National News
House OKs abortion bill called ‘far outside the American mainstream’
In a 218-211 vote Sept. 24, the U.S. House passed the Women's Health Protection Act, described by one legislator as "an existential threat to unborn children and to the value of life itself."
Bishop urges U.S. to recommit to ending arms race head of treaty review
Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Illinois, said new nuclear weapons technologies being developed by the U.S. and Russia undermine a non-proliferation treaty up for review early next year.
Local News
Pro-life movement ‘very energized’ as abortion battle accelerates, say advocates
Despite calls to make abortion a constitutional right, local experts are optimistic about efforts to protect the unborn, with younger generations increasingly active in defending life.
Festival brings Padre Pio to the people, and the people to God
The sixth annual Padre Pio Festival at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland drew hundreds of all ages for two days of Mass, confessions, eucharistic adoration, family fun and "many, many blessings."
AbbeyFest draws hundreds for music, fun and ‘hearts open to Jesus’
Headline acts, a Hollywood actor, a "rock star" archbishop and family-friendly activities made for a "cool Catholic" gathering at Daylesford Abbey Sept. 19 -- but the spirit of celebrating God remains the same, said organizers.
Four archdiocesan schools take home the Blue Ribbon
A total of 41 parish and regional Catholic elementary schools in the five-county archdiocesan area have now attained the national award since the U.S. Department of Education launched the program in 1982.
Video Features
Include young people on the journey, says archbishop
In his new monthly vlog, Archbishop Nelson Pérez invites the church to make space for the "now of God," who are "craving to belong."
World News
Defend life, promote access to health care for all, pope says
Meeting members of the Pontifical Academy for Life Sept. 27, Pope Francis said COVID should make those who are well-off think about "what it means to be vulnerable and live in precariousness on a daily basis."
Canadian bishops apologize for abuses, ongoing trauma of Indigenous
In a Sept. 24 statement, the nation's bishops acknowledged "the suffering experienced in Canada's Indian Residential Schools," and raised the possibility of a visit by the pope to Canada.
German Catholic lay groups voice frustration with slow pace of reforms
On the last day of the German bishops' annual meeting, lay Catholics demonstrated and marched to demand "tangible concrete change" and credibility in the Catholic Church after they claim bishops have asked them for years to be patient.
Sports
Father Judge’s spring football tune-up pays off with early fall wins
The Crusaders played in an unprecedented six-game spring schedule last March and April, winning four. This season a strong ground game has resulted in the most wins in years, even before October.
Photo features
Puerto Rican Catholic heritage celebrated at cathedral Mass
Archbishop Nelson Perez celebrated the Mass Sept. 23 that featured numerous Philadelphia Police officers, youths in traditional dress, priests who serve in Hispanic ministry and waving among all, the colors of the flag of Puerto Rico.
Padre Pio Festival brings smiles and solace to faithful
Now in its sixth year, the annual two-day gathering at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland united faithful of all ages around a beloved patron saint, drawing them all closer to Christ.
AbbeyFest’s day of music, faith, fun a hit for 7th year
Hundreds of young people and families enjoyed a full day of Christian music plus games and moving prayer during the annual all-day festival held Saturday, Sept. 18 at Daylesford Abbey, Paoli.
Profile
In run for Pa. governor, Guy Ciarrocchi sees link of religion and politics
Once an advocate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with government leaders, the 56-year-old Republican not only believes there’s an intersection of moral or faith-based perspectives in most public policy debates, he’s made a career of driving right through it.
Calendar of Events
St. Mary’s School to host country fair in Old City, Philadelphia
The independent Catholic school will hold its 15th annual Harvest Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 16 on Locust Street in the city featuring fun games, raffle prizes, food and special awards, all to benefit the science and technology needs.
Spirituality
If there’s an obstacle on your spiritual journey, remove it
Anything that gets in the way of the abundant life and joy that Jesus offers is an obstacle that can frustrate us on our spiritual journey, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior. Jesus encourages us to move forward unimpeded toward the Kingdom of God.
Rewriting the headlines for the better, with the help of a few Scottish sisters
Peggy and Christine Smith couldn't even attend church due to their infirmities, but their humble prayers sparked a spiritual revival that transformed their wayward village -- and we're called to do the same, writes Gina Christian.
Culture
Like teen of its title, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ plumbs deep well of emotions
Always intense though sometimes awkward, the movie's star-studded cast brings gravitas, and sometimes too much, to this film adaptation of the stage hit that throws a spotlight on the real-life problems of young people.
Three books offer hope-filled views on Christian-Muslim relations
A journey through the Muslim year with friends, an exploration of negative views toward Muslims and how Christians can work with them in solidarity are the themes of three new books on their relationship both in the U.S. and around the world.
Commentaries
A hard time to find workers, and parish catechists
Parishes nationwide are struggling to recruit enough teachers for PREP programs, where training, money and appreciation are often scant, writes Hosffman Ospino. Now is the time to invest amply because catechists may hold the key to keeping the faith among millions of Catholics.
Catholic parenting: A lifelong process
As the parent of a good, kind and faithful young adult son, Mike Nelson believes it's how you live your life in the context of the Catholic faith that sets the tone for how your children live theirs, well into their own adulthood.
How do we respond to the anger in our nation?
Face masks seem to have brought out the anger in many people, Effie Caldarola observes. Negativity is contagious, but so is positivity, so she resolves to be the one who observes people around her and reacts with kindness.