National News
Cardinal Dolan says USCCB continues analysis of HHS mandate
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a Sept. 17 letter to U.S. bishops, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to study the legal and moral implications of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act. The USCCB also continues to "develop avenues of response that would both preserve our strong unity and protect our consciences," he said.
Washington cardinal urges Catholics to create a ‘civilization of love’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- One day after the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl celebrated a Mass for consolation and healing in which he prayed for the victims of the rampage and asked God to "heal the wounds in our society so that we can prevent tragedies such as we have just witnessed."
Governor, president declare Colorado’s flood zone disaster areas
DENVER (CNS) -- Colorado Governor John W. Hickenlooper declared a state of disaster emergency in response to massive flooding across 15 counties, from south of Colorado Springs to the Wyoming border, caused by several days of heavy rain fall that began Sept. 11.
Bishop tells House any cut in food aid has ‘human, moral consequences’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- How the U.S. House "chooses to address our nation's hunger and nutrition programs will have profound human and moral consequences," said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
Retired archbishop is in critical but stable condition after stroke
SEATTLE (CNS) -- Retired Seattle Archbishop Alex J. Brunett remained in critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue Sept. 16, four days after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgery.
As Navy Yard shooting details are sorted out, leaders ask for prayers
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As military, police and federal investigators searched for a second suspect in the Sept. 16 shootings at the Washington Navy Yard that left at least 12 dead, religious leaders and public officials offered prayers for the victims and their families.
Veteran journalist named communications director for Pittsburgh Diocese
PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- Bishop David A. Zubik has appointed Ann Rodgers as the director of communications for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective Jan. 1. She will succeed Robert Lockwood, who has held the post since October 2001. To transition to her new position, Rodgers will join the staff of the diocese Sept. 30. Rodgers has covered religion for the secular media since 1980.
Writers reflect on U.S., Mexican migration 10 years after joint pastoral
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A decade after the bishops of Mexico and the United States issued their first joint pastoral letter on the immigration-related challenges facing their countries, a panel of commentators observed that the situation remains much the same.
‘It’s a girl!’ Joyful words in U.S., dangerous words in India, China
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In the United States, hearing the words "it's a girl," is a cause for enormous joy and celebration for most, said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. "Today, the three most dangerous words in China and India are: It's a girl," Smith said told a congressional hearing Sept. 10.
USCCB president: CHA support of health care rules ‘less than helpful’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the Catholic Health Association's acceptance of rules governing women's access to contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act was "less than helpful" to the bishops' effort to seek changes in the mandate. "We have not, ourselves as bishops, been able to arrive at the same conclusion, that accommodation with HHS is that easy," said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York at a news conference Sept. 11.