National News
President Obama signs bipartisan religious freedom bill
The new law, written by New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, gives the Obama administration and the State Department new tools to counter extremism and combat a worldwide escalation of persecution of religious minorities.
‘Wimpy Kid’ author pays tribute to Catholic roots during Maryland visit
In Clinton, students and teachers at St. Mary's School of Piscataway learned that their Catholic school and parish in the Archdiocese of Washington has a special connection to a modern children's classic, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney.
Activists, merchants use fair trade to change fashion industry
Sweatshops aren't a high priority for most Americans, Catholics included, even as Americans are buying more clothing than ever. Bargain clothing comes at a human cost, say Catholic advocates, who are pushing store chains to sell fair trade brands.
Vietnam veteran uses ‘second chance’ to help others
"I've been through a lot, but it never really bothered me because I accepted it right away," said Barrientes, who awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. "I just wanted to continue living."
USCCB forms working group to monitor needs of migrants, refugees
The groundwork for the working group was set during the bishops' annual fall general assembly in Baltimore when several bishops suggested the conference closely monitor actions by the federal government that affect immigrants and refugees.
U.S. humanitarian group urges Catholics to say rosary on pope’s birthday
"This spiritual bouquet represents the good wishes and blessings sent by millions throughout the world who will be praying the rosary on the Holy Father's birthday to thank God for the gift of Pope Francis.
Catholic college dedicates sacred space as place for all faiths to pray
It provides a place of prayer for students, faculty and staff members who might have otherwise sought out the rare, vacant classroom for prayer at the Catholic college.
‘We stand with you and we love you,’ Portland archbishop tells immigrants
During the Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the archbishop then called on all Catholics in western Oregon to condemn racial bigotry and hatred.
After a year of setbacks, uncertainty looms for immigrants in 2017
With a president-elect who made campaign promises to form "deportation forces" and remove 11 million immigrants, many are facing 2017 with trepidation.
Refugees, migration a front-burner topic throughout 2016
Estimates this year placed the number of immigrants worldwide at 65 million -- 21 million of them refugees -- with many millions more labeled "internally displaced" only because they still live within the borders of their birth country.