Calendar of Events

Pep rally for Polar Bear plungers

The Mater Dei School community in Lansdale is getting ready to dip into the frigid Atlantic Ocean at the Jersey shore this weekend, raising money for tuition assistance.

Pope to priests: Year of Mercy means unpaid overtime, but God gives joy

In a short, unscripted address, the pope told the priests to make sure they try to understand their people, "to put themselves in the other's shoes" and be generous with forgiveness.

For Idaho chef, faith is a vital ingredient of life

Most people know chef Lou Aaron for his culinary mastery, including the Idaho Ice Cream Potato, that draws crowds to his Westside Drive-in, a nationally recognized establishment given five stars on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent

Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass for a near capacity congregation of more than a thousand faithful at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Feb. 10. See our photo gallery.

New initiatives aim to help Catholics enrich prayer, giving during Lent

A mobile app for Catholic devotions, a way to help Christian refugees in the Middle East and an invitation to post a 10-second personal video on your faith are all new ways to experience Lent this year.

‘I’ve seen this in too many places,’ cardinal says of human trafficking

It has gotten to the point that in some urban centers, parents have to give explicit instructions to their young children on how to avoid being kidnapped, he said in his homily at the prayer service, conducted at St. Gabriel Church in Washington.

Pope sends off missionaries of mercy to help people open hearts to God

"Look upon your servants, Lord, that we are sending as messengers of mercy, salvation and peace. Guide their steps" and sustain them with "the power of your grace," the pope said during a special Ash Wednesday liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica Feb. 10.

College students spread abstinence message during True Love Week

In the days leading up to Valentine's Day, two groups of Wisconsin college students spread the message that true love is possible and can be found by practicing "right dating relationships."

House of Grace helps Arab ex-prisoners transition to life in Israel

Sultan Subouh, 32, has spent most of his life high on drugs or behind bars. But as he walked into the stone courtyard of the House of Grace after a full day's work as a handyman, he said he was determined to turn around his life.

Pope, meeting Iraqi leader, urges work for reconciliation

"I wish for Iraqis and for all of us -- for the whole world -- leaders like this," the pope said Feb. 10 as he gave the Iraqi leader a medallion featuring an olive tree -- a sign of peace -- that holds together a split rock.