On April 15, Auxiliary Bishop James Massa of Brooklyn, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, issued a statement clarifying the Catholic Church’s teaching on just war. The statement came as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Trump administration officials have publicly challenged Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace amid the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and …
Before you can understand the four conditions, you need to understand the posture the Church takes before it even gets to them. The Catechism opens its treatment of war not with permission but with a command: all citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war (CCC 2308). That is not …
In the last year, morning, afternoon, and night consistently brought sobering headlines from Israel and Iran, while war raged on in Russia, Ukraine, Myanmar, and many parts of Africa. Isolationists cautioned against war while hawks urged further intervention, both for US interests. What united much of the news commentary was the tendency to frame the …
Dear Parishioners, A word of thanks to Sister Sara Burress, OSB and the Benedictine Community in Cullman for their support with Pastoral Care at Saint Francis Xavier. Sister Sara’s gentle ways and her faithfulness to those who she ministered will be missed. Hopefully, these values live on in our actions, prayers and care for the …
Gospel of Matthew The Beginning of the Sermon on the Mount Beatitudes Matthew 5: 1-12 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 1, 2026 With the universal Church and the Christian churches that use the common lectionary, today we began reading from the gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount. It’s quite a long sermon, …
Effective January 5th, Patsy Donahue will assume full responsibility for the bookkeeping of both the Parish and the School. Kathy Kononchek will remain on staff during the transition period to assist Patsy and ensure a smooth handover of duties. Following the transition, Kathy will continue as a part-time employee serving as Facilities Manager. We appreciate …
On Nov. 26, Bishop Raica released a statement regarding Robert J. Sullivan. The complete text of the statement follows herein. In light of complaints made against him in July of this year, Father Robert J. Sullivan, of his own accord, submitted a petition to Pope Leo, requesting that he be dispensed from all the obligations …
Dear Parishioners and School Families, Today, Bishop Steven Raica issued an announcement concluding the allegations concerning Father Robert Sullivan that the Diocese received during the summer months. Robert Sullivan will no longer serve in ordained ministries. Our diocesan communities extend prayers to him as he pursues a new vocation. An audit was conducted for all …
Diocesan Assignment Effective October 31, 2025, Deacon Neal Kay has been appointed by Bishop Raica to serve as Deacon Administrator of Holy Rosary Parish in Birmingham. This will involve coordinating the finances of Holy Rosary parish as well as its charitable apostolate, its community action, and liturgical life. Father Joe, Father Pachomius, and Father Pat will …
Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama Youth Protection Program The Diocese of Birmingham has long recognized that children, youth and other vulnerable persons can be at risk from certain individuals present in every community. Individuals who for whatever reason, prey on those weaker than themselves. We recognize that whenever children and youth are out of their parent's …
