National News
Response to sex abuse in U.S. church since 2002 still little known
Surveys show that many Catholics are unaware of the steps that the bishops have taken since 2002 to prevent child abuse. Allegations continue to decrease and background checks are nearly universal.
Kurtz: ‘Gift of religious freedom’ at risk of ‘being taken for granted’
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz made the comments in his homily at the Diocese of Phoenix's annual recent Red Mass, celebrated recently at St. Mary's Basilica. Among those attending were judges, lawyers, government attorneys, lawmakers and law students.
Cassin’s support of Catholic education earns Drexel Award from FADICA
Business leader B.J. Cassin, a supporter of the nationwide Cristo Rey network of Catholic high schools for students from low-income families, is the 2019 recipient of the St. Katharine Drexel Award from Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities.
U.S. bishops condemn court’s denial of imam’s presence at execution
The U.S. bishops said they were troubled by his execution but also by the U.S. Supreme Court denying the Muslim man's request to have his imam at his execution.
Survivor: Saints give solace in coping with effects of child sex abuse
A woman raised Jewish and abused as a kindergartener found in Catholic spirituality an aid to coping with the terrible things that can mutilate the human psyche. Now a Catholic, she knows the spiritual power of redemptive suffering and the value of tears.
Survivor: ‘Jesus is light that shows us way’ to stop sexual exploitation
"Child abuse is my childhood," said a woman who recounted years of being prostituted by her father. Today she leads a nonprofit helping to end exploitation. "Freeing people from slavery is what we do."
Portland archbishop’s pastoral letter calls for more chant in liturgy
Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample in a new pastoral letter said that only sacred music that is characterized by sanctity, beauty and universality "is worthy of the holy Mass."
Indiana parish opens ‘Blessing Box’ as a gift to people in need
The pastor said parishioners are excited to help individuals and families in need through the stand-alone structure, filled with nonperishable food items and toiletries that anyone in need can access at any time of day.
Weeklong observance in U.S. celebrates ‘beauty and gift of marriage’
National Marriage Week USA and World Marriage Day are opportunities for "building a culture of life and love that begins with promoting and defending marriage and the family," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.
Victims of child sex abuse vulnerable to being exploited in sex trade
A tragic, but consistent, finding in research on prostitution is the frequent correlation between childhood sexual assault and exploitation in the commercial sex trade.