News

Colombian martyrs: witnesses to the point of death

Pope Francis' decree to beatify two Colombian martyrs from two troubled eras in the South American country's history underscores his call for courageous witness amid violence and persecution.

Health bill must protect poor, unborn and conscience rights, bishop says

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, called on the Senate to fix problems with the ACA in a more narrow way, rather than repeal it without an adequate replacement.

Advocates urge more awareness about natural family planning options

There are plenty of myths that surround natural family planning, but advocates say the Catholic Church can help dispel those myths and raise an awareness of which fertility-awareness options exist for married couples that embrace church teaching.

Parish’s seniors stage St. John Paul’s play on marriage

At Old St. Joseph Parish in Philadelphia, the eldership group (senior citizens) organized the play as an alternative to trips to the shore. It's a senior activity with a spiritual component, connecting art with contemplation.

Land O’ Lakes statement on Catholic higher education turns 50

The document's official name is "Statement on the Nature of the Contemporary Catholic University," but its catchier title did not give it widespread acceptance. Ever since it was signed July 23, 1967, the text has been both revered and criticized.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish to host addiction awareness event

The parish in Croydon will host a congressman, district attorney and community leaders from Lower Bucks County for a discussion on the addiction crisis, plus a homeless outreach, on July 29.

U.S. Supreme Court says travel ban exemption can include grandparents

Refugees from six majority-Muslim countries may be banned from entering the U.S. unless those refugees had "bona fide" relationships. President Trump also set a 50,000 refugee cap for 2017, down from 110,000.

Jerusalem Christian leaders concerned with increased tension in Old City

The heads of Jerusalem's Christian churches expressed "serious concern" over an escalation in tensions in Jerusalem's Old City as hostilities remained high following the mid-July shooting deaths of two Israeli policemen and three gunmen on the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

St. Joseph’s U receives $50 million gift from loyal alum

James Maguire, class of 1958, and his wife gave the largest donation in St. Joseph's history. The gift will support scholarships, education for Catholic school teachers and a program to study the insurance field.

Dewane: Budget ‘moral document’; House bill puts poor in ‘real jeopardy’

The U.S. House budget resolution "will place millions of poor and vulnerable people in real jeopardy" because it reduces deficits "through cuts for human needs" and by trying to slash taxes at the same time, said Bishop Frank J. Dewane.