National News
Merton discussions challenge prisoners’ minds, foster their prayer life
The only chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society that is located in a prison is at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Shirley, according to the 83-year-old who started it there.
Congress urged to act on poverty, conscience protection, online access
In two letters to members of Congress, the chairmen of four committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged action to protect the poor and to enact conscience protections for medical workers and insurers.
As a suicide alternative, palliative care affirms life at its end
The physician-assisted suicide in Oregon of 29-year-old Brittany Maynard has reignited discussion of a life-affirming alternative -- palliative care. It includes pain control, treatment of depression and other symptoms, and spiritual care.
Jesus invites all to take risk ‘of being more,’ says new Chicago archbishop
At his installation as the ninth archbishop of Chicago Nov. 18, Archbishop Blase J. Cupich urged the congregation at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral to fearlessly share their faith recognizing that God calls them "to more" and "to greater things."
‘Thrilled’ at news of papal visit, Philadelphia Catholics are thinking big
A day after the historic announcement of Pope Francis’ intention to visit Philadelphia next September, the reality of the challenges and joys of the event is sinking in for planners, civic officials and ordinary Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Maryland governor says changed civic values add to economic inequity
With an engaging illustration of economic inequity in the United States, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley told an audience at The Catholic University of America that the lessons he learned as a student there too often are lost in politics and policy.
Hypoallergenic incense, low-gluten hosts can ease Massgoers’ allergies
Billowing clouds of incense at Mass and the inability to receive Communion can force some Catholics to cover their face or get out of the pew because of allergies and a sensitivity to wheat.
Assisted suicide bill rejects God’s design for life, death, says bishop
The state of New Jersey is "now on the road" to legalizing physician-assisted suicide, but "it is an option and a choice that we should never make," said Trenton Bishop David M. O'Connell.
Cardinal O’Malley says Rome ‘urgently’ needs to look into Bishop Finn
In an interview with "60 Minutes" airing Sunday, Nov. 16, Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston said the Vatican needs to address the situation of Bishop Robert Finn of Missouri, who was convicted in 2012 for failing to report suspected child abuse.
Conference called ‘strong sign’ of importance of traditional marriage
A Southern Baptist leader who will speak at a Vatican-sponsored conference next week on traditional marriage called the gathering "a strong sign that shows that marriage is necessary for human nourishing."