National News
Death penalty foes applaud message of new movie ‘Just Mercy’
The film may rouse "the part of society that either doesn't believe the death penalty is still in practice or chooses to ignore it," said leaders of a Catholic seeking to eliminate death penalty laws and executions.
House bill improves existing system for farmworkers, farmers, say bishops
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019, passed by the House Dec. 11 with a 260-165 bipartisan vote, aims "to make a better system for both the farmer and the farmworkers and to create a more effective and humane agriculture industry."
Presidential debate will go on after labor pact OK’d
A food service company settled an agreement with employees of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where the Democratic presidential debate was set for Dec. 19. Most candidates had vowed not to cross strikers' picket lines.
Catholic homilies shorter than Christian counterparts, data show
An analysis of 50,000 sermons showed the median Catholic homily is 14 minutes long, followed by mainline Protestant sermons at 25 minutes, Evangelical Christian sermons at 39 and African American Protestant sermons at 54.
Creches tell the Nativity story using materials, symbols of local culture
The ubiquitous manger scene makes the perfect illustration of enculturation, that is, adapting the principles of faith to a specific cultural setting. The Incarnation, the moment God becomes human, allows the nations to envision Christ as one of their own.
‘God has all of me:’ Crisis led woman to life as virgin
Next May, Miriam Marston, 38, will wear a white dress, receive a ring and stand in front of the altar. The former agnostic, having fallen in love with God, will be consecrated to him in one of the oldest rites of the church.
U.S. clothing drive helps babies in Christ’s hometown
The ask was simple: "Swaddling clothes needed." A collection of onesies by Washington's Franciscan Monastery will help swaddle some of the 4,700 babies born each year in Holy Familiy Hospital, Bethlehem.
Nebraska bishop to take medical leave of absence
At the request of Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Pope Francis granted his temporary leave due to what the bishop said was medically diagnosed depression and anxiety. He will undergo "the best psychological and medical treatment available"
Fire destroys N.J. church; suspected arsonist arrested
James Mayers, a 26-year-old local resident, was arrested at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, in the Newark Archdiocese, where the fire had been set with a cigarette lighter and gasoline.
Students kept safe in N.J. Catholic school during furious gun battle
Sacred Heart Catholic School in Jersey City reopened Dec. 12, with a heavy police presence outside, two days after gun battle, which killed six, raged at a kosher supermarket across the street from the school.