National News
Courts uphold one same-sex marriage ban but void two others
A federal judge upheld an amendment to Louisiana's state constitution in early September that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman, but later that same week, a federal court struck down same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Cardinal backs St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee as gay ban is lifted
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York said he continues to support the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee after it lifted a ban prohibiting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups from marching openly in the annual event.
Parish fights city to guard dignity of Baltimore’s homeless, poor
Father Dick Lawrence doesn't see homeless people through rose-colored glasses, but he doesn't close his eyes to them either.
Archbishop Sheen’s sainthood cause suspended
The canonization cause of Archbishop Fulton Sheen has been suspended indefinitely, according to a statement issued Sept. 3 by the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where the archbishop was born.
Pastor says vandalism won’t impact relationship with Muslim community
Members of St. Bartholomew Parish and two other Protestant communities in Columbus discovered their church buildings vandalized when they arrived for worship the morning of Aug. 31.
‘The Amazing Parish’ explores ways to revitalize Catholic communities
Catholic heavyweights behind a Denver-launched parish revitalization movement shared ideas on how to convert unchurched people into front-pew regulars. Some 140 parishes and organizations from as far as New York and Canada gathered for a conference in Denver to help churches become more vibrant centers for an encounter with Christ.
Ice bucket challenge brings attention to pro-life research center
Few people think of Iowa City, Iowa, as a hotbed of medical research. But in a roundabout way more Catholics are beginning to take notice of a Catholic, pro-life medical research center.
Cardinal pleas for solidarity with Iraq’s Christians after CUA Mass
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington made an impassioned plea for solidarity with persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria and strongly urged that voices be raised against atrocities being committed there.
Young workers need decent jobs and better pay, bishops say
In their statement for Labor Day this year, Sept. 1, the U.S. bishops denounced the fact young adults have "borne the brunt" of unemployment and underemployment. "For those fortunate enough to have jobs, many pay poorly,” wrote Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski.
Immigrants, activists urge Obama to act on immigration reform
Hundreds of protesters took part in a rally and march in Washington Aug. 28 chanting: "Not one more! Not one more!" to urge President Barack Obama to stop the deportation of immigrant families, workers and children.