National News
Liturgy marks 350th anniversary of first Mass in Vermont by French
In 1666, Jesuits celebrated the first Mass at the site of the French-established Fort Saint Anne, Vermont's oldest European settlement.
Pennsylvanians remember Flight 93 passengers who perished 15 years ago
A small group of Catholics quietly gathered Sept. 10 in the stillness of an open field in southern Pa. for an outdoor Mass to remember the people who sacrificed their lives so that others might live.
After 27-year prayer vigil for missing boy, the tragic news comes
Agnes Imdieke lit a candle and said a prayer for the safe return of Jacob Wetterling ever since the 11-year-old boy was abducted in 1989. When Jacob's remains were found Sept. 3, Agnes prayed with bittersweet gratitude for his family, especially his mother.
USCCB urges HHS compromise on contraceptive mandate case
A Sept. 9 letter from USCCB officials to the Department of Health and Human Services stressed that a compromise could effectively be reached in the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive requirement.
Iconographer’s curiosity about God led to growing her faith through art
Colette Kalvesmaki is trained in the ancient art of iconography, combining her knowledge of theology and her love of art to pass down stories of inspiration to future generations.
Emmylou Harris heads concert series to benefit Jesuit Refugee Service
The idea to do so came from a longtime friend, coupled with a visit to a JRS-run camp in Ethiopia for Eritrean refugees.
The battle over gun regulation returns to the election season
"There really is no reason why we need these combat weapons on our streets," said Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, speaking in a June interview with Chicago TV station WGN about violence and the availability of certain weapons.
MRS gets $1 million-plus grant from Mormons for refugee resettlement
The Mormons, as the denomination's adherents are popularly known, have refugee processing capabilities overseas, said MRS executive director Bill Canny, but do not offer domestic resettlement services.
Detroit parishioners gather on city’s streets praying to end violence
Taking Back the Night is prayer group started by the Archdiocese of Detroit's Office of Black Catholic Ministries. Its objective is simple: asking God for peace on the streets of the city they love.
Author finds One World Trade Center a witness to nation’s spirit
Fifteen years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks decimated the twin towers in lower Manhattan, the 1,776-foot One World Trade Center rises out of the ground, a palpable symbol of triumph and optimism.