CURRENT ISSUE:  November 20, 2006 • VOL. 44, NO. 20 • Oakland, CA

Bishops OK statements on Iraq, gays, contraception
During the public portion of their Nov. 13-16 fall general meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. Catholic bishops called for “substantive discussion” leading to “ a responsible transition in Iraq,” outlined the preparation needed to receive Communion worthily, admonished married couples to live the Church’s teaching against artificial contraception, approved a set of guidelines for pastoral care of persons with a homosexual inclination, and gave their OK for a “Directory for Music and the Liturgy” for use in U.S. dioceses. >>>

Election puts more pro-life Democrats in new Congress
The 110th Congress that goes to work in January will include more pro-life Democrats whose party’s majority in both the House and Senate also is likely to bring efforts to raise the minimum wage, roll back tax cuts for the richest Americans and take a broader approach to immigration reform. >>>

Guadalupe pilgrimage set for Dec. 9
Catholics across the Oakland Diocese are invited to join in the first diocesan pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 9. . >>>

Advent begins Dec. 3
The four-week preparation for Christmas begins Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent. On that day, the first of the four candles on the Advent wreath is lit in anticipation of the arrival of Christ, the light of the world. Each subsequent Sunday, another candle is lit. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year.

DEADLINES FOR FUTURE ISSUES

back to top