National News
In death penalty discussion, U.S. bishops emphasize human dignity, mercy
The discussion took place on the World Day Against the Death Penalty and highlighted not only the consistency of church teaching against capital punishment but also what Catholics could do to learn more about what the Catholic Church has to say on this issue.
More remains of aborted babies found in cars late abortion doctor owned
UPDATED - Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill released new details Oct. 9 about the discovery of additional fetal remains in Illinois that are believed to be linked with abortions performed in Indiana.
Compensation plan for abuse victims opens in Colorado
An Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program to compensate abuse survivors in the Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo dioceses began Oct. 7. An independent review of diocesan records continues.
Cold War inspired manuscript collection effort led by Benedictine
Fear that the Benedictine heritage in Europe "would be vaporized if there were a World War III" prompted the copying of millions of pages of sacred manuscripts, a project led by a priest who spoke recently in Washington.
Benedictine estimates 70 million-plus pages of manuscripts digitized
Benedictine Father Columba Stewart began digitizing the files of his order in the U.S. by chance. While he leads the project across the world, he stays true to his Benedictine rule.
Parish recommits to sanctuary; archbishop says immigration a pro-life issue
A Kentucky parish won't house immigrants as it once did, but declared it offers "Sanctuary for all." Archbishop Joseph Kurtz called for sharing "Catholic social teaching to respect the dignity of every human person."
IDs give parishioners way to say, ‘I belong,’ regardless of legal status
Supported by law enforcement and interfaith leaders, parishes in a Texas diocese will issue identification cards for immigrants, who previously ceased coming to church out of fear for leaving their homes.
Two new auxiliary bishops named for New York Archdiocese
Pope Francis has appointed a parish pastor and the vicar for clergy in New York as bishops for the archdiocese. The pope also accepted the resignation of an elderly auxiliary bishop who remains under suspicion of abuse.
Little Sisters of the Poor again seek Supreme Court’s help
The Little Sisters of the Poor filed a petition with the Supreme Court Oct. 1 asking the court to once again protect them from the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Journalist talks about reconciling faith and career of covering executions
Michael Graczyk, a parishioner at a Catholic church in Montgomery County, Texas, has personally witnessed more than 400 executions of Texas inmates in death penalty cases in his career as a journalist.