National News
Federal court upholds free speech rights of Baltimore pregnancy centers
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down a Baltimore ordinance that would have forced pro-life pregnancy centers in the city to post signs stating they do not provide or refer for abortions or contraceptives.
Mercy sisters embark on solidarity week with immigrants via social media
In a strongly worded message prior to National Migration Week Jan.7-13, the president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas expressed solidarity with migrants and called on others to stop "blaming migrants and fanning anti-immigrant sentiment that divides our nation."
Churches no longer exempt from FEMA disaster aid
This change is not just for damage caused in future disasters but also affects claims made by churches last year from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma because it can be applied retroactively to claims made "on or after Aug. 23, 2017."
FCC internet policy shift stirs uncertainty — and likely lawsuits
Later in January, once the new rules go into effect, look for lawsuits, hearings and bills to reverse the FCC's new policy.
In op-ed, border bishop pleads for TPS leniency for sake of children
In a Jan. 2 opinion piece, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, said he worries for families in which some members are U.S. citizens and others have a less permanent immigration status.
Arctic plunge challenges charitable agencies to keep people warm
The brutally cold weather covering the eastern two-thirds of the country at the start of 2018 kept Catholic agencies scurrying to find ways to make sure no one was left without warm shelter and hot meals.
Sister who was inspiration for ‘The Trouble With Angels’ character dies
A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 2 for Dominican Sister John Eudes Courtney, who spent 68 years in religious life. Sister Courtney died Dec. 22 at age 95 at the Sinsinawa Dominicans' motherhouse in Sinsinawa.
Grant helps Alverno College translate religious life blog into Spanish
A recent stint translating blogs from English to Spanish on Alverno College's SisterStory website gave graduate Sarai Melendez a lesson in religious life.
Archbishop Chaput mourns death of the Mormons’ president
The archbishop joined the president of the U.S. Catholic bishops in offering condolences on the death of Thomas Monson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Monson, 90, died Jan. 2.
Vermont parishes set to celebrate the Year of the Family in 2018
Following its successful Year of Creation observance, the Diocese of Burlington has designated 2018 as the Year of the Family with a particular focus on Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love").