From the Pastor&
      I clipped a few briefs in my recent reading for your information.  The first one is about a new website for former Catholics thinking about returning to the Church.
  A national survey by the U.S. bishops found that Catholics most often
  leave the Church over dissatisfaction over marriage issues, poor parish
  relationships, offense by a Church authority, belief differences, or simply
  a failure to register after a move.
 
  The Franciscan Friars of Cincinnati are offering an internet site to address
  these issues and invite inactive Catholics back to the Church.  Interested
  persons can check the website at www.OnceCatholic.org and correspond
  anonymously or connect with a pastoral minister "companion" who can
  help resolve issues.

If you are looking for some good inspirational reading, I highly recommend Jesuit Father John Powell.
  With its collection of short inspirational stories the "Chicken Soup" book
  formula has proved very popular with readers everywhere.  Father John
  Powell, a popular Jesuit professor at Loyola University Chicago and one
  of the most prolific Christian authors, has written his own rendition with
  short stories that he has collected through the years.  "Stories From My
  Heart" (Thomas More, 877-275-4725) should delight readers with insights
  into spiritual love and life.

Have you ever wondered what the life of a monk or nun is really like?  Looking for something different to put on your resumé of life experiences?  Look no further.  This sounds like a great summer experience for the spiritually interested& or maybe not so spiritual.
  The Trappist-Cistercian monks and nuns are offering a rare look into their
  normally reclusive lifestyle at several hands-on vocation retreats.  The
  Gethsemani Abbey, made famous by Thomas Merton in Trappist, Ky.
  along with monasteries in Utah, Iowa, Georgia, California and
  Massachusetts are hosting the weekend experiences.  Retreatants work
  and pray with members of the contemplative order.  Call toll-free
  866-548-3463 for more information.

The Catholic Church has a collection of interesting members, past and present.  One of the great minds of the nineteenth-century was Cardinal Newman of England.  He appeals to both Fr. Michael and myself!
  A man for all generations
  The priest who gave his name to campus ministry centers deserves to be
  beatified, said Pope John Paul II as he honored the 200th anniversary of Cardinal John Henry Newman's birth.  The Anglican cleric-turned Catholic
  theologian was born February 21, 1801, and died in 1890.  His ideas and
  writings have influenced every generation since, the Pope said, with a
  "remarkable synthesis of faith and reason."  Verification of one miracle
  attributed to his intercession still is needed before the Church can declare
  Cardinal Newman blessed, the next step before sainthood.
        -- Catholic News Service
 
    Fr. Bill