National News
HHS move amounts to ‘to hell with you,’ bishop says as protests mount
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A week after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told individuals and institutions who oppose contraception “to hell with you,” as one bishop put it, members of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy were mobilizing their followers to fight. Bishops across the country — including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, Archbishop […]
Cardinal links religious liberty fight with abortion struggle
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Participants at the annual March for Life were urged in advance of the march not to let themselves be compromised in their beliefs as the federal government pursues regulations that Catholic leaders say constitute an attack on conscience and religious liberty. “I beg and pray for the young people present and all […]
HHS delays, but does not change, rule on contraceptive coverage
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Although Catholic leaders vowed to fight on, the Obama administration has turned down repeated requests from Catholic bishops, hospitals, schools and charitable organizations to revise its religious exemption to the requirement that all health plans cover contraceptives and sterilization free of charge. Instead, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health […]
Supreme Court upholds church school’s exception to laws against firing
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Supreme Court Jan. 11 upheld the idea that a “ministerial exception” to anti-discrimination laws means the church can’t be sued for firing an employee who the church classified as a minister. For the first time, the court held that such an exception to federal employment laws exists. The unanimous opinion reversed […]
As legislature convenes, Maryland bishops sound alarm about poverty
BALTIMORE (CNS) — Sounding the alarm about poverty in Maryland, the state’s bishops called on Catholics to urge lawmakers to “make decisions, pass legislation and appropriate public money in a manner that is charitable, just and reflective of our shared human dignity.” In a joint statement released Jan. 9, two days before the Maryland General […]
Events in Washington, around US mark 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON (CNS) — One thing that always stands out in the annual marches and rallies in Washington and across the country marking the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing abortion is the crowd. “People are always surprised by the number of pro-lifers that show up in Washington and in their own state capitals,” […]
Three-year study of women religious completed; Vatican reviews results
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A three-year study of U.S. women religious called for by the Vatican has been completed with the final comprehensive report recently sent to Rome. No details of the findings in what the Church calls an apostolic visitation were released by Mother Mary Clare Millea, superior general of the Apostles of the Sacred […]
Youth perform “Live Nativity” at St. Robert Parish
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the St. Robert Bellarmine Youth Ministry Program in Warminster presented “Live Nativity – The Christmas Story Comes to Life.” The main cast and crew included students from St. Joseph/St. Robert School, PREP, and parish youth through 12th grade. Supporting cast consisted of live sheep, donkeys and llamas. […]
Archbishop Dolan defines human dignity as ‘primary doctrine’ of Church
NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) — Calling the dignity of the human person “a primary doctrine” of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York told an audience at the University of Notre Dame Dec. 6 that it must prompt Catholics “to treat ourselves and others only with respect, love, honor and care.” That […]
‘Ad limina’ is time of reflection says bishop
ROME (CNS) — A bishop’s “ad limina” visit to Rome should be a time of reflection, renewal and inspiration to return home to preach the Gospel with joy, said Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, N.J., preaching to his brother bishops from New Jersey and Pennsylvania Dec. 3 at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside […]