National News
Senate OKs farm bill; Obama pledges to sign it
In addition to nutrition programs, the farm bill's provisions cover crop insurance, conservation, subsidies to farmers and overseas food aid. The $800 million cut to the food stamp program in the bill will result in $90 less per month for 850,000 Americans.
‘Troublemaker’ pope reshaping church, but drawing some skepticism
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The pontificate of Pope Francis is still young, but his statements and actions already have given guidance for how simple changes can improve the world, said panelists at Georgetown University.
Cardinal Wuerl dedicates new mosaic at national shrine in Washington
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington Feb. 2 dedicated a newly installed mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the work is the "the second to the last step" in completing the artistic vision of the shrine's original designers.
Fighting poverty begins with grass-roots organizing, say panelists
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- What can Catholics do to combat poverty? Pope Francis' desire for a "church that is poor and for the poor" has them asking that question anew.
Ukrainian Catholics pray, worry as unrest unfolds in homeland
ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- The ongoing crisis in Ukraine is drawing support from Ukrainian Catholics in St. Louis and Philadelphia, where Archbishop Chaput called for prayer and action by the U.S. federal government to support civil liberties in that country.
Father Hehir: Pope’s focus on poor brings church tradition to forefront
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The focus thus far by Pope Francis on the church's responsibilities to the poor are certainly not new, and there will continue to be new challenges as his attention encompasses other aspects of Catholic social teaching, suggested Father J. Bryan Hehir in an address to people who work in social ministries.
New complications in executions bring new death penalty discussions
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- International law, the risk of using inhumane methods of execution and opposition to capital punishment by the survivors of murder victims are among issues that are bringing fresh energy to debate about the death penalty.
Music ministry called a gift that can reconnect people with church
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (CNS) -- Holy Family Monastery and Retreat Center in West Hartford, founded by the Passionist community of fathers and brothers in 1951, is famous for many reasons.
Montana diocese files for bankruptcy over sexual abuse claims
The Diocese of Helena took the action to resolve 362 claims of abuse of minors. A settlement includes $15 million for those victims already identified, and a fund of $2.5 million for court costs and compensation to any victims who come forward later.
Catholic advocates find little to praise in farm bill passed by House
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The House passed a five-year farm bill Jan. 29, more than a year after the 2008 farm bill expired and two days before an extension of the prior measure was to expire.