WASHINGTON—Representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and four Reformed Christian denominations publicly signed an agreement on baptism on Jan. 29 in Austin, TX, which affirmed that all of the churches involved recognize the validity of each other’s baptisms.

Two hundred and twenty. That is the number of men ordained to the priesthood while Archbishop John J. Myers, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination, was chief shepherd of his home diocese in Peoria, IL, and the past 11 years with the Archdiocese of Newark. It is, no doubt, a satisfying number for the former Peoria vocations director.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reported that thousands of new Catholics across the United States joined the U.S. Church during the recent Easter season.

WASHINGTON-The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has made available several new resources explaining its calls for essential changes to the Senate health care reform bill.

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Find out what the bishops are saying about health care reform at www.usccb.org/healthcare, the new, comprehensive resource for information on the Church's position on this important issue.

Lesniak Declares Funds for Students Not a 'Voucher'



In an emotionally charged hearing of the State Senate Economic Growth Committee, which pitted a growing statewide coalition of parents and community advocates against New Jersey's public teachers' union and other public school interest groups, the Urban Enterprise Zone Jobs Scholarship Act (S-1607), moved closer to full consideration by the NJ legislature.

NEWARK-Recent Rutgers-Newark alumnus Brian Honsberger is accustomed to teamwork. As an All-American volleyball athlete who received a scholarship to attend college, he planned on playing professionally in Europe.

Today, the Buffalo, NY, native has used his affinity for teamwork by starting "Second Mile," a relief ministry in the University Heights neighborhood.

When considering the breadth, scope and urgent need of international missionary work, the philosophy of thinking globally and acting locally is proven to have profound results.

Just ask a well-traveled missionary or someone who is dedicated to supporting the faith-based cause to provide hope in some of the most desperate corners of the world.

Celebrating Mass at such a painful time as a funeral can be trying for any priest. However, Father Joseph Ferraro, who administers homilies at Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington, relies on Scripture and his own personal experiences to both enlighten and comfort those who have lost someone.