HEADLINES 
Pope confirms Cardinal Vallini as vicar for Rome
Cardinal Vallini was named as vicar general of Rome by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. As with all major officials of the Roman Curia, his appointment lapsed with the resignation of Benedict XVI. Pope Francis announced on March 16 that he was renewing the appointments of all curial officials “provisionally,” until other provisions are made.
USCCB Reports Decline in Abuse Allegations
As the U.S. bishops marked the release of an annual report with “the fewest allegations and victims reported since the data collection for the annual reports began in 2004,” the May 20 arrest of a Newark, N.J., priest triggered headlines that fueled skepticism and frustration regarding the Church’s decade-long effort to protect children.
Becoming Salty Christians in a World Without Flavor, Rotting from Within
At the end of today's Gospel passage from St. Mark (Mk. 9: 41 -50), after Jesus emphasized the importance of avoiding all temptations to sin, Jesus offered what appears to be a cryptic admonition to his disciples: "Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another." What did He mean?
US bishops praise immigration bill's advance in senate
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration, lauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
Majority of Priests in New Survey Dislike Roman Missal Translation
Researchers conducted the survey from February through early May. A total of 1,536 priests participated, a response rate of 42.5 percent. All 178 Latin-rite dioceses in the U.S. were invited to participate in the survey; 32 dioceses accepted the invitation. There are more than 14,000 priests in the U.S.
Pope Francis: To Evangelize, We Must Be Open to the Action of the Spirit of God
To evangelize, then, we must be open to the action of the Spirit of God, without fear of what He asks us or where He leads us. Let us entrust ourselves to Him! He enables us to live and bear witness to our faith, and enlighten the hearts of those we meet
Protester climbs down from dome of St. Peter's
Marcello Di Finizio, who was protesting European Union policies—saying that they would force the closing of the restaurant he operates in Trieste—was convinced by Vatican police to climb down after 2 days on the dome.
For 2nd time, Missouri Benedictine nuns have top classical album
“Angels and Saints at Ephesus,” a new album released by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, has debuted at the top position on the Billboard traditional classical albums chart. “Advent at Ephesus,” an earlier album, also reached the top position on the chart.
Around the Web – Catholic Blogosphere Wrap-up
10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Entering College
Yesterday I officially graduated from College. As the youngest Whiskey Catholic author (by a couple of years), I wanted to shared some thoughts on the last four years. There are certain things I wish someone had told me before I entered college, rather than end up figuring it out on your own several years in. While I had an incredible time in college intellectually, spiritually, and socially, there are certain things that I would like to share with our younger readers in order to help them best use their college years.
The Ethics of Your Wedding Dress
You’re probably expecting me to say something about strapless dresses and not showing too much skin, but I’m not. Okay, I can’t resist so here’s my opinion on the subject: Don’t be trashy, The Dress is about your wedding day, not your wedding night.
The Fable of Can and Could
This story won’t be new to anyone who has read the 1890 elementary textbook, Catholic National Reader, Book Four, but since that number of people may not be very great in 2013, I want to share a charming, poignant story about two people named Can and Could. I took some liberties for brevity.
Disasters, Death, and You
Now and then I post here about the need to have a plan for when or if something really bad happens. I am especially concerned that parents of small children have some sort of plans in place for some different scenarios. Obviously you can’t cover every possibility, but some basic steps could make a difference. Having clean drinking water and food for 72 hours, warm clothing, a way to communicate, means of self-defense and so forth.
