National News
Massachusetts judge rejects right to physician-assisted suicide
Suffolk Superior Court Judge Mary K. Ames said in her Dec. 31 decision that the legality of the issue is not one for the courts to decide, but doctors can provide information and advise about medical aid in dying.
Gang graffiti tags church, school in Brooklyn Diocese
An individual marked the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and its school on Jan. 12 with the initials of Mara Salvatruccha 13, a violent transnational criminal group that emerged in Los Angeles and has been particularly active on Long Island.
Poor Clares’ monastery closes; last nuns move on
Through tears, the remaining four sisters and their chaplain bid farewell to friends and supporters, who have counted on the "holy place filled with holy women" in Tennessee for decades.
Knights, New York Archdiocese and others providing aid to quake victims
Online fundraising drives, parish collections and material assistance are helping residents of Puerto Rico, which has been rocked by a series of temblors that have leveled towns and churches.
Marchers for life praise ‘great gift’ of children for future
Thousands of people from six states turned out for the seventh annual March for Life Chicago Jan. 11, preceded by a Mass for Life and youth rally and followed by a banquet and swing dance party.
Religious expression faces ‘hostility’ on campus, scholar says
Free religious expression in American higher education is under constant threat from the tyranny of secular progressivism, said Robert P. George of Princeton University, a view shared by a Jewish scholar.
Texas Catholics oppose plan to reject new refugees
Catholic leaders were quick to take a stand against a Jan. 10 announcement by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that the state would no longer resettle refugees. It was the first state to do so; 42 others will accept refugees.
Love of baking and prayer make religious brother a winner
The enticing aromas in the kitchen signal that Brother Andrew Corriente is busy creating another cake for his Capuchin Franciscan brothers. He was the winner of ABC's "The Great American Baking Show."
Boost funding for security at religious sites, senators say
U.S. senators from Maryland joined Baltimore Archbishop William Lori and other faith leaders to call for increased federal funding amid a recent rise in anti-Semitic attacks, up 35% between 2014 and 2018.
Former cardinal moves from Kansas friary to new location
Laicized after substantiated sexual abuse claims, Theodore McCarrick left the Kansas friary where he had been living on Jan. 3 for an undisclosed address.