National News
Little Sisters get reprieve as 2 courts rule on HHS mandate
Some church-run institutions lost their argument that they would be burdened by the process of opting out of providing contraceptive coverage to employees.
International Courage conference draws participants from 78 dioceses
Nearly 400 people attended a meeting near Detroit that explored how to help Catholics engage a friend or loved one who declares he or she is gay.
Same-sex attraction needs more attention in parishes, speakers say
Attendees at a national conference discussed how to convey Church teaching and preaching for people with same-sex attraction. Said one New Jersey priest: "God doesn't hate gay people."
Five bishops learn about refugee abuse in Malaysia
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will hear a report on human trafficking and child abuse inflicted on refugees from Myanmar and other countries.
Building second papal altar is work of faith for deacon
A Maryland deacon who built the papal altar for Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 is reprising his role to build an altar for Pope Francis during his Mass in Washington, D.C.
Many expect pope to bring the ‘summer of immigration’ to a close
Catholic observers believe at some point during his visit to the U.S. next month, Pope Francis will address human migration and the "globalization of indifference" about migrants.
Few but varied images of Blessed Serra spark inspiration, controversy
When Jen Norton decided to paint Blessed Junipero Serra, she turned to the Internet to see what images of him exist. "Turns out there are not a lot," said the Catholic folk artist from San Jose, California.
New Mexico bishops laud court decision barring assisted suicide
"The Catholic Church strongly believes that life is a gift from a loving God, which extends from conception to natural death," they said. "Only God can give or take life and the state does not have the competency to shorten this precious gift, even for seemingly laudable purposes."
Pope’s visit tests security forces charged with guarding his every move
The Secret Service, the lead agency developing the security plan, and local law enforcement authorities have declined or not responded to requests by Catholic News Service to discuss any aspect -- no matter how general -- of security preparations for the pope's busy Sept. 22-27 visit.
LCWR head says new era of communion with Vatican closes ‘cultural chasm’
Sister Sharon Holland, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, told the group's annual assembly that behavior that is normal for a woman in American culture -- such as asking questions and thinking critically -- might easily be perceived as disrespectful in another setting.