National News
Bishops’ migration chairman asks for extension of immigration status
The head of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration said some migrants from Honduras and El Salvador cannot safely return to their home countries in the near future and should have a special immigration permit extended.
Wisconsin parish’s ‘Apple Pie Ambassadors’ welcome new neighbors
Earlier this year, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council came up with the idea for the ambassadors to serve as a "welcome wagon" for people who recently moved into the area, both Catholics and otherwise.
Utah Catholics, Lutherans celebrate ‘connectivity’ of their churches
Bishop Oscar A. Solis told Lutherans and Catholics from parishes throughout the greater Salt Lake area gathered to pray together Oct. 8 that he felt joyful and inspired "to see our unity and solidarity as one God's family."
Federal judge in Hawaii blocks Trump’s new expanded travel ban
In a 40-page ruling issued hours before the new travel ban was to take effect, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson granted the state of Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order and blocking Trump's order nationwide.
St. John Paul gave his life ‘completely to God through Mary,’ says priest
St. John Paul II "looked at the world with Mary's eyes and saw man in need of mercy," the postulator of the pope's canonization cause told Massgoers Oct. 12 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York.
Groups settle in lawsuit against HHS contraceptive mandate
The federal government's settlement of a case brought by Pennsylvania dioceses, the Little Sisters and others assures the church "will not be subject to enforcement of similar regulations imposing morally unacceptable mandates" in the future.
Callista Gingrich confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See
The Senate approved the nomination of Gingrich, 51, a lifelong Catholic, by a 70-23 vote. More than 20 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a vocal ally of President Donald Trump.
Protesters arrested for blocking pipeline work through nuns’ property
More than 100 people were blocking construction of a natural gas pipeline on property owned by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ congregation in Columbia, Pa. The Lancaster County DA called them "peaceful and respectful."
Bishop at Mass recalls aunt’s story of being at Fatima for miracle of sun
Auxiliary Bishop Dominick J. Lagonegro of New York celebrated Mass Oct. 13 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown to mark the 100th anniversary of the last vision at Fatima and the miracle of the sun.
Video of Baltimore Catholic school choir closing in on 10 million views
ABC's "World News Tonight" broadcast a story about the middle school choir Oct. 15. Kenyatta Hardison has fielded media queries from USA Today, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun and CNN.