News
Former first lady Nancy Reagan dies; made anti-drug effort her cause
UPDATED - Nancy Reagan, who became first lady of the United States in January 1981 following husband Ronald Reagan's victory in the 1980 presidential election, died March 6 in Los Angeles at age 94.
Vatican statistics report increase in baptized Catholics worldwide
Most of the growth in the 1.27 billion-member Catholic Church is coming from Africa and Asia. The percentage of Catholics as part of the general population remains highest in North and South America.
Notre Dame to honor Biden and Boehner with 2016 Laetare Medal
With public confidence in government "at historic lows" and cynicism "high," the University of Notre Dame will present its 2016 Laetare Medal to two public servants known for "their leadership, civility and dedication to our nation," the university's president announced.
Massachusetts group seeks Supreme Court review of church property case
Parishioners occupying a Massachusetts Catholic church for more than a decade are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review and reverse a lower court decision calling for their removal from church property.
Divided court examines ‘undue burden’ test in abortion case
The U.S. Supreme Court stepped into some contentious waters March 2 when it heard oral arguments on abortion for the first time in nearly a decade and almost 25 years since it issued a major ruling on abortion.
Pope pays homage to fidelity of Ukrainian Catholics, prays for peace
"We bow our heads in profound gratitude before those who, even at the price of tribulation and martyrdom, over the course of time testified to their faith, which was lived with dedication to their church and in unfailing union with the successor of Peter," the pope said.
Students see aid continuing as Catholic school closes
Financial factors are forcing St. Francis de Sales School in Lenni, Delaware County, to close. But under a transition plan, students could receive up to $2,000 in tuition aid at a nearby Catholic school next year.
Vatican announces meeting to approve canonization of Mother Teresa
Pope Francis has called a consistory for March 15 to set canonization dates for five new saints. It is widely believed Blessed Teresa's canonization will take place Sept. 4.
‘Pray It Forward’ social media campaign focuses on sisters’ many ministries
As they tend to the spiritual and physical needs of people, including the most vulnerable, women religious rely on the amazing power of prayer. A new social media campaign developed by Sisters United News is designed to help remind people of that fact.
Clergy changes announced in archdiocese
The Philadelphia Archdiocese noted two special ministry assignments and a new parochial administrator for St. Ignatius Parish in Yardley.