News

At meeting, clergy hear of push to lift statutes of limitation on sex abuse cases

About 350 priests and deacons met this week in Blue Bell where talks were intended to equip the clergymen to discuss with parish leaders state legislation regarding potential lawsuits that are now time-barred.

Catholic League sets baseball playoffs

See the schedules for times and locations of upcoming playoff games, plus the final regular season standings in the league.

Pope Francis, or his successor, to visit Ireland for meeting of families

The World Meeting of Families will be held in Dublin in 2018, and the city's archbishop said the pope pledged to visit there, possibly along with Northern Ireland.

Venezuelans fight hunger, fear as civil unrest and crime increase

The downturn in international oil prices in 2015 sent Venezuela's oil-dependent economy into free fall, immersing the country in a crisis marked by runaway inflation, scant food and medicine, and a rise in violence.

Brazilian churches change Sunday practices due to swine flu outbreak

All across the country, parishes are keeping church windows and doors open for greater air circulation especially during Masses. Hand-holding is suspended, and Communion is to be taken in the hand only.

Pope rules Vatican review needed to set up diocesan religious order

The consultation "is to be understood as necessary for the validity of the erection of a diocesan institute of consecrated life," said the ruling approved by Pope Francis

House OKs bill allowing more ways to protect religious freedom worldwide

The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act gives the Obama administration and the U.S. State Department new resources to combat "a worldwide escalation" of Christian persecution and anti-Semitism.

South Carolina Legislature passes bill to ban abortions at 20 weeks

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston said the vote was a positive step in acknowledging and protecting the humanity of an unborn child, but added there is still much to accomplish.

Chaplain’s duty is to bury the dead, but he also ministers to the living

During his two-year assignment as chaplain at the cemetery, Father Brankatelli has developed a deep appreciation for the Americans buried there for their service to the country.

Friars to make pilgrimage on foot, will say Mass, promote vocations

The friars will carry no money and hope others will join them for a few hours to pray or discuss the faith. They plan to stay overnight at Catholic churches along the way.