To come against secularization in nations where the Gospel has put down roots for centuries such as North America, Pope Benedict XVI is creating a new pontifical council dedicated to renewed evangelization. He said that “in the deserts of the secularized world, man’s soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

Here we are today in 2010 still struggling for justice for immigrants. The bishops are standing firm for the rights and dignity of the immigrants and are asking that Comprehensive Immigration Reform be passed soon. Many of the people who migrate to the United States do so because they need to feed their families. The majority are good hardworking families and are not criminals. Many have been here for years. They come here to work, to make a living or to get away from their war-torn countries.

The executive director of Students for Life of America will speak at St. John Gualbert Parish on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m.

Over the past year I have had the opportunity to meet with and discuss pro-life issues with talented and devoted young people who truly understand the importance of defending, protecting and celebrating the gift of human life. I share Pope Benedict’s faith in these young people, as do their families, pastors and teachers. Their positive outlook, mature approach to the spectrum of issues and their zeal and willingness to roll up their sleeves and work to serve the unborn, young mothers, victims of violence, those facing terrible illness, and the elderly, is awe-inspiring.

Many parishes feel overwhelmed by the call to evangelize. Oddly, sometimes these parishes are located right down the road from those enjoying great success. How is that possible?

In this era of modern technology, where Google, Facebook and Twitter are all nouns and verbs, it is encouraging to learn that our priests are well connected, using myriad resources found on the Internet to assist them in their ministry.

In a summer filled with warmed-over retreads, “Inception” stands out not only for its original and unique premise, but also because of the talent of everybody involved here. It is not without its flaws, but for those filmgoers looking to spend a few hours with a story not designed to set up a sequel or sell t-shirts and toys, “Inception” is well worth your time.

Our faith tells us that all is gift – human life, the created world, the call to participate in God’s love through Jesus our savior – all is gift.  Among the fundamental gifts that God has given men and women is that of marriage.  Today, this gift is frequently left “unopened” as it were.  In fact, it is often neglected, damaged, mishandled, or even rejected. 

More than 13 million viewers tuned in for the final episode of “Lost” on Pentecost Sunday.  Those people got a profoundly Christian message, courtesy of secular media.  This led me to ponder why the non-Christian world is so much more effective at using mainstream media to evangelize than Christians are.   

Father Michael Uebler, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Tonawanda, wrote about a unique class that was formed last year to teach religion to those with special needs.  Five young people were prepared for First Reconciliation which they received in May.