News

Catholic teaching shows hope for those hurt by suicide

Christ's eternal love gives meaning to suffering and provides a reason to live, even in the darkest seasons, say pastoral experts.

Clergy sex abuse crisis ‘devastating’ for the church, cardinal says

The scandal of clergy abusing minors and vulnerable adults has overwhelmed the Catholic Church and its mission to preach the Gospel, said the Vatican secretary of state.

Clericalism: The culture that enables abuse and insists on hiding it

Pope Francis has targeted clericalism as an illness in the church that pretends "the church" means "priests and bishops," that minimizes the talents of laypeople and that emphasizes the authority of clerics over their obligation of service.

Archbishops call for ‘penance, purification’ to rebuild, renew church

"We need to hold people accountable and we need to atone for these sins as a church," Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said.

Victims call for federal investigation of sex abuse in Catholic Church

Some victims of clergy sex abuse and their supporters are calling on federal and state entities to investigate sex abuse within the Catholic Church and root out abusers and anyone who has protected them.

Priest attacked in church; assailant cited abuse scandal

The priest, Father Basil Hutsko, who is not suspected of any abuse, suffered a concussion in the attack at St. Michael Church, and was scheduled to undergo further tests to determine the extent of his injuries.

Dominican sister’s pregame first pitch wows crowd, online world

Sister Mary Jo, an athlete and graduate of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Minn., bounced the ball off her arm before coming to a set position and letting loose with a curveball.

Pennsylvania university revokes degrees given to past Scranton bishops

The Jesuit-run University of Scranton announced Aug. 20 it was rescinding honorary degrees given to three former bishops of the Diocese of Scranton, and removing their names from buildings.

‘Taste and believe’ is Benedictine Brewery motto; taproom opening soon

The abbey's Benedictine monks began making beer about four years ago, and hope to have a new taproom ready in time for Mount Angel's Oktoberfest.

Pope says he’s excited to return to Ireland to celebrate families

UPDATED - Pope Francis said he hoped his visit would "remind us all of the essential place of the family in the life of society and in the building of a better future for today's young people."