National News

High court to hear cases on HHS mandate

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Nov. 26 to take up two cases that challenge provisions of the Affordable Care Act requiring employers to provide contraceptive coverage on behalf of for-profit companies whose owners object to the mandate for religious reasons.

Catholic college says HHS mandate makes it ‘second-class’ religious entity

BELMONT, N.C. (CNS) -- Belmont Abbey College filed a new lawsuit Nov. 20 in its long-running fight against a federal law requiring most employers to provide free contraceptives in their health insurance plans.

Faith forms bedrock of who they are, say Catholic youths at conference

Some 23,000 Catholic teenagers from across the country met in Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 21-23 for three days of Mass, workshops, service opportunities, musical performances, eucharistic adoration and fun at a theme park inside the Indiana Convention Center.

Young people weary of ‘culture of death,’ says founder of Live Action

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CNS) -- Lila Rose, founder of the pro-life group Live Action, said the organization's mission is to protect those who can't protect themselves, but it's also to expose "a truth." The work of Live Action involves investigative journalism, and its videos have shed light on illegal and unethical practices in the abortion industry.

Dallas marks JFK assassination anniversary with prayers and solemnity

DALLAS (CNS) -- Under cloudy skies and blustery winds, thousands of people gathered Nov. 22 at the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 50 years ago to the day, a tribute to his legacy and a ceremony many local officials also hoped would finally wipe the stain away from Dallas' darkest day.

San Francisco archbishop criticizes Illinois legalizing same-sex marriage

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said the action by the Illinois Legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn to legalize same-sex marriage "does not alter the natural reality that marriage is and can only be the union of one man and one woman."

Washington cathedral, site of Kennedy funeral in ’63, is ‘holy ground’

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- On Nov. 25, 1963, a television audience of millions of people around the world prayerfully bid farewell to President John F. Kennedy, as his flag-draped coffin was placed before the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, during the funeral Mass for the slain president.

Dioceses solicit Catholics’ views in preparing for synod on family

The Philadelphia Archdiocese and Harrisburg Diocese are among a handful around the country that have online ways for everyday Catholics to put in their two cents' worth about the discussions bishops from around the world will have with Pope Francis at a synod Oct. 5-19, 2014.

Priest’s presence seen as comfort for Kennedys upon return from Dallas

One Youngstown diocesan priest, the late Father Robert Brengartner, was present to meet the Kennedy family when they returned from Dallas to what was then called the Bethesda Naval Hospital near Washington.

Convicted murderer executed for ‘merciless’ violence ‘fueled by hate’

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- The state of Missouri executed convicted murderer Joseph P. Franklin Nov. 20, after two federal judges had issued stays of execution that were reversed by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court.