News
Catholic, other religious leaders decry U.S. government shutdown
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Anticipating the worst, religious leaders gathered the day before the federal government shut down to denounce what they called "political brinkmanship." The government shut down its nonessential operations Oct. 1, the start of a new federal fiscal year, furloughing hundreds of thousands of workers. At issue is a dispute between the Republican-controlled house and the Democratic-run Senate.
Governor to appeal ruling that New Jersey must allow same-sex marriage
TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie planned to appeal a state judge’s Sept. 27 ruling that same-sex couples “must be allowed to marry” to receive “equal protection of the law” under the state constitution. Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson said her ruling would take effect Oct. 21. New Jersey currently recognizes […]
Weekend Catholic football roundup: Judge’s unscored-upon streak ends; league powers emerge
Lansdale Catholic, Archbishop Wood, St. Joseph's Prep and West Catholic all notched impressive wins last weekend, five games into the Catholic League season. Meanwhile, Father Judge had not allowed a touchdown in three and a half games until Bonner Prendergast spoiled the streak on a fumble recovery and touchdown. Still, the Crusader defense hasn't yielded a point this season.
Lay men become candidates for ordination as permanent deacons
Twenty-one men are beginning their journey to become permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald celebrated Mass including the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders on Saturday, Sept. 28 in St. Martin’s Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood. The men now begin a five-year period of academic and spiritual formation before […]
In Mexico, Catholics turn parishes into aid stations after hurricanes
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Caritas chapters across Mexico have collected everything from canned goods to clothing for the victims of Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel, which battered both coasts, cost more than 100 lives and left thousands homeless, incommunicado and possibly even buried beneath mudslides. In the hard-hit state of Guerrero, to the south of Mexico […]
Priest hails U.S. report on conditions for Haitians in Dominican fields
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS) — A Catholic priest who long fought for the rights of Haitians working in Dominican sugar fields said he applauds a new report on the situation by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Labor Department has rebuked the Dominican Republic and the country’s sugar industry for violating labor laws and […]
Pope to canonize Blessed John XXIII, John Paul II April 27
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Recognizing that Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II have widespread reputations for holiness and that years of studying their lives and actions have proven their exceptional virtue, Pope Francis announced he would declare his two predecessors saints at a single ceremony April 27.
Cardinal urges Catholics to ‘share truth about human life’ far and wide
The cardinal, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in his Respect Life Month message that any work on behalf of life must be grounded in "love that seeks to serve those most in need, whatever the personal cost."
North Carolina bishops to exit council over same-sex marriage, abortion
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) -- Both North Carolina Catholic bishops -- Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis -- are resigning from the North Carolina Council of Churches, an ecumenical organization comprised of Christian church leaders from across the state, because the group supports some issues that contradict Catholic teaching.
Pope establishes advisory panel as permanent Council of Cardinals
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis made his international advisory panel on church governance a permanent council of cardinals, thereby emphasizing the importance and open-endedness of its work among his pontificate's various efforts at reform. The Vatican made the announcement Sept. 30, a day before Pope Francis was scheduled to meet for the first time with the panel.