News
Massachusetts abbey now producing only Trappist ale outside Europe
The new Belgian-style ale, brewed by Trappist monks in Massachusetts, sold out in liquor stores in two hours, and demand for more is heavy. After covering living expenses of the monks and maintenance of the grounds, all profits from the sale of the ale will be donated to charity.
Teens invited to theology of the body workshop in Chester County
St. Peter Parish in West Brandywine is hosting a weekend workshop Feb. 22-23 to help teens learn about their own bodies, issues of sexual morality and how people are uniquely created for greatness.
Philippine program brings boats to fishermen, jobs to carpenters
Fishing villages along the Philippine island of Leyte's Pacific coast saw their livelihoods destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan Nov. 8 as it smashed almost everything in its path, fishing boats included. A pilot program is providing new boats with motors -- an upgrade from rowing with oars -- and the local jobs to build the boats.
Mass, even with the pope, isn’t a tourist activity; it’s God’s time
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An invitation to attend Pope Francis' early morning Mass is a hot ticket in Rome, but the pope said the Mass -- in his residence or anywhere else -- isn't an event, but a time for entering into the mystery of God.
Pope urges Sri Lankans to reconcile, accepts invitation to visit
Meeting a group of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Pope Francis said he knew that cooperating with former adversaries in the country's recently ended civil war "was not easy," but was "the only path that gives hope for the future." When he asked the pilgrims to share with him some of their songs, the choirs and dancers were happy to comply.
St. Hubert’s cheerleaders crowned national champions
Four cheerleading teams from St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls came away with top honors at the Universal Cheerleading Association competition held Feb. 8-9 in Orlando, Fla.
Think globally, act locally: Strategies emerge to help the poor help themselves
Participants at a social ministry gathering learned how Texas parishioners combated predatory "payday lending" by setting up their own credit union for poor people to bank safely. Also, a housecleaning co-op lets poor working mothers spend time with sick children.
Catholics take stand against ‘scourge’ of human trafficking
Up to 50,000 people are forced into slavery in the United States each year, 12.3 million globally. New programs include a U.S. government "dirty list" that identifies products produced by forced labor, by child labor, or both.
New Latin American presidents face challenges pope has highlighted
Protests in Latin American countries are sparked by glaring income inequality: Nearly half the region's income goes to the wealthiest 20 percent of the population, while the poorest 20 percent receive only 5 percent.
Prison chaplain sees focus on the personal as needed in healing
Sixteen years ago a lawyer's wife dared him to lecture at a prison. After she died he became a priest and today he still ministers to prisoners. He advocates for a shift in criminal justice from punishment to healing -- for victims, criminals and all of society.