News
Still smiling after all these years
Almost 50 years after a Montgomery County dentist made his first trip to treat Jamaican children in an orphanage, Dr. Thomas Check continues to faithfully provide missionary service. The children's dental health is markedly better now, but the need remains. At 86, so does his commitment.
Surveys: German, Swiss Catholics reject many church teachings on family
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Reports from bishops' conferences in Germany and Switzerland show a clear divergence between what the church teaches on marriage, sexuality and family life and what Catholics -- even those active in parish life -- personally believe.
Ukrainian Catholics pray, worry as unrest unfolds in homeland
ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- The ongoing crisis in Ukraine is drawing support from Ukrainian Catholics in St. Louis and Philadelphia, where Archbishop Chaput called for prayer and action by the U.S. federal government to support civil liberties in that country.
Philippine cardinal: Haiyan recovery can show world a united church
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- An emotional Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila welcomed U.S. Catholic leaders reviewing Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts, saying that the work to rebuild devastated communities can show the world a church united in the service of people in need.
Father Hehir: Pope’s focus on poor brings church tradition to forefront
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The focus thus far by Pope Francis on the church's responsibilities to the poor are certainly not new, and there will continue to be new challenges as his attention encompasses other aspects of Catholic social teaching, suggested Father J. Bryan Hehir in an address to people who work in social ministries.
Pope to Neocatechumenal Way: Work for unity, respect local cultures
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Thanking members of the Neocatechumenal Way for their generous missionary efforts, Pope Francis also encouraged them to build church unity, learn about local cultures and respect any member's decision to leave the movement.
Canada, Brazil likely to have new saints before year’s end, Jesuit says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Three key figures in the establishment of the Catholic Church in Canada and in Brazil are likely to be declared saints before the end of the year, said a Jesuit who is helping prepare the material needed for their canonizations.
John Stanton, pro-life movement’s leading light, dies at 86
The life-long Jenkintown resident was a local pro-life leader even before Roe v. Wade. He led peaceful witnesses for life at abortion clinics for decades, including days before his death last weekend.
Scottish Catholic agency will not have to consider same-sex adopters
GLASGOW, Scotland (CNS) -- A Catholic adoption agency in Scotland has won an appeal that allows it to remain functioning without assessing gay couples as possible adopters and foster parents.
Pope calls for the promotion of life at every stage
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis called on all Catholics to welcome, serve and respect life, whether still unborn or approaching its natural end.