can see the difference and compare a healthy spiritual life to a neglected one. And having them tend their own little garden will teach them life long lessons of responsibility. It gets them outside and gardening is great exercise.

Planning the garden: in the ground or in pots?

Either works fine depending upon the space you have. If you plant in containers, you’ll have to water and fertilized a bit more.

Radishes and lettuces These are super easy to grow and germinate quickly, so you get results. If you buy a seed packet of mixed greens, there will be some bitter greens in there so you can tell the story of the bitter greens eaten during Passover and what they symbolize. You can use an old colander to grow lettuce in.

Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts Matthew 13:31-32 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds but when grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a large plant. What’s the significance here?

It’s about faith and sharing our knowledge of it. It starts out small and grows as we gain knowledge and share the gospel.  All of these are members of the mustard family and produce flowers in the shape of a cross. The flowers are edible.

Sage The menorah, or candelabrum that Moses used in his tent of worship look a little like the sage plant, with a central stem and branches on either side. Let the kids dry some of the sage for Thanksgiving’s turkey and stuffing.

Basil Legend has it that basil was growing for the first time ever outside of Christ’s tomb when he resurrected. Really easy to grow from seed. Great on pizzas and pasta.

Snapdragons Snapdragons are  again easy to grow and so pretty. The flowers are edible and represent baby Jesus’ slippers.

Onions, Garlic, Cucumbers and Melons Fun to grow and all are mentioned in the Book of Numbers (11:5) – about how the Israelites, during their flight from Egypt, missed these foods grown in Egypt. The kids can take onions and garlic that are sprouting in the pantry and simply plant them in the ground. They will grow in one season.

Melons and cucumbers are easy to grow, too, they just need room to roam. Both usually sprout in one week. Pot them up and let them climb on a deck, or make a mound in the garden and plant several seeds.

Cantaloupe and baby watermelons are good choices and there are bush cucumbers that don’t require a lot of space.

Cilantro/Coriander Cilantro is the leafy part of this herb and coriander is the seed. Talk about how the coriander seed is compared to the manna that God provided for the people in the wilderness to keep them fed. Let the kids make salsa with the cilantro.

Mint, a tithing herb One that is great for containers, since anywhere the stem touches, it will root. Talk about the importance of giving what we can financially to keep our parishes alive and well. Have the kids put sprigs of mint in their lemonade and tear a few leaves up to put on their salad.

Let the kids decide on the toppings.

For each pizza you’ll need:

1 pita bread, 8”

Toppings: your choice

1 tablespoon each: (eyeball it – go to taste on these)

Pepperoni slices, quartered

Diced bell pepper

Diced onion

Diced tomatoes

Basil torn into small pieces

Diced mushrooms

Shake of Italian seasoning

Minced fresh garlic – just a little bit, about 1/8 teaspoon or a shake of Garlic powder

Palmful Mozzarella

Parmesan to taste

In a 9” nonstick skillet, put pepperoni slices in. (If you’re not using pepperoni, add a bit of olive oil to the skillet before adding the rest of ingredients).  Now add everything else, except Mozzarella and Parmesan.  Cook for a minute or two and then add Mozzarella.  Let it start to melt – this is the “glue” that holds the pizza together.  Place a pita bread on top of this mixture and press firmly.  Gently rotate the pita back and forth and in a circular motion to help combine ingredients together. You’ll want the ingredients to stay underneath the pita, so if necessary, take a spatula and push them under the pita.

Invert a flat plate over pan.  Holding pan and plate firmly together, flip pizza onto plate.  Top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Cut into wedges and enjoy!

KIDS BIBLE GARDEN SALSA

No real recipe here, but here’s how I do it:

Mince a good handful of cilantro. Put in a bowl. Add a couple nice cloves of garlic, also minced and 1/2 of a small onion, diced. (You can do this in a food processor). Add chopped tomatoes to taste – start out with about 2 pounds. Mix well. Now’s the time to add a jalapeno chile, minced (be careful – wear gloves) if you like a bit of heat. Stir in the juice of 1 lime, some salt and you’re ready to go.

Again, no real recipe, but easy for the kids to make: Cut up melons in bite size pieces.  Add a bit of chopped mint and a drizzle of honey. Chill and serve.

 Photo by Chris Wittwer, courtesy stock.xchng.

Rita Heikenfeld.

