20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

The Archbishop of Louisville is pleading for justice and peace after the Breonna Taylor decision.

The former leader of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, Archbishop Emeritus John Myers, has gone to be with the Heavenly Father.

Lawmakers on both sides come to the defense of possible nominee to the Supreme Court Catholic Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

A Catholic community is sending a life line to hundreds of displaced refugees from the Greek island of Lesbos.

Author and Producer Jim Wahlberg Shares Journey to Sobriety Through Faith With New Book and Film

Currents News Staff

Recovery through faith is the theme of a new book and movie that just came out. Who’s the author and producer? One of the Wahlberg brothers, but not actors Mark or Donnie.

Instead, their brother Jim tells his own personal – and sometimes brutal – story of addiction in the book “The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid’s Story of Addiction and Redemption” and the film he wrote and directed, “What About the Kids?”

Both forms of entertainment shed light on how, with God, all healing is possible. Jim Wahlberg joins Currents News to share his story and how he’s inspiring others around the world.

Archbishop of Louisville Calls for Peace, Racial Justice Amid Breonna Taylor Protests

By Melissa Enaje and Emily Drooby

WINDSOR TERRACE — After a controversial grand jury decision surrounding the death of Breonna Taylor, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., pleaded for peace and the rejection of violence and called for unity to work for racial justice.

“Whatever our reaction to decisions by the grand jury and the Attorney General’s Office, we must now come together to work for racial justice. There is no question that our nation’s original sin of racism continues to destroy and harm the lives of persons of color and that racism extends through so many systems of our society … educational, economic, religious, housing, criminal justice, voting, and employment.

“Our Church stands ready to work with civic, community, educational, business, and non-profit partners to address these issues.

“I join with people of faith and goodwill to plead for peace and the rejection of violence as citizens exercise their first amendment right to protest. Let us all join in prayers for Breonna Taylor’s family and friends and for justice, peace, and healing in our community.”

The archbishop released his statement after the Sept. 23 announcement of the grand jury’s decision to indict one of the Louisville officers involved in Taylor’s death.

Taylor, 26, was shot to death on March 13 by Louisville Metro Police when officers entered her home while serving a warrant. Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot at the officers, who then returned fire, according to evidence presented to the grand jury.

Former police officer Brett Hankinson was charged with three counts of first-degree “wanton endangerment” for firing three shots into an apartment near Taylor’s. Hankinson was fired from the Louisville police in June. None of the shots fired by Hankinson were those which struck Taylor, according to a Sept. 23 press conference with Kentucky’s Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Hankinson faces up to five years on each of three counts if convicted, the attorney general said.

The other two officers were not indicted. It was determined that because Walker fired a shot at them, they were justified in returning fire.

The archbishop has lamented the “senseless violence” that has swarmed his city since the protests that began after the killing of George Floyd. Protesters broke three windows in his cathedral rectory, Cathedral of the Assumption.

In a May 29 letter to Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Archbishop Kurtz expressed his support of peaceful protests “that give voice to the pain of the community and to the desire for truth and justice to be served.”

After the grand jury announcement was made, protestors filled the streets Wednesday night. More than 100 arrests were made. Two Louisville officers were shot and wounded during the demonstrations. A suspect was arrested late Wednesday and charged with 14 counts of wanton endangerment of a police officer and two counts of assault on a police officer.

‘The Vision for You’ Author David Clayton Shares How He Found Faith Through Sobriety

By Jessica Easthope

David Clayton knows what it’s like to be in the throws of addiction.

“I was almost at the point where I didn’t know where to look, and the thought that I was reaching for more drink was frightening,” Clayton said.

But he also knows how it feels to make it out and live the life he never imagined.

“I would just be waves of despair and despondence and I had to seek distraction,” he explained. “Today, it’s the reverse.”

David’s life changed when he met David Birtwistle. Birtwistle became David Clayton’s mentor and thanks to him, in the process of getting sober, David found himself on another journey, one that was totally unexpected.

“I was an atheist, pretty sour-minded, cynical, and he said,’If you’re willing to take the actions consistent with the premise that there is a God to help, I believe you can have the life I’ve been given,’” David Clayton said.

