Feature

One Catholic theologian said the current discussion about Communion is one that could provide a way for Catholics to renew their understanding of the sacrament not just to benefit their own faith — but to help the Church community at large.

The Rule of St. Benedict is approximately 1,500 years old, and thanks to a new sculpture at St John’s University in Collegeville, the Rule will be immortalized in a special way for even longer.

“We are preparing for a journey that will deepen our communion with each other, encourage us to listen and learn from one another, and help us to better live out our mission as baptized members of the Church.”

Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden had an unusually long meeting at the Vatican Oct. 29, talking about the climate crisis and poverty, but not about abortion, the president said.

To ensure all Catholics have an opportunity to share and to listen as part of the initial process leading up to the Synod of Bishops in 2023, the Vatican has extended the local phase by more than three months.

A 2019 Pew Research Center study showed that 69% of all self-identified U.S. Catholics said they believed the bread and wine used at Mass are not Jesus, but instead are “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” The other 31% said they believed in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Parishioners, priests and religious brothers and sisters from around the diocese traveled to St. John’s University in Collegeville Oct. 23 for Diocesan Ministry Day, an event dedicated to celebrating the diocese’s people, parishes and Area Catholic Communities.

The “Back from the Dead Cemetery Walk” is returning to Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud for two nights of live-action saint walks.