National News
Catholic group will accept Scouts’ decision to allow girls to join
UPDATED - "Once we have had more time to review the policy and a chance to consult our national membership, we will be able to comment further about how this new policy will reflect changes in the makeup of Catholic-chartered units."
Devotion to Padre Pio evident in thousands who turn out to venerate relics
The relics, which included a lock of Padre Pio's hair, blood from his wounds, a glove used to cover his stigmatized hands and part of his religious habit, visited St. Francis Borgia Church Sept. 25 and St. Ita Church Sept. 26.
Supreme Court dismisses an appeal in case against earlier travel ban
Trump signed a new expanded version of the travel prohibitions in late September. Release of the new version effectively made the appeal moot, ruled the justices, who also said, "We express no views on the merits."
Catholic high schools have varied stances on athletes ‘taking a knee’
A survey of schools across the country reveal a range of reactions on whether athletes should stand for the national anthem. In Philadelphia there is no policy on it, in Camden disciplinary action can result.
Long-term recovery ahead for California communities hit hard by wildfires
UPDATED - At least 12 major fires were raging across the region, according to news reports. Of those 12, at least five were zero to 5 percent contained, and the rest were 15 to 70 percent contained.
Much of Puerto Rico still has no power; aid distribution facing obstacles
Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Maria tore through the Caribbean, Puerto Rico remains with little clean water, little electric power and almost no telecommunications.
Bishop says Trump proposals do not reflect U.S. immigrant tradition
The Trump administration's newly released immigration policy proposals "do not provide the way forward for comprehensive immigration reform rooted in respect for human life and dignity, and for the security of our citizens," said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas.
Catholics voice concern about efforts to dismantle Clean Power Plan
An Environmental Protection Agency decision to roll back an Obama-era regulation to curb carbon dioxide emissions from power plants met with disapproval from Catholic organizations, who said people's health and the environment would be harmed.
Faith practices of millennials studied by church fundraisers
From church giving (no cash or checks) to Facebook usage (posts need a response), young Catholics have lifestyles that must be understood by the church. Some 1,100 stewardship leaders recently examined this digital native generation.
South Carolina students, Catholic Charities mobilize to aid storm victims
In a demonstration of what charity is all about, students in the Diocese of Charleston -- like people across the nation -- are trying to help victims of the three massive hurricanes that unleashed their fury on the U.S. mainland and islands in the Caribbean.