Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Flowers are pictured as Pope Francis uses incense during Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in this April 20, 2014, file photo. Flowers at liturgies are not just for decoration but symbolize feasts in the liturgical calendar. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Vatican City

Faith and flowers: Special rules keep God’s house simply beautiful

VATICAN CITY—Of the many traditions and penitential practices observed during the season of Lent, one of the more visible is the stark change in church decor and a complete absence of flowers. The small floral arrangement usually seen on the corner of the altar of the chapel in the papal residence for morning Mass has […] Full Story

Also in this Issue

Local News

  • Atlanta

    Parishes announce Lenten missions for spiritual renewal

    ATLANTA—It is one of the first signs of faith learned. Right hand to forehead, down to the lower middle of your chest, cross to the left shoulder, back to the right shoulder. Did you know, we’ve been making this sign of the cross since as early as the third century? That makes it a tradition […] Full Story

  • Lilburn

    Volunteers complete outdoor worship project in Lilburn

    LILBURN—The Stations of the Cross, 14 images of Christ’s journey on the day of his crucifixion commonly etched in ivory or wood, have existed in the form known today for nearly 600 years and are most often seen in sanctuaries the world over. Along with improvements to the church grounds, an outdoor Stations of the […] Full Story

  • Sandy Springs

    Pax Christi members participate in vigil for Sandy Springs nonprofit

    SANDY SPRINGS—In the document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. bishops examine the church’s teaching encouraging Catholics to take an active part in public life. Father John Kieran, archdiocesan priest and Sandy Springs resident, is joining members of Pax Christi of St. Jude the Apostle Church to live out this call to faithful citizenship. […] Full Story

  • Atlanta

    Priest urges Catholics to reclaim baptismal rights to address crisis

    ATLANTA—For Teri Lewis, her faith forces her to confront the clerical sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. “Denial is not going to keep your faith,” she said. For college student Isabela Cardenas, her goal is to understand church structure and power that allowed cover ups. “Learning the facts is the first step,” she said. […] Full Story