National News
Pro-lifers want high court to uphold ‘common-sense law,’ says Ryan
The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to a Texas law that requires abortion clinics to to meet the same requirements as a surgical center. House Speaker Paul Ryan spoke to pro-lifers rallying in Washington March 2.
Recovery continues after deadly tornadoes hit Louisiana, Virginia
The Feb. 23 storm system that spawned a record 13 tornadoes along the Louisiana Gulf Coast led to two deaths and caused damage along the East Coast, where at least seven people were killed.
Court hears oral arguments in challenge to Texas abortion restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in its first abortion case in nine years March 2 in a challenge by Texas abortion clinics to a 2013 state law that requires them to comply with standards of ambulatory surgical centers and their doctors to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.
Measure to ban dismemberment abortions sent to West Virginia governor
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston praised the West Virginia Legislature for passing the Unborn Child Protection From Dismemberment Abortion Act, "which will stop this terrible practice in our state," he said.
Catholic Navy SEAL given Medal of Honor for heroic action in Afghanistan
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers Jr., who has a devotion to St. Michael the Archangel, rescued a civilian hostage through hand-to-hand combat in a remote area of Afghanistan in 2012.
Priests abused hundreds of kids in Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, report says
UPDATED - A Pennsylvania grand jury found at least 50 priests or religious leaders were involved in sexual abuse, which was concealed by diocesan leaders, according to a report released March 1 by Attorney General Kathleen Kane.
Bishop urges all to ‘redouble’ prayers, efforts to help people in Flint
"It is gratifying to see that Catholic communities in Michigan and beyond have come forward to assist the remarkable efforts of Catholic Charities," Lansing Bishop Earl A. Boyea said in a statement.
Elderly urged to ‘live gift of mercy’ by thoughts, prayers for others
Bishop Ricken, along with Father Tom Long, diocesan vicar for ministers, visited with residents at St. Paul Elder Services, blessed a history wall display and offered Mass for the community Feb. 15 as part of the Holy Year of Mercy.
Rise in extreme poverty traced to 1996 welfare reform law
Meet the Washington family of Ohio, who live on $2 a day per person. One study shows the number of such families rose 159 percent from 1996 to 2011. Says one researcher: "We didn't reform welfare. We actually killed it."
Priest’s mission starts with getting people to the dinner table
"The idea of food in faith is implicit in our Scriptures. It's implicit in our liturgical calendar," he said, also adding that without question it's a key component of the Mass.