National News
Fall River Diocese, town partner to create seashore wildlife sanctuary
In the spirit of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'," Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha recently finalized the sale of the property to the Westport Land Conservation Trust, so that the organization can create the Richmond Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.
Abortion foes buoyed by prospects for abortion limits under a Trump presidency
President-elect Donald Trump's commitments to nominate pro-life justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and support legislative efforts to limit abortion are invigorating abortion foes.
Burlington Diocese to celebrate Year of Creation in 2017
Similar to the global Year of Mercy, which emphasized the role of mercy in the Catholic faith, the diocesan-wide Year of Creation will bring an intentional, heightened focus on ecological justice.
Young people gathered to grow in faith is awesome sight, chaplain says
More than 12,500 people, mostly college students, are set to descend on San Antonio for a Jan. 3-7 conference. The group's chaplain is often brought to tears to see so many young people "on their knees in great prayer."
Sainthood cause formally opened for former slave who served Denver’s poor
Despite working long hours taking care of children, cooking and cleaning, she would often be seen walking at night through the streets of Denver pulling a small wagon of food and supplies, which she would deliver to poor families. She was known as Denver's "Angel of Charity."
USCCB president urges Catholics to give gift of themselves in New Year
"This Christmas, let us also visit the manger and give the gift of ourselves. This gift arises from our desire and search for peace at this time and place," Cardinal DiNardo said.
CRS board chair wants to share agency’s work more widely among Catholics
The work of feeding, sheltering and providing health care for hundreds of thousands of people who have trekked to safety in Jordan and Lebanon from Iraq and Syria is a story that the mainstream media largely has ignored, much to the chagrin of Bishop Mansour, the incoming chairman of the board at CRS.
Political divides now seen in ‘Merry Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Holidays’
A report issued Dec. 19 by the Public Religion Research Institute indicates that Democrats and Republicans differ even on what they want cash-register clerks to say in December.
Washington Dominicans prepare for Christmas with Advent stations
For the third consecutive year, the Dominican brothers in the Washington area have organized what they call Advent Stations, a night of liturgical music, Scripture readings and preaching, in a softly lighted St. Dominic Church.
Iowa pastor creates room-size Bethlehem village — with local touches
Father Rupp got the idea for the village while visiting Naples, Italy, where artisans literally embrace the sentiment "it takes a village" to display a Christmas crib, or "presepe" as the locals call it. He has been working on his presentation for about two years.