Rita Nader Heikenfeld writes a weekly cooking column and blog for the Community Press, appears every Thursday on the Son Rise Morning Show, and is the author of several cookbooks. An adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, she is Macy’s Regional Culinary Professional  (CCP) and is a Certified Modern Herbalist. She lives “in the sticks” outside Batavia, Ohio with her family, where they heat with wood, raise chickens for eggs, and grow their own produce and herbs. You’ll find all her previous recipes featured on The Catholic Beat here.

 Rita’s Bible Foods segment airs on the Son Rise Morning Show every Thursday morning at 7:22 am (rebroadcast Friday at 6:02 am). Tune in to hear her discuss the history behind each recipe and the scripture verses that inspired it. And of course, for cooking tips!

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Fulbright Scholar Patrick Cho, who graduated Centre College this spring, is a 2008 Covington Latin graduate.

The following guest post by Mariel Smith originally appeared on Centre College’s website as “Patrick Cho becomes Centre’s fourth Fulbright of 2012.” Patrick Cho is a 2008 graduate of Covington Latin High School, and the school’s Cho Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of his mother, Fontane Atha-Cho, who passed away in 2011.

Becoming a Fulbright Fellow is no easy task, yet Centre proudly claimed three this year: Ibrahim Jadoon ’13, Kaitlyn Lee ’13, and Caroline Schoeffler ’13. Just a few weeks after graduation, Patrick Cho ’13 of Walton, Ky., became Centre’s fourth Fulbright Fellowship recipient.

Centre has consistently been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars over the years in an annual list by the Chronicle of Higher Education, with over 50 Fulbright winners from the College since 1991.

Cho continues this legacy of Fulbright Fellows from Centre College. Interestingly, Cho—who recently presented the senior response at Commencement 2013—is the second consecutive Student Government Association President to receive a Fulbright, following in the footsteps of Brian Klosterboer ’12, who has been in Uganda this year.

Cho, a government major, garnered many honors as a Centre student—he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into three honor societies: Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society for Overall Achievement, Theta Honor Society for History, and Order of Omega for Greek Leadership. As a junior, Cho founded a Centre chapter of Actively Moving Forward, a campus network for students dealing with the loss of loved ones. He was also the recipient of the Paula M. Crumbie Memorial Prize, presented to students who exhibit excellence of character, leadership and academic achievement.

Now Cho has another accomplishment to add to his list: a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea.

For Cho, the Fulbright position is more than an academic achievement; it is a key to unlocking part of his family’s unique and interesting past.

“I am half Korean,” Cho explains. “My grandparents were born in what is now North Korea, and after World War II had to flee with nothing more than what they could carry on their backs.”

Cho’s grandparents came to America in the mid 1950s, where his father David was born. He explains, “my grandparents wanted their children to be American, so they didn’t really teach them their native language or culture.”

As a result, Cho has little knowledge about Korea, despite having heard about it often from relatives.

“It’s going to be an adventure,” Cho says of his trip to Korea. “I’ll be in a homestay with a Korean family that may not speak English. I don’t speak Korean, and I have to learn the basic Korean alphabet in the next month or so before I leave. I’m a little anxious but also very excited; the experience will definitely push me out of my comfort zone.”

Luckily for Cho, his four years at Centre have prepared him well for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“So much of what you do at Centre, whether it’s classes you take or activities you’re involved in, prepares you to be flexible, to re-examine your own thinking and question your own assumptions,” he says. “Centre inspires you to want to study abroad and see more of the world.”

Cho is also quick to thank the multiple faculty members who helped him apply for the program.

“The Fulbright application process is very intense and rigorous, but there were several professors who were always ready to help me with anything I needed. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.”

Cho aspires to becoming a Foreign Service officer with the State Department, a goal that dovetails seamlessly with his Fulbright experience.

“This is a priceless opportunity to spend a year abroad,” he says, “not to mention get a taste of the life I might have in the Foreign Service.”

Learn about Centre’s other 2013 Fulbright Fellows by clicking here.

Photo courtesy Centre College.

Centre College, founded in 1819, is a nationally ranked liberal arts college in Danville (KY). Centre hosted its second Vice Presidential Debate on 10.11.12, and remains the smallest college in the smallest town ever to host a general election debate.

Covington Latin is an accelerated Catholic high school school offering a Classical education. Founded in 1923, Covington Latin has been certified by the US Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School since 2003. Its program allows academically advanced fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students the opportunity to begin their high school careers. 

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Nothing else compares to what Boy Scouting has to offer, says troop chaplain Frank Feldman.

