National News
Virginia carries out execution despite pleas inmate was mentally ill
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced hours before the execution that he would not block the death sentence from being carried out despite appeals that Morva's mental illness made it impossible for him to distinguish between delusions and reality.
Even the most bitter of enemies can forge peace, says filmmaker
If Martin McGuinness and the Rev. Ian Paisley can wage peace instead of war, anyone can, according to TV and movie director Nick Hamm.
U.S., European bishops call for a plan to eliminate nuclear weapons
A joint declaration by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions called upon the U.S. and European nations to work with other nations to "map out a credible, verifiable and enforceable strategy for the total elimination of nuclear weapons."
Catholics urged to make serving Lord the foundation of their lives
Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory urged the thousands attending the 2017 Eucharistic Congress to make serving the Lord the foundation of their lives as Joshua and his family did.
New priest says military chaplain a major influence in his vocation
Like Father Melendez, about 5 percent of the men ordained to the priesthood this year had previously served in the armed forces, according to a report from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.
Catholic convocation: Combination pep rally, retreat inspires leaders
From July 1-4 the main floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando was transformed into a huge parish hall with places for worship, prayer, discussion, and even coffee and doughnuts during the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America."
BioBlitz helps Mercy sisters catalog all forms of life on Vermont farm
According to Sister Betty Secord, program director, the survey was valuable in showing how full of life the land is and how connected each form of life is to others.
Faith Direct moves parish donations into a new generation of giving
Brian Walsh founded Faith Direct, an e-giving service for parishes, allowing parishioners to contribute to their church through offertory gifts online.
For convocation delegates, it’s about unifying in faith in a troubled world
Whatever their reason to travel to hot, humid Florida for four days in the middle of summer, the 3,500 delegates to the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America" headed home July 4 with renewed energy to set a new course for the U.S. Catholic Church.
Convocation delegates sent home to imitate Jesus in reaching the margins
Jesus took a few loaves and fishes and turned them into a feast for thousands, offering the church an example of faith in action, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said in sending 3,500 delegates home from the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America."