Catholic Transcript Online

WASHINGTON (CNS) – Officials at The Catholic University of America in Washington announced June 15 that John H. Garvey, dean of the Boston College Law School, will be the 15th president of the school.

The announcement at a campus news conference came after a national search and Vatican approval of his selection for the post, which is required for a pontifical university.

BRISTOL – "Come Fly with Me." That was the call that went out from St. Paul Catholic High School, which is using that theme and opening song for a musical fund-raiser featuring alum Steve Lippia on June 25.

Mr. Lippia, a 1974 graduate who now is a professional singer, describes himself as "a big fan" of St. Paul.

"It really kind of nurtured me and so many of my friends. There was a great sense of community, and I have friendships there that have endured to this day. I truly got an excellent education and the concert is a way of giving back," he said.

Mr. Lippia sings songs in a style he liked back in his high school days. He sings great American standards along the lines of those sung by Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

"I loved rock ’n’ roll," said Mr. Lippia by phone in an interview prior to his performance. "That was the music of my generation and I loved it. But part of me always liked standards, and I attribute a lot of that to my parents, especially my mom."

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI said the Year for Priests might have been ruined by the clerical sex abuse scandal, but instead became a "summons to purification" in the Church.

Concelebrating Mass June 11 with some 15,000 priests, the Pope said that "the enemy," Satan, wants to drive God out of the world and opposes those who work to ensure that God is at the side of every man and woman, especially in times of trouble.

Members of St. Peter Claver Parish in West Hartford display their ministry at a Stewardship Evening on May 25 that drew more than 650 people to the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. From left are Gigi Frailey, Madelyn Filomeno, Kim Green and Beth Ryan. Behind the women are four of nine banners that Ms. Ryan designed and more than 20 parishioners made. This and other photos of the event by Hunter Neal are posted in our Photo Gallery.

Washington D.C. (CNA) – Noted Catholic scholar and commentator George Weigel has reacted to strongly to Time Magazine's recent 10-page spread criticizing the Catholic Church as "nonsense," and has offered counter points to several accusations the magazine raised.

In a National Review Online article last week, Weigel addressed Time's June 7 cover story titled, "Why Being Pope Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry," and responded to what he believes to be multiple erroneous claims that the feature story presented.

Katie Joe Cocchiola and her mom, Kimberly, do some painting as part of a HomeFront team from St. Mary Magdalen Parish that refurbished a house on May 1 in the Bunker Hill section of Waterbury. The parish has participated in HomeFront projects for more than seven years. The projects are an annual one-day blitz of renovation services and materials for facility improvements to needy people and nonprofit organizations. (Photo submitted)

CUTTING THE RIBBON – Kate Roche, executive vice president and chief operating officer at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, cuts the ribbon marking the formal opening of the hospital’s new Bloomfield Urgent Care Center and Medical Offices. Located in Copaco Plaza, the 7,000-square-foot facility houses an urgent care center, laboratory services and offices for primary care physicians and specialists. Taking part in the celebration are, from left, Dr. Stanley A. Glassman, Dr. Gilberto Ramirez, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, Kate Roche, Dr. Eric R. Goldberg and Bloomfield Mayor Sydney T. Schulman. (Photo submitted)