News
Vatican reform proceeding as cardinals meet with pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Consultations and assessments concerning the overhaul of the Vatican bureaucracy and its finances continued as Pope Francis met for a fifth series of meetings with his international Council of Cardinals.
Federal judge strikes down Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A U.S. District Court judge July 1 struck down Kentucky's ban on same-sex marriage, saying that the prohibition violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Vatican laicizes former nuncio in connection to abuse allegations
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Vatican investigation has led to the expulsion of a former Vatican ambassador from the priesthood in response to allegations of sexually abusing minors.
Father James McLaughlin, longtime teacher in three high schools, dies at 70
The retired priest will be buried Thursday after a funeral Mass at Corpus Christi Parish, Lansdale, where he was assigned before he retired in 2010.
Local community projects benefit from national church collection
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, run by the U.S. bishops, will be taken up in archdiocesan parishes July 12-13. Fourteen organizations in the Philadelphia region won funding from last year's collection.
Brother to preach at funeral for late Msgr. Daniel A. Murray
The pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, North Wales, and former St. Charles Seminary rector died last week at age 76. The funeral Mass at will be celebrated by Archbishop Chaput and concelebrated by Msgr. Murray's priest friends and his brother.
Activists on both sides gather at court on day of Hobby Lobby ruling
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Dozens of activists gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court June 30, awaiting the court's much-anticipated decision on the constitutionality of the federal contraceptive mandate as it applies to for-profit businesses whose owners' object to it on religious grounds.
Protect Religious Freedom Restoration Act, faith leaders tell Congress
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A coalition of leaders representing different U.S. religious faiths said in a June 30 letter to congressional leaders they "are united in staunch support" to protect the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Court won’t hear case about war memorial with cross on federal land
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Supreme Court June 30 declined to intervene in a long-running dispute over the Mount Soledad Cross war memorial located on federal land near San Diego.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia sells nursing homes for $145 million
Six skilled care homes and one independent living facility will retain their Catholic character under the agreement with Center Management Group. Net proceeds from the sale, expected to be $95 million, will address long-term financial issues of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.