National News
U.S. abortion rate at its lowest since 1973 Supreme Court ruling
The percentage of pregnancies ending in abortion is down to 18.8 percent, a decline of nearly two-fifths below is 1983 peak of 30.3 percent.
Church leaders say Kentucky’s new pro-life laws protect unborn and women
Louisville church leaders welcomed two state laws that place tighter restrictions on abortions, hailing the measures as lifesavers that will help parents and their children.
On eve of Trump inauguration, Catholic communities will pray for immigrants
The Ignatian Solidarity Network said in a news release that it asked its partner universities, high schools and parishes to organize events "recognizing the experiences of marginalization that immigrant members of communities throughout the country are experiencing."
Congress urged to keep health care gains, protect life, conscience rights
"Important gains brought about by the Affordable Care Act must be preserved," said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida. At the same time, he said, any replacement measure also must safeguard human life from conception to natural death, protect conscience rights and provide adequate health care for immigrants, the poor and others on society's margins.
After Baltimore fire claims six lives, archdiocese grieves and gives
Katie and William Malone lost six of their nine children in the Jan. 12 fire. Katie is a member of the Class of 1994 at the Institute of Notre Dame, a Catholic all-girls high school in Baltimore.
Encounter fosters community, helps young, old look at reality with faith
Encounter is an annual three-day cultural festival featuring lectures, panel discussions, art exhibits, photo galleries and music. The event is organized by the worldwide Catholic lay ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation.
For a decade, ministry helps women transition from prison
The Sisters of St. Francis in Iowa funded the outreach ministry Clare Guest House in 2006, and since then 106 women on parole have called a two-story, five bedroom house their home for up to six months.
Bishop disappointed with change in U.S. policy to Cuban refugees
"Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with U.S. law and enforcement priorities. By taking this step, we are treating Cuban migrants the same way we treat migrants from other countries."
Catholics seek common ground with Trump administration
Five panelists addressed the role the Catholic faith can play as the country gets ready for the incoming Trump administration. Some speakers expressed optimism, others apprehension.
Bishops still have hope Congress will pass immigration reform
Despite apprehension over policies that could be enacted by Congress acting in accord with a Republican president in Donald Trump, the bishops see "a new moment" in which to "move very carefully" on reform.