News

‘O Holy Night’ tops all hymns used in churches in December, according to poll

The Christmas carol "O Holy Night" ranked first in a list of hymns most played in December at Christian churches in the United States.

Congolese Catholics take to the streets to protest increasing violence

Catholics and other Christians in Congo took to the streets Dec. 4 to protest increasing violence, often caused when neighboring countries seek the nation's valuable minerals.

For converts to Catholicism, RCIA is now ‘OCIA’: What’s behind name change?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which the church brings in new converts and educates catechumens and candidates, has been a staple in Catholic life and lingo for years.

A way with a manger

For thousands of families through the Delaware Valley, setting up the nativity each year is an enduring and meaningful family tradition that stretches back generations.

Pope supports Jewish-Catholic project for social justice

A person who helps others but does not worship God is a "good atheist," while someone who claims to believe in God but does not do anything to help others "is a cynic, a liar," Pope Francis said.

Keep the creche in Christmas, pope urges

Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said.

Being ‘inclusive’ of those with disabilities means valuing them, pope says

Making churches accessible and services understandable is important, but having wheelchair ramps and sign-language interpreters is not enough for a parish to call itself "inclusive," Pope Francis said.

New Regional Deans of the archdiocese gather for first meeting

On Dec. 1 Archbishop Pérez along with the new regional Deans of the archdiocese joined together for their first meeting of the College of Deans. 

Pastor reflects on 10th anniversary of Sandy Hook school shooting

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, there was an outpouring of generosity from all over the world. "We were overwhelmed with things people sent us, from ornaments and prayer chains to cards and donations," Msgr. Weiss said.

No heat, no electricity: Bishop warns of new wave of Ukrainian refugees

A Ukrainian bishop warned huge numbers of citizens could flee to Western countries during winter, and he appealed for continued international support in the face of a threatened "humanitarian catastrophe."