National News
Pew poll shows ‘nones’ exceeding Catholics in U.S.
Those who profess no religious affiliation grew while the percentage of Catholics declined in the past 10 years, said a Pew Research Center survey. But 62% of Christians attending church twice a month do so at the same rate as 2009.
‘No religion’ rising among all ages; ‘enormous implications’ foreseen
Most of the religiously unaffiliated people in the U.S. are young, but a Fordham symposium said the trend encompasses all age groups. Panelists pointed to causes for the increase, and offered solutions.
Four N.Y. priests placed on leave; accused of abuse dating back decades
The New York Archdiocese has placed four of its priests -- three pastors and the director of priest personnel -- on administrative leave following an allegation of abuse with minors dating back several decades.
Gov. Cuomo pledges ‘full support’ for public statue of Mother Cabrini
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will build a statue to St. Frances Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants. His announcement followed a decision by the She Built NYC commission to reject funding of a public statue of Mother Cabrini, as she is best known.
Vatican congregation says claim against Texas bishop ‘manifestly unfounded’
A Vatican congregation said an allegation of abuse made against Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz of Galveston-Houston "is manifestly unfounded" and he has returned to public ministry.
Catholic schools ‘essential, integral’ to church’s ministry, say educators
Evangelization is present within schools because students are presented with a Catholic worldview that reveals the reality of God through the curriculum, said the head of the Catholic teachers' association.
Catholics among those arrested at protest over low refugee cap
Catholics joined an array of faith communities, human rights groups, clergy, refugees and refugee resettlement agencies gathered outside the U.S. Capitol Oct. 15 protesting deep cuts to the refugee admissions program.
L.A. Archdiocese expands fund for Southern California wildfire victims
The fund was expanded to include those affected by last year devastating fires and is now expanding to include those affected by the current fires in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Immigration advocates take part in teach-in event at U.S.-Mexico border
Organizers said the event was in response to "inhumane treatment of migrants and refugees at the border" and the El Paso shooting that authorities believe targeted Latinos this past summer.
Pastoral care of Hispanics, outreach to youth top Encuentro priorities
The Fifth National Encuentro, or V Encuentro is a multiyear process that involves mission, consultation and community building, and seeks to establish ways in which the Catholic Church can better respond to the Hispanic presence in parishes around the country.