Bishops Conference Names Pro-Life Leader

WASHINGTON — Tom Grenchik, director of the Pro-Life Office for the Archdiocese of Washington, has been appointed executive director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He succeeds Gail Quinn, who retired from the post in August. Msgr. David Malloy, USCCB general secretary, announced the appointment Nov. 7. It is effective Dec.15.

“Over the past 16 years, Tom Grenchik has compiled an extraordinary record of achievement in the wide variety of issues which the Church must confront in its defense of human life and dignity,” Msgr. Malloy said in a statement. “In doing so he has worked effectively with the District of Columbia Catholic Conference, the Maryland Catholic Conference, various national and local pro-life organizations and our own Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. I look forward to his leadership of the USCCB secretariat which I am sure will be equally effective and creative,” Msgr. Malloy said.

A 1982 graduate of the University of Maryland, Grenchik is currently pursuing certification in a health care ethics program.

(CNS)

Texas Bishop Forms Plan for Youngest Border Crossers

EL PASO, Texas —The youngest undocumented immigrants caught trying to enter the United States from Mexico through El Paso may benefit from a recent fact-finding trip along the border for a delegation of bishops and others involved in ministry to migrants in the U.S. and Mexico.

El Paso Bishop Armando Ochoa said he wanted to expand diocesan-run foster-care programs that shelter children and teenagers who are emotionally and physically traumatized during their journey north. Compared to more institutional settings, the smaller groups and family atmosphere in foster homes enhance the healing process, he said during an Oct. 28 press conference at the Padre Pinto Plaza outside Sacred Heart Church, just blocks from the international bridge to Ciudad Juarez in Mexico.

“These kids have been treated badly,” Bishop Ochoa said. “They’ve seen horrors from snakes in the desert to being abandoned by their coyote (smuggler). Some girls get gang-raped.”

        (CNS)

       

Group Offers Prayerful Help for Alzheimer’s Sufferers

NORTH EASTON, Mass. — Nearly 5 million U.S. families experience the pain and frustration of caring for and about an Alzheimer’s patient in their families. The condition is one of the least understood and most exasperating diseases faced by the elderly and those who love them.

For this reason, Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton has published a prayerful guide to help patients and family members live with Alzheimer’s disease. “Pray With Me Still” contains Rosary meditations and spiritual support for patients, family members and caregivers.

“We’ve been working on this publication for some time,” said Holy Cross Father John Phalen, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Oftentimes Alzheimer’s patients and their families don’t know where to look for help. These meditations and Rosary mysteries help people to understand the disease better.”

“Pray With Me Still” is available for $4.95 per copy plus shipping and handling, and can be ordered online at: www.hcfmstore.org.

(CNS)