CDA meeting Monday

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #1291 are invited to attend the 5:30 p.m. Mass Monday, followed by an informative meeting and a drawing for free dues.

GriefShare DVD presentation Sunday

Surviving the Holidays GrieffShare DVD will be presented from 2-2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Gathering Space of Holy Redeemer Church entrance, 503 West Lyon Street, Marshall. This seminar is for anyone who is grieving a loved one’s death. Practical, hope inspiring ideas include surviving social and family events, dealing with emotions and creating new traditions while honoring your loved one’s legacy. Families are welcome.

Online registration at GriefShare.org is appreciated, but not required. GriefShare ia a non-denominational faith based DVD and discussion program to help anyone who has loss a loved one walk through their path of grief with the support of others.

Vatican steps closer to allowing transgender Catholics to be baptized

(AP) — In the United States, the national conference of Catholic bishops rejects the concept of gender transition, leaving many transgender Catholics feeling excluded. On Wednesday, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans Catholics to be baptized and serve as godparents.

“It is a major step for trans inclusion … it is big and good news,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church.

The document was signed Oct. 21 by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was posted Wednesday on that office’s website.

If it did not cause scandal or “disorientation” among other Catholics, a transgender person “may receive baptism under the same conditions as other faithful,” the document said.