This guest post originally appeared as “Why We Will Stay in Boy Scouts” in the blog So, Frankly…  by long-time Boy Scout participant Frank Feldman. 

Englewood (OH) Boy Scout Troop 246 Chaplain Frank Feldman

First of all, let me tell you what you won’t find in this article: my opinion on whether or not BSA should have adopted their new policy about sexual orientation. The policy is adopted; that ship has sailed. The only question now is how each of us responds.

Instead, I am going to give you the three reasons why my son and I will stay in Boy Scouts now that the policy is being adopted. Not everyone will agree, and some have even stated that anyone keeping their son in BSA is an “unfit parent.” These are my reasons, and no one else’s. Nonetheless, I hope to give people a reason to slow down and think before they just react.

Things will be the same now as they were a year ago.  There were gay boys in Scouting a year ago, and they have been successful young men in their Scouting careers. They make Eagle. They earn merit badges. They go on campouts with other boys. This all happens without incident. That will not  change, because the keeping one’s self morally straight has to do with activity, not orientation. The only difference now is that a boy’s orientation may be known, rather than kept secret. At the same time, I believe that the boys already know who is gay and who isn’t. They just aren’t telling the adults.

Ideology is left at the door.  At least in our troop, scouts and leaders do not espouse political or religious ideology as part of the Scouting experience.  The focus is on citizenship and leadership: principles that are universally accepted in this county.  Sexual ideology will be no different.  (We do expect the boys to be reverent, but without a preference for any religion or denomination.  “Reverence” also includes respect for the religious beliefs of others.)

The Boy Scouts of America logo.

Boys Scouts has so much to offer that nothing else compares. Boy Scouts of America offers a program that teaches leadership through adventure that will be very hard to match anywhere else. There will be parallel organizations that come to be; there already are. Will they have organized summer camp programs? Will they have a camp in the middle of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area? Will they have a Philmont? Will there be a national jamboree, which allows a boy to see thousands of other Scouts all living the same Scout Law and Scout Oath? More importantly, will they have the training infrastructure that not only turns boys into leaders and outdoorsmen, but also establishes safety policies (including youth protection policies) for the process?

This new policy may be a national policy, but it will be implemented at the local level.  The only time I have ever seen national BSA representatives inspecting for compliance on policy was at a council camp. (As I understand it, the camp was going to be a common overnight stop on the way to the new national camp, and the inspectors were making sure it would suffice.) The only time I have seen council representatives visit a troop is for Eagle Boards of Review or fundraising. By and large, troops operate independently, and are more influenced by their chartering organization (church, school or civic group). BSA adopting this new policy at the national level will have little impact on any one troop’s acceptance of gay boys.  If you are looking for a troop that doesn’t accept gays, I am sure they will still be out there.  If you are looking for a “gay-friendly” troop, they will come to be.

I may be wrong.  It may come to pass that BSA becomes an ideologically charged organization.  If that comes to pass, we will leave.  Understand, however, this will be true for any ideology that is sponsored – “conservative” or “liberal.”  We are not in Scouting for morality lessons.  I have other means of accomplishing the moral teaching of my son, thank you.

In the end, the best way to make sure BSA is a good organization for your son is to get involved.  Get to know the boys and leaders who are going to be a part of your son’s Scouting experience.  Scouting isn’t for everyone.  You can leave if you or your son is uncomfortable.

We’re staying.

Frank Feldman is the chaplain for Troop 246 in Englewood (OH).  He is a member of Precious Blood parish, and regularly volunteers at Mother Maria Anna Brunner Catholic School in Dayton. He blogs on “family, casual board games, chess, and kids” at SoFrankly.com and lives near Dayton  with his wife and son.

For a different view, “Boy Scouts: Why I’m Leaving” by Dr. Taylor Marshall, click here.

Click here for “Boy Scouts: Two Views” for a look at both sides of the issue, alternative Scouting organizations, and more.

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After the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced its vote last month allowing boys who declare themselves to be gay to remain in Scouting, but not to allow adult homosexual leaders, Scouts across the country had to decide whether to go or to stay.

Many religious communions and fellowships have scout-like groups and other youth groups that serve only their members. Other groups modeled on the Boy Scouts have no religious components. Only the Boy Scouts remains an international organization that also promotes religion. From its original Christian roots, Scouting has embraced non-Christian religions such as Hinduism as it spread to different countries.

In the United States, religious groups make up the bulk of chartering organizations — most of them Mormon. As the leadership is also heavily Mormon and voted for the change, the Mormon chartering groups have not objected.

