News

Hatfield man, 4th degree Knight of Columbus, dies at 78

Joseph F. Schnell, a Roman Catholic High School graduate, retired engineer and member of St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale, died Aug. 27.

St. Joseph’s U professor to lead Catholic-Jewish relations group

Philip Cunningham was elected president of the International Council of Christians and Jews, and organization of 38 Jewish-Christian dialogue organizations in 30 countries around the world.

‘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.