It started with some simple exercises, praying, making lists of things he was grateful for and helping others.

“He said, ‘Try this for 30 days and if you don’t like it, we’ll return your misery with interest,’ and I said, ‘I’ll try that,’” David recalled.

David stopped drinking that day, and nearly 32 years later his faith has only grown stronger and is an essential part of his sobriety still to this day.

“It was that that made me seek out religion and Catholicism. I’m as firmly believing now as I ever was, and have those values as deeply as ever impressed upon my soul,” David said.

He’s now guiding other Catholics with his book, “The Vision for You: How to Discover the Life You Were Made For,” teaching them how to tackle recovery by finding a personal vocation.

“It is recovery for Catholics, it’s presented in Catholic language the way David did it for me,” said David Clayton. “I was freed from drinking from it. It’s directions on how to achieve your vocation in life,” David said.

His faith has driven his life’s mission.

“The best years of my life are ahead of me because through this journey, I’m getting ever closer to God,” he added.

He makes the same choice every day. Instead of turning to alcohol, he turns to God, knowing he has a plan.

Teen Owner of Brooklyn’s Paris Beauty Supplyz Is Putting it All in God’s Hands

By Jessica Easthope

Among the narrow aisles of stylish wigs and colorful products, Paris McKenzie shines. Everything on the shelves needs to be perfect. She has big dreams as the new owner of Paris Beauty Supplyz.

“It’s my baby, it’s my prized possession,” Paris said of her new store.

There’s no doubt the store is impressive, but it’s nothing compared to its owner. The twist is Paris is 16, and she’s never been afraid to roll up her sleeves.

“My mom owns two businesses, she’s owned a hair salon for 16 years. Since a few months after I was born, I’ve seen her run these businesses and manage her finances and I also helped assist her run these businesses,” said Paris. “You learn how to market hair products and sell things off the shelf.”

Paris’ mom Senica Thompson owns two business that sit on either side of Paris’ store on Church Avenue in Flatbush. Senica says she’s care-free because she knows her daughter can handle this responsibility.

“She said, ‘Ma, I got this.’ That’s her keyword,” Senica explained. “So when she wanted to open this I asked her, ‘Are you sure?’ and she said, ‘Ma, I got this.'”

In this store it’s easy to forget Paris is a teenager, but if you watch closely, you’ll see the signs.

She opened in August as businesses around her were drowning due to the coronavirus pandemic. For the average teenager, the store might be a major distraction from school work, but not for Paris. She’s a straight-A-student, takes classes at Hunter College and just skipped a grade.

“It actually helped me focus more on school, I didn’t want to go away from my true passion of medicine, so I said this is going to be something to focus on but take away what I’ve worked toward my whole life, it’s always been my passion to be a doctor and help others,” Paris said.

When asked how she juggles it all? Her answer is simple.

“It’s always been all Him, I really can’t do anything without God. I learned how to put my faith in God and I couldn’t do all of this without him,” said Paris.

Faith was a foundation of Paris’ upbringing.

“God is why we’re able to open a business like this when business is going down, because we trust God and I brought the kids up to trust God,” Senica said.

Paris’ trust in God will forever be a big part of her growth and success. Though she’s young, Paris knows there are some things you can’t put a price on.

Father Matt Hood Realized His Baptism Was Invalid. Here’s What He Did Next

Currents News Staff

For most Catholics who received their Holy Sacraments, they trust that the celebrant performed the ceremonies correctly and as intended by God.

But for one priest in Detroit, after watching a video of his baptism, he soon realized that his sacraments he assumed to be true were invalid – by one misspoken word.

Father Matt Hood from the Archdiocese of Detroit joins Currents News to share the details about his experience with his baptism blunder.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lies in Repose at Supreme Court as Politicians, Public Pay Respects

Currents News Staff

For the final time, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg returned to the Supreme Court.

The late justice is lying in repose at the Supreme Court, giving pundits and the public the opportunity to honor her life and legacy.

