National News
Priest sees Ferguson as ground zero where change can be made in society
The destruction throughout Ferguson left Blessed Teresa of Calcutta parishioner and former mayor Brian Fletcher speechless. "My heart is broken," he wrote in an email. "Words can't describe the near destruction of our beloved city of Ferguson."
Texas bishops argue death-row inmate too mentally ill to be executed
Appealing to Gov. Rick Perry "as a man of deep Christian values," the Texas Catholic Conference urged him to stay the Dec. 3 execution of Scott Louis Panetti and commute his sentence to ensure the inmate receives the proper medical treatment for mental illness.
New evangelization needed to counter lukewarm faith, says speaker
Ralph Martin, a leader in the Catholic renewal ministries movement, said a crucial part of the mission of lay people in the church is a willingness to talk about Jesus, even though "it makes us squirm."
Better music at Mass means closer encounter with Christ, composer says
During his two-day mission in Sioux City, contemporary Christian musician John Michael Talbot was by turns a comedian, a guitarist and a theologian.
District Court judges in three states rule to allow same-sex marriage
Federal judges in Arkansas and Mississippi Nov. 25 struck down laws prohibiting same-sex marriage. Both orders were stayed until the states have time to consider whether to appeal.
Obama, Archbishop Cupich meet in Chicago, talk immigration
Less than a week after he was installed in his new position, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich had a brief private meeting with President Barack Obama when the president visited the city to promote his executive actions on immigration.
Release of Guantanamo detainees appears to be on upswing
The recent releases of several men from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is seen as a sign that other transfers are in the works by advocates for the more than 140 men still being held.
Addressing Ferguson verdict, bishop urges new push to end racism
The smashed windows, lootings, car and building fires when the grand jury's decision was announced were "part of a cycle of violence that is going to continue spiraling," said Bishop John H. Ricard, president of the National Black Catholic Congress.
Education, parish programs aim to address issues of justice, race
St. Frances Cabrini Academy students are from all economic levels, ethnic backgrounds and faith traditions. Because of support from throughout the community, the school in south St. Louis is able to enroll students whose families need help to meet tuition costs.
U.S.-Mexico border Mass marked by painful reunion through the fence
The 18-car Union Pacific train blew its horn about 50 feet from the U.S.-Mexico divide. There, in a dusty one-acre lot, an American road ends -- literally. And it was where 12-year-old Yoryet Lara hoped to get a glimpse of her mother.