News
‘The Amazing Parish’ explores ways to revitalize Catholic communities
Catholic heavyweights behind a Denver-launched parish revitalization movement shared ideas on how to convert unchurched people into front-pew regulars. Some 140 parishes and organizations from as far as New York and Canada gathered for a conference in Denver to help churches become more vibrant centers for an encounter with Christ.
Iraqi Christian woman details how militants kidnapped her 3-year-old
Christina Khider Abada was seated beside her mother, Ayda Abada, on a bus in the Syriac Christian town of Qaraqosh, Iraq, when captors from the Islamic State snatched her and took her away. Amnesty International says the terrorists abducted the village's girls and young women.
Pope: Iraq’s persecuted Christians are true, bold witnesses of Christ
Iraqi Christians are true and courageous witnesses of Christ's message of hope, forgiveness and love, Pope Francis said.
North Wales parish makes religious ed fun in summer
Children at St. Rose of Lima learned about saints around the world during the Montgomery County parish’s first-ever Vacation Bible School last month.
Ice bucket challenge brings attention to pro-life research center
Few people think of Iowa City, Iowa, as a hotbed of medical research. But in a roundabout way more Catholics are beginning to take notice of a Catholic, pro-life medical research center.
First wave of Iraqis, some of whom helped U.S., feel trapped in Jordan
Iraqi refugees who fled sectarian violence following the 2003-U.S.-led invasion are fearful they could fall between the cracks as aid agencies scramble to help fresh arrivals escaping Islamic State brutality.
Cardinal pleas for solidarity with Iraq’s Christians after CUA Mass
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington made an impassioned plea for solidarity with persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria and strongly urged that voices be raised against atrocities being committed there.
Scottish archbishops urge Catholics to vote in independence referendum
Scotland's archbishops have encouraged Catholics to vote in the forthcoming referendum on independence -- and to pay attention to the issue of religious freedom.
Pope blesses international, interfaith soccer match for peace
Taking up a suggestion from Pope Francis, Argentine Diego Maradona and other soccer stars past and present played an "Interreligious Match for Peace" and tolerance Sept. 1, drawing some 20,000 spectators to Rome's Olympic Stadium.
Latest papal push for peace spans a century, at least
During World War I Pope Benedict XV was roundly ignored and criticized for trying to end that war. He established a tradition of efforts to make peace for subsequent popes, including his namesake Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.