National News
State legislatures seek to protect conscience rights in marriage debate
The legislatures of Oklahoma and Utah, respectively, have passed bills aimed at providing access to state marriage benefits to same-sex couples while protecting the rights of clergy and laity to hold to their beliefs about traditional marriage being between one man and one woman.
Despite low Catholic marriage numbers, some see trend turning around
The statistics show that while there were over 420,000 Catholic marriages in 1970, that number dwindled to just over 154,000 last year. "The church just isn't seen as important" to many young Catholics, a researcher said.
Paschal candle makers highlight symbolism, artistry in ancient craft
Martin Marklin has been fascinated by paschal candles -- the candles lit during the Easter Vigil at Catholic churches -- since he was an altar server at Holy Cross Parish in St. Louis.
U.N. looks at how women create a better world
As he opened a March 18 forum on Women Promoting Human Dignity, the Vatican's delegate to the United Nations said that "in the education of the heart, women are the world's professors."
Catholic-owned company in Colorado wins permanent injunction on mandate
Hercules Industries was the first business to obtain a preliminary injunction and now "has achieved final victory in its lawsuit," said Alliance Defending Freedom, whose attorneys are representing Hercules Industries and its owners, the Newland family.
Senate bill becomes human trafficking vs. abortion fight
Ten Senate Democrats voted March 17 to filibuster the Justice for Victims of Sex Trafficking Act over inclusion of Hyde Amendment provisions, which forbids federal funding for most abortions or abortion-related care.
Catholic advocates push Congress for a budget that protects poor people
The advocates told Catholic News Service they want to prevent trillions of dollars in social services spending from disappearing over the next decade as Congress seeks to balance the federal budget and reduce the nation's growing debt.
Utah lawmakers end session with passage of anti-discrimination bill
The measure, signed into law by Republican Gov. Gary Herbert March 12 in the Capitol rotunda, adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes against whom landlords and employers may not discriminate.
Polish missionary finds Baroque music still evangelizes in Bolivia
How did a musically inclined Polish missionary with his heart set on evangelizing in Japan end up in Bolivia leading an indigenous choir that sings centuries-old Baroque tunes?
New York parade-goers number 2 million; gay group marches for first time
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan was this year's grand marshal, leading the 254th annual procession for a ways on Fifth Avenue. He then returned to St. Patrick's Cathedral, to review the parade from the steps of the church.