From the editor's desk

Catholic New Times, Dec 19, 2004 by Ted Schmidt

CNT took an active part in the peace demo in Ottawa on Nov. 30. Proofreaders Michael McAteer, Fintan Kilbride, marketing manager John Quinn and I joined the early morning bus riders to the capital. One could not help being energized by the enthusiasm of the young and hope-filled crowd, The above sign drew favourable comment and not a few pictures. To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel, the signs of the prophets are often found on individual placards and banners, See page 5.

Was it a coincidence that the CBC poll announced Tommy Douglas as the greatest Canadian just as George W. Bush came to Canada?,

Our fine Canadian muckraker, Murray Dobbin, makes important points on page 5, Dobbin explains the stunning disconnect between Canadian elites and the values and goals most Canadians hold as central to our identity.

It is fitting that we run Christi Dabu s engaging portrait on street nurse Cathy Crowe (page 3). Street nurses like Cathy remind us at this time of year that too many of the human family are still outside the inn.

Wodd AIDS Day was Dec, 1 and this staggering pandemic continues to ravage many communities. Kevin Spurgaitis interview with Zambia s Princess Zulu shows us just what one hopeful protagonist is doing about it. Page 7.

It is always thrilling to see just what some church communities are doing about moving faith into action. Eileen Dobell writes about the experience at St, Pius X parish in London, Ontario, This could be a valuable template for other faith communities. Page 12

Sr, Joan Chittister surely is one of the great prophets in the U.S. today. As she talks with Bill Moyers, one can hear the anguish in her voice about the military abortion in Iraq. Page 13.

Our next edition of CNT will be appear the second week of January. Until then, a blessed Christmas to all,

Ted Schmidt

editor@catholicnewtimes.org