News
Now-overturned abortion law aimed at protecting women, says archbishop
OKLAHOMA CITY (CNS) -- Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley called it "gravely disappointing" the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a challenge to a ruling that overturned an Oklahoma law requiring women who seek an abortion to get an ultrasound.
Nuns help debrief stressed typhoon victims arriving in Manila
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- The grandstand of Villamor Air Base was buzzing with teams of workers trying to help people displaced by the super typhoon that struck the central Philippines 10 days earlier. Evacuees were there to get help to start their lives over and receive some much needed stress-debriefing. That was where some local nuns stepped in.
Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation to be published Nov. 26
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican will publish Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation Nov. 26, two days after he formally delivers it to the church at a Mass concluding the 2012-13 Year of Faith. The Vatican announced Nov. 18 that “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) will be presented at a news conference featuring […]
Pope revises statutes of Vatican’s Financial Intelligence Authority
The authority's new supervision and regulation department will not only investigate suspect transactions at the Vatican but will also have a role in establishing procedures to reduce the possibility of questionable financial dealings. Pope Benedict XVI established the Authority in 2010 to monitor Vatican financial operations and ensure they met international norms against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Bishops send ‘special message’ reiterating objections to HHS mandate
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- In a "special message" released Nov. 13, the U.S. bishops reiterated their objections to the Affordable Care Act's requirement that employee insurance include contraceptive coverage and said they remain "united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom."
Pope reiterates call for Catholics to adopt missionary mindset
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis once again called for Catholics to adopt a missionary mindset and make mission the priority of all pastoral activities. The pope, speaking from the Vatican via video to an audience of clergy, religious and laity at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, also called for participants to cast aside clericalism and to get out of their churches to serve people where they are.
Archdiocese invites lay, clergy input on marriage and family life for Vatican meeting
In what is billed as a “unique opportunity for the clergy and faithful,” Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are now able to participate in a “consultation” with the Vatican in preparation for next year’s Synod of Bishops in Rome. The archdiocese announced Nov. 15 that it has posted a form on the archdiocesan website for Catholics to provide input on current challenges to marriage and the family.
In Philippines, signs of faith among ruins of typhoon
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- In the week after Super Typhoon Haiyan cut a path of devastation across the central Philippines, faith remained strong among the hardest hit. A storm surge that Haiyan churned up brought 15-foot waves to Tacloban, the obliterated city on Leyte's east coast that took the worst hit from the typhoon. "All of a sudden all the houses were gone," including his, said Gonzales, who lived right outside Tacloban. "You can't find any trace of it, not one piece."
‘Catholicism’ creator likes new media’s impact ‘way outside’ churches
SMYRNA, Ga. (CNS) -- Chicago priest Father Robert Barron has a dream -- for another grand, sweeping documentary on Catholicism. It's the latest goal for the priest who more than a dozen years ago was asked to jump-start an evangelical endeavor to "invade that space" where the church's message was not often heard. "If you want to reach people who are under 40, you have to use media. Things like YouTube had just come into being and we jumped into that with two feet," said Father Barron. "If you want to find the unchurched Catholics and the secularists, you aren't going to find them by staying in church and inviting them to programs. You have to use this new means. We have to invade that space."
Archbishop announces 8 clergy assignment changes
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: PASTOR Reverend John F. Babowitch, from Pastor, Saint Barnabas Parish, Philadelphia, to Pastor, Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia, effective December 2, 2013 Reverend Robert G. Suskey, from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Southampton, to […]