National News
Pittsburgh parishes asked to collect funds for Jewish congregations
"This collection is a gift of love and solidarity from one religious community to another, to say that the Catholic people of southwestern Pennsylvania suffer with you and we are here to support you," Bishop Zubik said.
High court to consider if 40-foot-cross war memorial endorses religion
The Supreme Court announced Nov. 2 that it would hear oral arguments this term to consider if a 40-foot cross in Maryland endorses religion or is simply a secular memorial.
Serving country, aiding soldiers second nature for Medal of Honor winner
When describing life-altering decisions and brave moments of selflessness, former Army Staff Sgt. and Medal of Honor recipient Ronald Shurer speaks succinctly and matter-of-factly, as if his actions were the most natural thing in the world.
Naming clergy accused of abuse is about victims’ healing, says archbishop
After reviewing more than 2,400 clergy files dating back nearly 70 years, the Archdiocese of New Orleans released the names of 55 priests and two deacons who had been removed from ministry for accusations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Audio, large-print resources can help elderly parishioners, expert says
With a large aging population of Catholics in many areas of the country will come an array of age-related vision complications that invariably hinder full participation in the liturgy and in spiritual life.
Digital technology enhances religious education options for the blind
"Not everyone has one, but with a refreshable Braille display, you can download a Braille ready file (BRF) to your BRF device and it can be read on the display as refreshable Braille. That is a great way for us to reach more people and use technology."
Landscape for those with disabilities changed since bishops’ statement
In the 40 years since the U.S. bishops approved their "Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons With Disabilities" in 1978, the landscape for persons with disabilities has changed both within the church and within society, and largely for the better.
Joint newspaper report examines bishops’ responses to abuse allegations
UPDATED - The Boston Globe and the Philadelphia Inquirer teamed up for an article that examined ways it said the U.S. bishops have failed to police themselves even since their 2002 gathering in Dallas about clergy sex abuse when they "promised that the church's days of concealment and inaction were over."
At border, groups worry about tension, potential for government violence
Catholic groups who work with migrants, and those affiliated with them, worry that the president's words, actions and policy are creating a precarious atmosphere ahead of the arrival the group, said to number between 3,000 and 7,000, including about 2,000 youth and children.
Panel examines low numbers of Latino students in Catholic schools
The cost of attending Catholic schools was something that came up right away as a key barrier to Latino enrollment and some panelists said more families need to be aware of available vouchers or tax credits, even if this is just a short-term solution.