National News
Dewane: Church ‘committed to ensuring fundamental right’ to health care
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also reinforced its stand that the American Health Care Act passed by the U.S. House May 4 needs major reform -- to provide quality health care for the "voiceless," especially children, the elderly, the poor, immigrants and the seriously ill.
Bishops approve revisions to guidelines on sacraments for the disabled
Approved 180-1 during the bishops' spring general assembly June 14, the revisions in the "Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities" updates a document that was adopted in 1995.
Convocation of Catholic leaders will be historic event, bishops told
During their spring meeting in Indianapolis, U.S. bishops were reminded that the upcoming Convocation of Catholic Leaders -- a gathering they began talking about years ago -- is right around the corner.
Holy Cross priest presents reflection on immigration issues for bishops
"Migration is an incredibly, incredibly complex issue, and those who don't realize its complexity either aren't listening, or they don't understand," said Father Groody, an associate professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame.
Conversation, listening essential for upcoming synod on youth, vocations
At a time when an estimated 50 percent of Catholics 30 and younger no longer identify with their religion, the U.S. bishops June 14 discussed the need to reverse that trend and why the consultation process for the October 2018 Synod of Bishops on youth and vocations is crucial to that effort.
Gregory: Bishops ‘can never say we are sorry enough’ for tragedy of abuse
Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory made the comments in the homily at an evening Mass said to commemorate a "Day of Prayer and Penance" for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
Take courage, recognize grace, apostolic nuncio to U.S. tells bishops
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., called the U.S. Catholic bishops to be missionary disciples through listening and fostering solidarity and a culture of encounter.
Federal appeals court hears arguments in two religious freedom cases
Two court cases seeking to shape the place of religion in U.S. society are under review by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in Cincinnati, one with the possibility of reaching the Supreme Court of the United States.
U.S. bishops urged to be vigilant, never complacent, in stopping abuse
Francesco Cesareo urged the U.S. bishops June 14 during their spring meeting in Indianapolis to continue to keep their commitment to stopping clergy sexual abuse and supporting victims of abuse "at the forefront" of their ministry.
California Supreme Court studies measure to expedite death penalty cases
The California Supreme Court June 6 examined whether a ballot measure passed in November to speed up executions is constitutional.