National News
States approve laws permitting same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Voters in Maine, Washington state and Maryland approved ballot measures legalizing same-sex marriage Nov. 6. In Minnesota, voters rejected a state constitutional amendment to define marriage as only a union between a man and woman. The Catholic bishops in each state had urged voters to uphold the traditional definition of marriage between […]
Massachusetts defeats assisted suicide; California keeps death penalty
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Massachusetts voters narrowly defeated a "death with dignity" measure, rejecting attempts to legalize assisted suicide. In California, an initiative to end the use of the death penalty was defeated as well in another close vote.
Welcoming immigrants at ‘heart of Christian discipleship,’ priest says
By Michelle Martin Catholic News Service
Message of Pope Benedict XVI to President Obama
Vatican City, 7 November 2012 (VIS) – Benedict XVI, through the apostolic nunciature in Washington, U.S.A., has sent a message to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his re-election as president of the United States of America. In his message the Holy Father expresses his best wishes to the president on his new mandate, and gives […]
Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s letter on President Obama’s re-election
Dear President Obama, In my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to express my congratulations on your re-election as President of the United States. The people of our country have again entrusted you with a great responsibility. The Catholic Bishops of the United States offer our prayers that […]
Pope Benedict, Cardinal Dolan congratulate President Obama on his re-election
Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of congratulations to President Barack Obama Nov. 7, the day after his re-election as president of the United States. The Pope expressed best wishes to the president "on his new mandate," according to Vatican Information Service, which released the Pope's message. The Holy Father also "gives assurances of his prayers to God to help (Obama) carry out his serious responsibilities, both in his own country and within the international community."
People lost ‘stuff’ in storm but still have each other, priest says
ISLAND PARK, N.Y. (CNS) — Sacred Heart Church in Island Park is in an area of the Diocese of Rockville Centre among the most devastated by Hurricane Sandy, but the pastor urged parishioners not to fret about the material goods they have lost. “Don’t be angry. We lost stuff. We will get other stuff,” Msgr. […]
Catholic Charities USA accepting donations to help storm victims
In the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, Catholic Charities USA's Disaster Response office is working to help the millions of families and individuals without basic necessities such as food and shelter. The organization is still assessing the situation, but “ultimately we expect nearly 50 of our local agencies will be providing direct relief to the people who need it most,” said Father Larry Snyder, executive director, in a letter Nov. 2.
Panel: Understanding role of faith in society essential to US diplomacy
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Understanding a country’s culture has always been a key part of diplomatic training, but for decades, the religious community has pushed the State Department to pay more and better attention to the role of faith in society. “In many places around the world, understanding religion is imperative to understanding the local civil […]
After Sandy, parishes will try to go forward step by step, priest says
ROCKAWAY BEACH, N.Y. (CNS) -- After Hurricane Sandy swept through the East Coast, leaving untold destruction behind, cleaning efforts were under way at St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach. "Step by step, we will try to go forward," said Father Wladyslaw Kubrak, parochial vicar, as he shoveled leaves and branches off the church driveway.