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Catholic.net News Report: March 30, 2011.

by Rosalia Tenorio | Source: Catholic.net

At least 300,000 Pilgrims Expected for John Paul's Beatification

ROME—Event organizers expect at least 300,000 people in Rome for Pope John Paul II's beatification Mass, May 1.

Two campgrounds near Rome will be reserved for pilgrims who are traveling on a budget.

Commuter trains will run on a special schedule to get pilgrims to the prayer vigil the night before and to the beatification Mass the following morning.

Large screens will be placed around Rome to broadcast the Mass.

The Diocese of Rome is covering most of the cost of the event.

Diocese Reassessing Diaconate Program

WORCESTER—The Worcester Diocese is not currently accepting new men into its permanent diaconate program.

The Diocese intends to assess whether more deacons will be needed and whether assignments and funding will be available.

32 men are currently enrolled in the five-year preparation program.

Apostleship of the Sea Aid Japan

VATICAN CITY— The Apostleship of the Sea is of the many Catholic organizations working to aid the Japanese people affected by recent natural disasters.

The Apostleship of the Sea is the Catholic Church's official society for the pastoral care of fishermen.

Seafarers are one of the groups that suffered the most with the tsunamis.

Reportedly more than 20,000 boats and 260 ports have been damaged during the March 11 earthquake and tsunamis.

The Church in Japan is giving priority to help those who do not qualify for government aid.