News
Backers of Oregon’s new historic minimum wage say it’s matter of justice
"A just wage should help ensure that full-time workers and their families do not live in poverty," the Archdiocese of Portland said in a statement before the state's minimum wage law was signed.
Last weekend, Catholics made time for Christ’s healing mercy
At least 59 Catholic parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese responded enthusiastically to the call by Pope Francis to celebrate 24 Hours for the Lord. Adoration, Mass and confessions were offered Friday night through Saturday.
Maryland physician-assisted suicide bill withdrawn from Senate committee
"I think it's a reaction of relief that, for this year, this very dangerous legislation is not moving forward," said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Maryland's Catholic bishops, who opposed the bill.
Toronto, Ottawa prelates call faithful to action against euthanasia
Cardinal Collins said recent recommendations of a parliamentary committee "should shock us to the core." The recommendations open the possibility of euthanasia for minors, include advanced directives so those diagnosed with dementia can schedule their deaths, and recommend allowing euthanasia for those with psychiatric conditions.
Bishop reminds Pennsylvania Catholics that God’s mercy trumps sin
Reminding people that God's everlasting mercy "will always be greater than any sin," Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of Altoona-Johnstown called upon parishioners to find peace in God as the diocese deals with the fallout of a grand jury report detailing hundreds of incidents of clergy sexual abuse.
Catholic Extension features ‘nuns who rock’ on website, in social media
"Two of the most inspirational things I've learned at Catholic Extension are: First, you cannot go to the poorest places in the United States and not find the presence of the Catholic Church," said Father Jack Wall, the organization's president. "And second, the face of ministry in the poorest communities of America is most often a woman religious."
Give fragments of life, not doctrine, says preacher of Curia retreat
Jesus' call to be the salt of the earth is a reminder to his disciples to preach hope and life and not be wrapped up in dogmatic conundrums, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican officials.
Alabama conference examines depth of black-white divide in U.S.
The conference, initiated by Birmingham's Catholic bishop with the mayor and a Protestant pastor, addressed the need for racial reconciliation in the United States and the path to that reconciliation.
Metuchen bishop retires; pope appoints Camden priest as successor
UPDATED -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, New Jersey, and named as his successor Msgr. James Checchio, a priest of the Diocese of Camden.
To teach better, 900 catechists spend day sharing their faith
The annual Catechist Convocation Saturday in Radnor had its largest turnout ever. About a third were Catholic school teachers and the remainder PREP teachers, all of whom learned how to better share their faith.