Faith leaders push to reform prison isolation

Novato's Andrew Ginter ordained to priesthood

Valerie Schmalz, Catholic San Francisco

Deacon Andrew Ginter processes in St. Mary's Cathedral on June 4 to begin his Mass of priestly ordination. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said Father Ginter's parents and family played a key role.  READ MORE

St. Anselm teacher recognized for inspiring gifted youth Christina Gray, Catholic San Francisco

St. Anselm middle school teacher Paul Casey was recognized for inspiring advanced students with the 2016 Sarah D. Barder Fellowship from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.  READ MORE

CSF writer receives first place award in Catholic media contest Catholic San Francisco staff

Reporter Christina Gray took the top prize in the Catholic Press Association's annual competition for her April 3, 2015 story, "Once homeless man converts, sponsors another one year later." READ MORE

Archbishop visits St. Isabella Parish on Trinity Sunday Christina Gray, Catholic San Francisco

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone told parishioners of St. Isabella Church in his homily May 22, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, that he noticed the church address as he entered on One Trinity Way. READ MORE

Advocates press initiative for San Mateo rent law Lorena Rojas for Catholic San Francisco

Supporters of an initiative to impose rent control and limit evictions on multi-family rental properties in San Mateo gathered signatures at St. Matthew and St. Timothy parishes to add it to the November ballot. READ MORE

ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE by Tom Burke

Franciscan Father John Hardin, a former executive director of St. Anthony's Foundation, was honored with the nonprofit's "Father Alfred Boeddeker Award" at this year's "Serving Hope" fundraiser.  READ MORE

NATIONAL, WORLD & VATICAN

Bishops oppose Planned Parenthood-sponsored bill Valerie Schmalz, Catholic San Francisco

The California Catholic Conference and the California Newspaper Publishers Association are opposing a bill that would criminalize the publication of covertly taped conversations or actions of abortion providers.  READ MORE

Faith leaders push to reform prison isolation Dennis Sadowski

The Washington-based National Religious Campaign Against Torture, of which the USCCB is a supporter, is one of numerous organizations calling for the end of solitary confinement. READ MORE

Cincinnati parishioners 'civilize it' during election season Catholic News Service

Amid the anger, the attacks and the sometimes boisterous nature of this year's presidential campaign, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is encouraging parishioners to remember that civility in politics is a virtue. READ MORE

Ali known also for faith, generosity Nancy Wiechec

Muhammad Ali leaves an indelible mark on the world not only as a fighter and athlete but as a man of faith, courage and generosity. READ MORE

Pope: Life is short, start forgiving and making amends Carol Glatz

To help priests and seminarians better understand the proper role mercy must play in their lives and ministry, Pope Francis led thousands of men on a spiritual retreat in Rome.   READ MORE

COMMENTARY

Why 'Last Days in the Desert' is so boring Father Anthony Giampietro  ... "In Ewan McGregor's characterization, we see Jesus as a good, decent, honest man who is earnestly seeking his path. There is nothing miraculous, distinctive or particularly supernatural about him." ... READ MORE

Ordinary goodness and our spiritual journey Father Ron Rolheiser  ... "If you pray regularly, daily, you don't have to agonize about concentrating and keeping the conversation focused on deep, spiritual things." ... READ MORE

Kung-pao diplomacy? George Weigel  "This passion among Vatican diplomats for getting a deal done with the PRC has always puzzled me." ... READ MORE

About trusts Father Anthony Giampietro  "Many people do not realize that there are pretty simple ways to allow more of their estate to pass to their heirs and to charity, while at the same time allowing for increased income in retirement."  READ MORE

A convert in the kitchen Christina Cappechi  "It wasn't lost on her that Catholicism is centered on an altar, a table of plenty that feeds the weary." ... READ MORE

Scripture Reflection: An act of mery: to rule them all Father William Nicholas "In the story of the penitent woman, we see an equally wretched creature, loathed by all, especially by Jesus' host, Simon the Pharisee. Despite the general sentiment, Jesus shows mercy to this hated sinner." READ MORE