News
Maryland physician-assisted suicide bill withdrawn from Senate committee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.
Scholar to speak at Archbishop’s Lecture Series tonight
Providence College professor Anthony Esolen will give his talk “Themes from Life Under Compulsion: Ten Ways to Destroy the Humanity of Your Child” on March 7, 7-9 p.m., at St. Charles Seminary.
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.