National News
North Dakota bishop asks priests to pray in front of abortion clinic
Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo has asked all priests of his diocese to spend at least one hour in prayer before the state's only abortion facility and to join him in a procession to the facility Sept. 26.
Sisters serving in South Texas ‘colonia’ win Lumen Christi Award
Three members of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ministering in Texas were named the winners of the Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Award given each year by Catholic Extension.
Dallas bishop calls decision to house Ebola victims the ‘right thing to do’
Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell said that he followed the teaching of Christ and stepped in to house the fiancee of Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan and three others for several weeks at a diocesan facility because when no one else would.
Catholics debate how hard to hit ISIS in Middle East
From scholars to Catholics in the pews, people are discussing whether and how much military force should be used in the Middle East to protect defenseless people from violent Islamic State extremists. (Watch a related video)
Seeking the common good and avoiding polarization in Catholic media
Pope Francis' call to Christians to examine and reconsider the way they treat others brings challenges for Catholic publications in combatting polarization within the church, said a panel of editors and publishers Oct. 16.
Judge says same-sex couples can marry in Arizona; state won’t appeal
A U.S. District Court judge's ruling that Arizona's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional "overturns the will of Arizona voters and reflects a misunderstanding of the institution of marriage," the state's Catholic bishops said Oct. 17.
Catholic youths urged to service others, ‘shine brighter and brighter’
Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, told a crowd of more than 6,000 junior high and high school students that if she can forgive the person who killed most of her family in the 1994 massacre, then "anybody can forgive."
Opus Prize winner’s program helps women prisoners and their children
A Sister of St. Joseph who directs an organization that helps women in prison and former women inmates as well as their children has won the 2014 Opus Prize for faith-based humanitarian work.
Diocese agrees to settle 30 abuse claims for close to $10 million
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph said Oct. 14 that it hoped that a $9.95 million settlement it reach on abuse claims "can bring about some closure to those hurt by abuse in the past."
App brings God into digital environment, creates ‘space’ for meditation
Amid the imposed and often fast-paced routine of everyday life, an app is giving people a reason to quiet their minds through light meditation and prayer. PeaceQuest is an immersive 3-D app designed to take users on a spiritual journey and allow them to establish a deeper connection with God and with themselves.