CHURCHES IN BRIEF
Slovakia: president visited cardinal KorecPresident of Slovak republic, Ivan Gasparovic, paid a visit to cardinal Ján Chryzostom Korec, bishop emeritus of Nitra. They spoke about cooperation between the state and Churches for the good of inhabitants of the country, as well as about changes in Vatican where president Gasparovic met with pope emeritus Benedict XVI and newly elected pope Francis. "Slovakia, especially Slovak faithful are well known in Vatican. It was confirmed by former and current heads of the Catholic Church when they both told me that they hold respect for Slovaks", said Gasparovic, mentioning that during personal meeting he invited the Holy Father Francis to visit Slovakia. After speaking to cardinal Korec, the head of the state visited Mons. Viliam Judák, bishop of Nitra, to thank him for "respectable" cooperation and to discuss details of preparations for the Cyrilo-Methodian jubilee, due to culminate on 5 July 2013 in Nitra. They both expressed their conviction that the anniversary of the arrival of Ss. Cyril and Method to the region of Great Moravia 1150 years ago will be celebrated in a "dignified way". Bishop Judák presented his wish to keep "good mutual relations" between the state and the Catholic Church and to "help each other in accomplishment of tasks of both institutions".Ukraine: film on organization of catechetical schoolUpon the initiative of the representatives of the Catechetical Commission of Kyiv-Halych Major Archbishopric of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), with the support of Renovabis Foundation, the film "Organization of Catechetical School" has been recently released, with aim to help and give direction in catechetical ministry in Ukrainian parishes. The plot of the film is based on an interview with Fr. Andriy Stadnytskyi, deputy head of the Catechetical Commission of Kiev-Halych Major Archbishopric, and its structure is inspired by the Pastoral Catechetical Adviser focusing on aspects of organization of catechetical schools in parishes. According to the representatives of the Commission, an important objective of this film is to "strengthen the awareness of the priests regarding the fact that catechetical school can operate successfully not only in large parishes, but even in the smallest parish communities". According to the Information Department of UGCC, the film highlights practical steps in this regard. It includes the story of personal experience of a director of one of catechetical schools, combined with demonstration of catechetical classes. Belarus: Lenten charitable project"The Lenten period encourages everyone to enter the mystery of Christ and follow him, because that is the role of every Christian", says Fr. Ian Govetskyi from the decanate of Iva in Grodno diocese of Belarus, initiator of a project of the local office of Caritas aimed to support the people in need entitled "Easter table decoration". Weeks before Easter, the faithful were invited to prepare decorations for paschal table and twigs "of faith" for the Palm Sunday. The money acquired from their sale will be used to cover the needs of people in difficult financial situation and children living in foster homes. "We try to follow Christ and show it through these deeds of mercy", explains Fr. Govetskyi, pointing to the fact that similar project is traditionally run also before Christmas under the title "Vigil table decoration".