Catholic parishes, which charter the third-largest number of groups (10 percent — United Methodist churches sponsor the second largest number) are in a bind. The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual activity is inherently wrong, but that those attracted to others of the same sex share equal human dignity with all people and should not be discriminated against. Where the new BSA policy fits in that understanding of the purposes and morality of sexuality is up for debate, especially as many people fear that what seems like a small change will pave the wave for other, systemic changes.

After the change was announced, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting® issued a cautious statement that said it was studying the possible impact on Catholic chartered Scout groups and activities, and reiterated the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding “homosexual inclination and same sex attraction.”

In a letter to Catholic Scout leaders, NCCS National Chairman Edward Martin said that although he had “grave concerns about where the change in the Boy Scouts of America youth membership standard may lead,” he thinks that BSA is the best program available for all American boys, and that by continuing to remain part of the BSA, Catholic troops and leadership can ensure that Scouting remains a welcoming and nurturing place for other Catholic boys.

“My hope is that we deal with the challenge in the spirit of Christian charity toward all and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit will guide us with clarity,” he wrote, a hope shared by many Catholic Scouts and their families. “If you are like me, you joined Scouting to make a difference in the lives of others. Our youth don’t want to leave Scouting. Scouting is still the best program around…. Let’s continue this important journey together!”

While this view has enjoyed the support of people such as Canon Lawyer and blogger Dr. Ed Peters, who wrote that nothing in canon law precludes a Catholic from participating in Scouting, others have expressed more skepticism. In a letter to the Diocese of Arlington, VA, Bishop Paul Loverde expressed the sentiments of many when he said it was “highly disappointing to see the Boy Scouts of America succumb to external pressures and political causes at the cost of its moral integrity,” and that the decision is certain to lead to more division and controversy.

(Story continues below image.)

This graphic by the Human Rights Campaign, which promotes the equal sign stickers seen on many cars and promotes “gay marriage,” shows what many critics of the BSA’s decision fear — that it will not be acceptable to many activists and will lead to further changes in Scouting that would not be compatible with Catholicism.

Catholics must “prayerfully reconsider whether a continued partnership with BSA will be possible,” Bishop Loverde said, adding that he would consult with local and national Scouting leaders to see if the new policy is compatible with “preserving the integrity of the Church’s teaching on the authentic meaning of human sexuality.”

Around the country, efforts are beginning to create new Scouting groups (such one being planned on the model of American Heritage Girls by members at Faith Based Boys) or to strengthen existing ones. Catholic groups include the Blue Knights for younger boys; the mostly southern group Fraternus; and the Conquest program affiliated with Regnum Christi, Familia, Sports Leader, and other programs for the whole family.

One established Catholic group based on the work of Lord Baden-Powell, who began the Boy Scouts, is the Federation of North-American Explorers (FNE), which is affiliated with a European Scouting group called the International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe/Federation of European Scouting  and operates under the Pontifical Council of the Laity. It has separate programs for girls and boys ages seven to 26 and operates in both Canada and the United States. Currently active in southwest New Jersey/Philadelphia and forming groups in nine other US cities, the FNE organization plans to expand “slowly and deliberately,” says spokesperson Paul Ritchi, “to ensure… families are interested in our movement [and] what we offer rather than trying to fit what they are used to under another banner.”

So what’s a Catholic family or parish to do? Stay with the Boy Scouts, join an alternative group, or start a new one? There is no one “Catholic” answer. According to the bishops, the NCCS, and canon law, Catholics may in good conscience do any of the above — although with caution and discernment, and with close attention to social and institutional changes in the months and years ahead.

Below are essays by two men, both devoted to Scouting, who have very different views of how Catholics should respond to the BSA decision.

Englewood (OH) Boy Scout Troop 246 Chaplain Frank Feldman

First of all, let me tell you what you won’t find in this article: my opinion on whether or not BSA should have adopted their new policy about sexual orientation. The policy is adopted; that ship has sailed. The only question now is how each of us responds.

Instead, I am going to give you the three reasons why my son and I will stay in Boy Scouts now that the policy is being adopted. Not everyone will agree, and some have even stated that anyone keeping their son in BSA is an “unfit parent”. These are my reasons, and no one else’s. Nonetheless, I hope to give people a reason to slow down and think before they just react.

For the rest of this piece, click here.

Dr. Taylor Marshall.

