National News
To understand border issues, Americans immerse themselves for a week
For five days, eight U.S. citizens visited refugee shelters, churches and associations in El Paso, Texas and in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. They shared meals and prayers, and agreed the person-to-person contact was an "awakening."
Blessed Solanus lived out faith, hope, charity every day, says cardinal
UPDATED - Blessed Solanus Casey always said that "as long as there is a spark of faith," there can be no discouragement or sorrow, said Cardinal Angelo Amato, head of the Vatican's Congregation for Saints' Causes.
CLINIC ramps up training, education to better serve immigrants
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, which was founded by the U.S. bishops but has long been its own separate nonprofit agency, has stepped up its schedule of trainings.
Bishop Dewane disappointed by House passage of tax cut bill
House members "ignored impacts to the poor and families" in passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Nov. 16, said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida.
Catholic leaders urge Trump to return U.S. to leading role on climate
A group of 161 Catholic leaders cited three popes for advancing the church's call to care for creation. Their letter referenced a recent report concluding it is "extremely likely" that human activities are the leading cause of a warming planet.
Notre Dame allows third-party coverage of contraceptives in health plans
Questions continue to swirl around the University of Notre Dame's decision to allow the third-party administrators of its health plans to go on providing morally objectionable services to university employees, even though Notre Dame no longer is required by the government to do so.
Supreme Court to hear case on free speech and crisis pregnancy centers
The case will consider if a California law violates the Constitution by requiring the state's crisis pregnancy centers to inform their clients about the availability of free or low-cost abortion and contraceptive services and provide a referral number for them.
Priest seen as ‘Catholic Martin Luther King’ who gave ‘all to his faith’
Father Tolton, a candidate for sainthood, is the first recognized American diocesan priest of African descent and founder of the first black Catholic church in Chicago. The Archdiocese of Chicago formally opened his cause for sainthood in 2011.
Bishops approve revised translation of baptismal rite for children
The U.S. bishops approved the use of a new translation of the baptismal rite for the first time in 40 years Nov. 14 during their annual fall assembly in Baltimore.
Archbishop of Puerto Rico sees spiritual rebirth after hurricane’s wrath
As Puerto Rico's Catholics find their way through the wreckage and mud-soaked parish buildings and roofless homes while coping with minimal electricity, food and water, Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves said they have not lost their faith.