Women religious: Times change, but spirit remains constant When sisters from many ministries gathered at a recent luncheon in Dallas, no two could tell identical stories about their callings. Some wore habits that reflected traditions sacred to their communities. Some wore tailored slacks and blazers. Others opted for long skirts with subtle patterns and coordinated jackets. All, however, could relate to what Sister Mary Anne Owens describes as the “God surprises” that continuously light and re-light unimaginable paths.   Read More Bishop Farrell to deacons: ‘Bring all people to Christ’   One step closer to becoming Catholic At the annual Deacons’ Congress, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell urged the diocese’s permanent deacons to reach out in compassion to people who might feel alienated and unwelcomed by the church. “Our mission is to bring people closer to God, not to push them away,” Bishop Farrell said in his homily for the Mass at the beginning of the day’s activities Feb. 20. “Always keep that door open,” he added.  Read More Frederick Frazier, a catechumen at Prince of Peace Parish in Plano, could have gotten a sneak preview of what to expect during his Rite of Election ceremony from wife Tracie, a confirmed Catholic. But the McKinney couple has approached Frazier’s journey toward confirmation with a different approach. “She’s let me do my thing to go through this experience, just to see what I would take out of it,” Frazier said.  Read More FAITH ALIVE MOVIE REVIEWS BOOK REVIEWS 'The arts and our faith life'  Some of the greatest works of art in history have been of a religious nature. 'The church needs art,' Pope Benedict XVI said in his November 2009 meeting with artists. We are inspired and even transformed by good art that opens us up to God in new and unexpected ways.   'The Wolfman'         NEW YORK - Alternately spooky, savage and silly, "The Wolfman" (Universal) entertains by rendering the trappings of lycanthrope lore with first-rate special effects and actors willing to feast on the material. A remake of the 1941 monster classic "The Wolf Man," it strikes a tone that might be described as "visceral camp."  New books offer wealth of spiritual reading options for Lent WASHINGTON - Here is a selection of recent releases that might be suitable for your spiritual reading during Lent:   -- "Following Christ: A Lenten Reader to Stretch Your Soul" by Carmen Acevedo Butcher. Paraclete Press (Brewster, Mass., 2010). 210 pp., $16.99.

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Diocese helping Census

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Special Reconciliation times

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Diocesan Time Capsule

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