Bishop Talks Theology

At a bar, from the Tuscaloosa News:

The message the guest speaker at the program, Bishop Robert Baker, head of the Diocese of Birmingham, which includes Tuscaloosa, gave to Catholics at the event was multifaceted message.

He spoke about some of the problems in the Catholic faith, such as how many people are turning their backs on Catholicism and joining other Christian denominations or becoming atheists.

But his main message was a challenge to Catholics, particularly young Catholics, to be stewards of their faith.

‘People in our faith must really feel that they’re part of a ecclesial community,’ Baker said. ‘Involvement in the church means being responsible. Not just priests like me, but everyone having a role.’

Besides taking an active role in church affairs, Baker also suggested that Catholics do more recruiting.

‘We need a missionary commitment to the entire community,’ he said. ‘It means to go out into the community, re-enchant [people] with the church, and invite them back in.’

He pointed to a number of ways to do this.

‘Why don’t we Catholics use our faith to help more people who are struggling?’ Baker asked. ‘Somehow a Catholic Church has to take us all further.’

$1.7-million Templeton Prize Won by Polish Priest

From The Vancouver Sun:

The world’s richest annual prize has been won by a Polish physicist and Catholic priest whose research on the origins of the universe and the tension between religion and science was conducted for decades under intense Soviet-era repression.

Michal Heller will be awarded the $1.7-million Templeton Prize by Prince Philip at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May, the foundation that has been handing out the award since 1973 announced Wednesday.

“Michal Heller’s quest for deeper understanding has led to pioneering breakthroughs in religious concepts and knowledge as well as expanding the horizons of science,” said John Templeton, Jr., head of the foundation and son of the global investor and philanthropist who started the award for the study of what he considered life’s biggest questions.