Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, have issued the following statement:

In the course of a “Meet the Press” interview on abortion and other public issues on August 24, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi misrepresented the history and nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church against abortion.

The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church of Orange!

Calling all Catechists, DRE’s, CRE’s, Teachers, Principals, Parish Ministers and other Ministries of the Diocese of Orange to Minicongress 2008 The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church of Orange!

Take advantage of the many Faith formation workshops available during this year’s Minicongress at Marywood Center, September 13 from 7:00am-3:00pm.  Our Keynote Speaker will be Fr. Christopher Smith. The last day to register with the early bird price of $30.00 is August 29, 2008. After this date will be $40.00.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will in solidarity with other faith traditions host the first annual "Blessing of the Waves" at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier (400 Pacific Coast Highway) October 5, 2008, 6:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. The goal of this Diocesan sponsored prayer service and blessing is to bring together surfers and ocean-minded people, regardless of their faith tradition to show spiritual appreciation for the ocean resource and all that it gives the planet and its population.
"In Orange County our beaches are more than simple geography, they are the cultural and spiritual center of our community. It is important that we recognize this common element in all our lives, regardless of faith tradition. Pope Benedict XVI and other spiritual leaders have called on all people to commit to the protection of these gifts of nature and preserve them for future generations," said Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, Bishop of Orange.