News

Car used by Pope Francis in Phila. to be auctioned, will benefit church ministries

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is auctioning off one low mileage car, in mint condition, used slightly by one owner. Proceeds from the sale of the pope's gray Fiat will go to the Catholic Charities Appeal and other local needs.

With new initiative, Knights aim to work more closely with parishes

"We will use our resources of time, talent and money to strengthen parish-based and parish-sponsored programs," he wrote.

Supreme Court agrees to review Obama’s actions on deferred deportation

The U.S. Supreme Court Jan. 19 agreed to review President Barack Obama's executive actions to protect from deportation both those who came to the U.S. as children and the immigrant parents of children who are U.S. citizens or legal residents of this country.

Nebraska’s bishops urge reversal of policy on student gender identity

The board had voted 6-2 just hours earlier to create a pathway for male students who identify as females to compete on girls' teams -- and females who identify as males to compete on boys' teams.

Pope receives official invitation to visit Rome’s mosque

A Muslim delegation formally invited Pope Francis to visit Rome's mosque, the largest mosque outside the Islamic world. It would mark the first time a pope visited the local mosque, which was opened in 1995.

Refugees in Lebanon plead with USCCB representatives for help in resettling

"We have come here to listen to your stories and to remind you that we are praying for you," Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, chairman of the bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, told the refugees.

No more waiting: Black Catholics mark Dr. King holiday with praise, rallying cry for justice

At the 33rd annual prayer service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Catholics raised the roof of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Chester. Calls for year-round acts of mercy, charity and public protest marked the rousing service.

Area pro-lifers meet to study adoption as loving option

Participants at a pro-life summit gathered for Mass followed by talks on adopting children at birth. One speaker said only 2 percent of children from unplanned pregnancies are adopted; many of the rest are aborted.

Push for legalizing assisted suicide stalls out in New Jersey Senate

At least for the foreseeable future, assisted suicide will remain illegal in New Jersey. The state Senate's legislative session expired at noon Jan. 12, ensuring that a bill that would have legalized the practice would not come to a vote.

PREP religion teachers receive honors at cathedral

Mostly lay volunteers received awards last Sunday marking their anniversaries of teaching in parishes. A pastor and religious sisters were noted for serving the booming PREP classes for 1,500 Hispanic kids in Avondale.