Daily Links, April 17: Parishes reopening, 'freedom' fights, and church with grandma

Let's start the day with some positive news: Cleveland's Bishop Richard Lennon has announced [1] that he will in fact reopen 12 closed parishes, as he was ordered to do by the Vatican after a successful appeal by parishioners.

People are still talking about the bishops' statement on religious freedom, with the latest critical look [2] coming from Anthony Stevens-Arroyo at The Washington Post. Commonweal responds on their blog [3] to criticism that they're being partisan by suggesting the bishops' document is partisan.

Speaking of political issues, food stamp benefits are on the chopping block [4] in budget talks at the House of Representatives. But are food stamps becoming a luxury [5] for Americans?

Faith leaders are calling for people to stand up and tell their state leaders to say no to privatizing prisons. [6]

We learned more today about Mark O'Mara, the lawyer defending George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting case. O'Mara tells the AP [7] that he's a "good Irish Catholic boy" who wanted to be a priest. Draw your own conclusions on that one.

Today on our blog, Bryan Cones has been rather prolific. First, he discusses some strong comments made by Peoria, Illinois Bishop Daniel Jenky [8], then he does some number crunching on government subsidies for low-wage earners [9].

Finally, here's a letter to the editor [10]published today by the Baltimore Sun from a woman who attended Mass with her grandmother on Sunday and had mixed feelings about how things turned out.