News
76ers, Catholic Charities Appeal team up for good cause
The Catholic Charities Appeal is offering a fun night out for a good cause. The Feb. 5 Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Boston Celtics, one of pro basketball’s oldest rivalries, is also “Catholic Charities Night.” A portion of the ticket proceeds will support the appeal.
Late ambassador hailed for deep faith, dedication to diplomatic service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Thomas P. Melady, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican who died Jan. 6, was remembered at his Jan. 13 funeral Mass as a man who loved his Catholic faith and who was inspired by that faith to reach out and help others.
Mideast Catholic leaders give mixed reactions after death of Sharon
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a controversial figure in Israel and abroad, died Jan. 11 after being in a coma following a stroke eight years ago. He was laid to rest at his Negev farm Jan. 13.
On abortion and contraception, Vatican puts words in context
When Pope Francis publicly used strong language about abortion Jan. 13, his words had even more impact given the setting: not before clergy or Catholic doctors, but in a room full of ambassadors, mostly from countries where abortion is legal.
Confirmation schedule for parishes in Philadelphia Archdiocese annnounced
See the full listing for parish celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation this spring. Find your parish, and the date and time for each Mass, in our list organized by the name of the conferring bishop.
Kerry, Vatican counterpart meet on Syria, Mideast, U.S. health mandate
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, hosted a lengthy meeting with his U.S. counterpart, John Kerry, to discuss ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as well as the U.S. bishops' concerns about the Obama administration's health care mandate.
Experts at Vatican workshop call for end of weapons flow to Syria
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Vatican study group is urging world leaders to stop the flow of arms into Syria and to press for an immediate and complete cease-fire there with no political preconditions.
Bill would require feds to respect state laws on traditional marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. House should pass a bipartisan bill that would require the federal government to respect state marriage laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, a U.S. archbishop said Jan. 10.
Heavenly sounds ever present at only U.S. Catholic boys’ choir school
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (CNS) -- While some students may fantasize about breaking into song in the middle of a school day, it's a common occurrence at St. Paul's Choir School.
‘Great misunderstanding’ seen on church’s teachings on end of life
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- There is "great misunderstanding" among Catholics and others about the church's teachings on whether and when life-sustaining medical treatment can be withdrawn when death is near, according to a leading Catholic bioethicist.