National News

Pro-life women’s group prepares for March 23 rally outside Supreme Court

Planning a rally outside the court during oral arguments in the Zubik v. Burwell contraceptive mandate case, best known as the Little Sisters of the Poor case, requires imagination.

Way of Cross an especially strong Lenten tradition in migrant communities

In the Diocese of Fresno, several parishes stage their own versions of living Stations of the Cross with colorful costumes, long processions and large crowds of pilgrims and onlookers.

Stations of the Cross for deaf help them follow story of Jesus’ passion

Using American Sign Language, community members take turns presenting the meditations and prayers that make up the stations.

Faith groups cheer $500 million U.S. gift to climate fund

In Philippines, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Tanzania and other countries, Maryknoll missioners "are already witnessing the impacts of climate change" such as floods, droughts and loss of shoreline, said a spokesperson.

Three Franciscans indicted in Pennsylvania sexual abuse investigation

Franciscan Fathers Giles A. Schinelli, Robert J. D'Aversa and Anthony M. Criscitelli were expected to return to Pennsylvania to face the charges, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane.

Michigan Catholic employees can add housemate to insurance

A decision by the Michigan Catholic Conference to allow employees to add one "legally domiciled adult" to their health insurance plan is about "residency," not "relationship," said a conference spokesman.

West Virginia Legislature overrides governor’s veto on abortion bill

"The West Virginia Legislature and the pro-life people in our state have been very strong in showing their support for the protection of human life," Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston said.

Daughters of St. Paul launch novena to tie into ‘The Young Messiah’

Each day, the online novena will include a film clip from "The Young Messiah," a corresponding question for reflection/meditation, and a prayer to the Holy Family.

Catholics urged to sign petition calling for U.S. declaration of genocide

The head of the U.S. Catholic bishops is calling on Catholics to pressure Secretary of State John Kerry to condemn atrocities committed by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. See our link to the petition.

Local therapist tells of porn addiction and danger for kids

A Philadelphia-area specialist in pornography's impact on families spoke to audiences in Florida this week, warning against unsupervised Internet access for children. "This stuff ... is poison," he said.