I am an Eagle Scout and I loved being a Boy Scout – all the way from Cub Scouts to Eagle. I want my sons to become Scouts and share that tradition with them…but I can no longer support the Boy Scouts, because of this.

I’ve been thinking and worrying about the Boy Scouts for months. I knew this decision was coming and I knew that the Boy Scouts would go the wrong way.

I also knew in my heart that I would have to do something about it when it actually happened…

So here’s my manifesto on why we need Scouting, but why we now need an alternative Scouting organization for Catholics: The Scouts of Saint George.

For the rest of this piece, click here.

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Timber Wolf Dens from Ottowa and Toronto at a Federation of North-American Explorers camp. FNE is an established alternative group for Catholics that is also based on the works of Lord Baden-Powell.

WASHINGTON—The bishops overseeing the U.S. Church's international peace and relief efforts urged Secretary of State John Kerry to work with other governments to obtain a ceasefire in Syria, initiate negotiations and provide humanitarian assistance, all in an effort to build "an inclusive society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens, including Christians and other minorities."

Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, sent the letter June 19. Bishop Pates is chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Kicanas is chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services, the bishops' international humanitarian agency.

"The Syrian people urgently need a political solution that ends the fighting and creates a future for all Syrians, one that respects human rights and religious freedom," wrote Bishop Pates and Bishop Kicanas. The bishops cited the appeals for peace in Syria made by Pope Francis on Easter Sunday and in his June 15 message to the G8 Summit.

The bishops noted the reported use of chemical weapons, the United Nations estimate of over 93,000 deaths, the displacement of millions from their homes and the kidnapping of two Orthodox archbishops on a mission of mercy as urgent reasons for a negotiated ceasefire and political solution.

The full text of the bishops' letter is available online: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/syria/upload/2013-06-Letter-to-Sec-Kerry-on-Syria.pdf

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Keywords: Syria, Pope Francis, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Bishop Gerald F. Kican...

WASHINGTON—Leaders of five national Catholic organizations, including two chairmen of committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), urged the U.S. House of Representatives to support a Farm Bill that "provides for poor and hungry people both at home and abroad, offers effective support for those who grow our food, ensures fairness to family farmers and ranchers, and promotes stewardship of the land."

The appeal came in a June 17 letter signed by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace. They were joined by Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, James Ennis, executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, and Sheila K. Gilbert, president of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The letter protested $20 billion in proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, citing "continued high unemployment and a struggling economy." As the House of Representatives prepares to vote this week on the 2013 Farm Bill, the leaders asked legislators to make priorities for poor and hungry people at home and abroad, conservation and rural development. "This is a crucial time to build a more just framework that puts poor and hungry people first, serves small and moderate-sized family farms, promotes sustainable stewardship of the land and helps vulnerable farmers and rural communities both at home and in developing countries," they wrote.

The full letter is available online: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/agriculture-nut...

WASHINGTON—World Youth Day facilities in Rio de Janeiro, July 23-28, will include a special Welcome Center for English-Speaking Pilgrims. The site will feature prayer and worship experiences, music, media and videos, motivational speakers, cultural presentations and networking activities.

The Center will serve as a hub of activities during World Youth Day, which revolves around prayer and meetings with Pope Francis, catechetical sessions and liturgies with bishops from around the world.

The Welcome Center is located at Vivo Rio, a performing arts facility in the eastern Flamengo area of Rio, on the shores of Guanabara Bay, not far from other World Youth Day activities around the city. The facility is accessible by the city's metro system, making it convenient for World Youth Day pilgrims traveling in from around the area.

Most Welcome Center programs will take place in the afternoons and evenings from Wednesday, July 24, to Friday, July 26.

On Wednesday, July 24, the United States will hold a special gathering for U.S. pilgrims in the evening hours. In addition, Australia will hold their national gathering in the early afternoon of July 24, and Canada will have their program on Thursday afternoon, July 25.

Artists such as Steve Angrisano, Jesse Manibusan, the Jacob and Matthew Band, and Danielle Rose will be perform on stage throughout the week.

The Center also will include a "Vocations Festival," where English-speaking pilgrims can connect with bishops, priests and religious brothers and sisters from around the world to address questions and concerns about pursuing their vocational call.

Throughout the week, Canada's Salt + Light TV and New York's The Catholic Channel (Sirius XM) will broadcast from the Welcome Center and conduct interviews with pilgrims in Rio and young people tuning in from around the world.

The Welcome Center is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Ca...