News
When you pray, speak from the heart and ask God for help, pope advises
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Never forget to pray, even while commuting, taking a walk or when waiting in line, Pope Francis said during his weekly audience May 7. And don't just stick to prayers memorized from childhood, but include heartfelt requests and pleas for help, advice and guidance, he said.
Mater Dei School to hold May procession, crowning of Mary
The regional Catholic school in Lansdale will host the procession from the school and a prayer service honoring the Blessed Mother at nearby St. Stanislaus Church May 15.
Needs for ministry to Hispanics loom as large as their population
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (CNS) --- Training of pastoral leaders and provision of most other resources for Hispanic ministry aren't keeping up with the fast-approaching time when Hispanics will make up the majority of Catholics in the United States, according to a new report.
Living diversity: How to welcome equals, not just guests
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is among the 32 in the archdiocese celebrating Masses in Spanish, with another 30 parishes celebrating Masses in other languages. The South Philadelphia parish hosted a workshop for turning global solidarity into action in local neighborhoods.
Vatican official says church making progress in stopping sexual abuse
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Appearing before a U.N. committee monitoring adherence to an international treaty designed to fight torture, a Vatican official insisted that, over the past 10 years, the Catholic Church has "in a systematic, constructive and effective way," worked to prevent clerical sexual abuse of minors and assist victims.
Francis effect? Observers see shift in stance of Mexico’s bishops
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Mexican prelates normally prize cordial and close relations with politicians and refrain from criticizing public policy. But Mexico's bishops posed uncomfortable questions for President Enrique Pena Nieto in a May 2 meeting, challenging him on the government's agenda of structural reforms and sharing the sense of dissatisfaction they hear from many ordinary Mexicans.
Sister Mary Bentz taught for 40 years in Philadelphia, Allentown schools
The Immaculate Heart sister from West Reading died April 28 at age 86.
Church program helps Cuban entrepreneurs develop private businesses
HAVANA (CNS) -- Cuban entrepreneurs are learning the ins and outs of running a private business thanks to the two-year-old Cuba Emprende program in two Catholic dioceses.
Catholic hospital damaged in bombing by Sudanese air force, bishop says
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A Catholic-run hospital in the Nuba Mountains of war-torn South Kordofan in Sudan was targeted by the Sudanese air force over two days, said a retired bishop.
Devon Prep freshman aces interview with Catholic Phillies pitcher
Justin De Fratus, an up-and-coming pitcher in the Phillies' system, spoke about his devout faith and membership in Catholic Athletes for Christ with Devon Prep freshman Joe Orsatti, who turned the interview into a class project for which he got an A.