News
Agencies deal with cash crunch, more clients to serve during shutdown
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The federal government shutdown is over, but the early prognosticators are picking winners and losers only on the political end of the equation.
Two Catholic universities to end coverage of elective abortions in 2014
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Elective abortions will no longer be covered in the health insurance plans of two Catholic universities in California. Officials at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif., and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles announced the change in coverage in early October, saying that the decisions were in line with Catholic teaching and the institutions' religious identity.
CRS, University of Dayton to work together to combat labor trafficking
DAYTON, Ohio (CNS) -- Marianist-run University of Dayton and Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' overseas relief and development agency, will work together to address an increase in labor trafficking that human rights advocates expect to see in Brazil during two upcoming international sports events.
German bishops’ head meets pope about case of ‘luxury bishop’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The president of the German bishops' conference said he was "strengthened and encouraged" by his discussion with Pope Francis about the case of a German bishop under fire for a massive building project that critics have denounced as extravagant.
Comedy of errors: Cardinal’s arrival in New Zealand marked by miscues
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CNS) — A miscommunication between the Vatican and New Zealand church officials resulted in an adventurous arrival for the prelate who coordinates a key commission of cardinals that advises Pope Francis.
Vatican investment office announces outside review of its activity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The office that handles the Vatican's investment portfolio and its real estate holdings, as well as serving as the Vatican employment office and procurement agency, has asked an international financial risk-management company to review its books and procedures.
Pope Francis encourages people to visit retired priests, nuns
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Calling homes for retired priests and nuns "sanctuaries of holiness," Pope Francis asked Catholics to visit those who spent their lives sharing the Gospel and caring for others. In his morning Mass homily Oct. 18, the pope described retired clergy and religious as "good priests and good sisters, aged and bearing the weight of solitude, waiting for the Lord to knock on the doors of their hearts."
At Caritas home, orphans find jobs, skills and sense of belonging
TBILISI, Georgia (CNS) -- Georgian children of parents who could not -- or would not -- care for them were getting ready for the day on a recent weekend morning in their group house run by the Catholic charity, Caritas.
Catholic media needed to lead people to encounter Jesus, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholic media are important not only as means of documenting church events, Pope Francis said, but especially as a means for bringing the church and the Gospel closer to people. Catholic media professionals must report news and share stories, "dialoguing with a world that has a need to be listened to and understood, but also needs to receive the message of true life," the pope said Oct. 18.
World Mission Sunday celebrated with cathedral Mass, parish visits
Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre will be the main celebrant and homilist at the annual World Mission Sunday Mass Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. The Mass recognizes the work of mission churches throughout the world and the support of their efforts by the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which last year amounted to more than $1.62 million. The archdiocesan Pontifical Missions Societies Office sponsors the Mass, which occurs in conjunction with weekend visits by missionaries to dozens of parishes in the archdiocese.