“Among the words that describe Ruth: tough, brave, a fighter, a winner. But also: thoughtful, careful, compassionate, honest,” is how U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts described his colleague and friend.

An army of more than a hundred of her former clerks stood watch over her casket.

Some accompanied it up the stone steps leading to the Great Hall where the liberal icon presided for almost 30 years.

“She will live on in what she did to improve the law and the lives of all of us, and yet, Ruth is gone and we grieve,” said Roberts.

Politicians and the public paid their respects.

Meanwhile Capitol Hill, Republicans are quickly working to fill Justice Ginsburg’s vacancy before the election as Democrats vow retaliation.

“Everything is on the table,” said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. “My Senate Democratic colleagues and candidates know America needs some change, and we’re going to figure out the best way to do it.”

“We should go to the American people to make the case for why this is a gigantic mistake and an abuse of power,” said presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Senators are strategizing over the open Supreme Court seat and ponder the person President Trump may pick.

“The president put forward a list of incredibly talented nominees, including Indiana’s own Judge Amy Coney Barrett,” said Republican Indiana state Senator Todd Young.

“We have not had a Supreme Court justice from Florida,” explained Republican state Senator Rick Scott, “Barbara Lagoa is a qualified jurist.”

President Trump will be at the Supreme Court Sept. 24 to pay tribute to the legendary life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Currents News full broadcast for Wed, 9/23/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

A big boost for the pro-life movement – what President Trump promised those attending the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

Brooklyn’s own Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lying in repose at the Supreme Court – eulogized by her fellow jurists.

The grand jury indicts only one officer involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor — but not for murder.

One teenager set out to do the impossible, open a business during the pandemic – her secret to success putting it all God’s hands.

At National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Trump Announces He Will Sign ‘Born Alive’ Executive Order

By Emily Drooby

“I will always defend the sacred right to life” — a strong statement coming from President Donald Trump on Sept. 23 as he announced a new executive order that’s a win for the pro-life movement.

“I will be signing the Born Alive executive order to ensure that all precious babies born alive, no matter their circumstances, receive the medical care they deserve,” he said during the sixteenth annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

“This is our moral duty.”

Details on the executive order weren’t immediately available but it will protect babies born prematurely, including those who survive an abortion. It will also increase federal funding for neonatal research.

“The eternal truth that every child, born and unborn is made in the holy image of God,” said President Trump during the announcement.

The president also took a moment to applaud the Catholic Church for their charity and generosity towards others. He specifically mentioned that he saw this while growing up next to a church. Based off of Trump’s childhood home, that’s likely a church in the Diocese of Brooklyn — Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Estates, Queens.

“I saw how much incredible work the Catholic Church did for our community. These are amazing people, these are great, great people,” he said.

Also during the event, Attorney General William Barr was awarded the Christifideles Laici award. It is given to someone who increases the tenets and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Barr, who is Catholic, used his speech to defend religion’s role in America.

“Separation of Church and state does not mean and never did mean separation of religion and civics.”

Attorney General Barr himself came under fire for being given the award.

Many people and organizations of faith such as the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests have voiced concern over Barr receiving the honor, as he recently directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to execute prisoners on death row for the first time since 2003.

During his acceptance speech, Barr did not address the critics.

The keynote address was given by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. During it, he compared American founder Thomas Jefferson and St. Junípero Serra.

Serra founded Catholic missions in California, and the toppling of statues has made the saint a recent source of controversy. Some critics have called him a colonialist of Native Americans.

“Jefferson could say the things he said because at least to some degree, he had been evangelized. To some degree, he had heard the good news,” said Barron.

He added that what Jefferson said on the East Coast of the country, Serra was doing on the West Coast.

He also encouraged Catholics to bring their faith into the public forum.

“Resist the temptation to privatize the faith, but rather bring your evangelized self into the public forum,” said Auxiliary Bishop Barron, adding that a privatized religion is bad for both religion and democracy.

Holy Child Church

Host Anthony Mangano visits Holy Child church in Staten Island. Join us as Anthony interviews Rev. Alan F. Travers, Peg McGoff, and Lorraine St. John to discuss the history and architecture of this very special church.