News
New financial data show details of Church’s work in health care, social services, education
Following an unprecedented financial report from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Financial Services in early July, 15 archdiocesan entities for the first time made their financial statements public Friday, Aug. 2. The statements, audited by the accounting firm Grant Thornton for archdiocesan corporations operating in health care, social services and education, present a picture of their finances as of June 30, 2012, the end of that fiscal year. (See all the financial statements here.)
Catholic Cemeteries Office among Church entities releasing 2012 financial report
In keeping with Archbishop Charles Chaput’s June pledge to release audited financial statements for every major archdiocesan entity, a statement audited by the accounting firm Grant Thornton for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Catholic Cemeteries covering the year ending June 30, 2012, has just been released.
Slovenian archbishops resign because of ties to financial collapse
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two Slovenian archbishops, including the president of the Slovenian bishops' conference, resigned because of their connection to multimillion-dollar financial losses by the Archdiocese of Maribor.
Pope, with fellow Jesuits, prays for ‘grace of shame,’ humility
ROME (CNS) -- Celebrating the feast of St. Ignatius with more than 200 of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis prayed that he and all of them would receive "the grace of shame" for their failures and the humility to recognize that whatever good they accomplish is really done by the Lord.
This ‘bike gang’ aims to serve community, spread Catholic faith, values
TULSA, Okla. (CNS) -- Members of the Knights on Bikes adamantly make it clear that they are not a "bike gang." While they proudly wear a vest with a patch, they claim no territory like a traditional motorcycle club. Instead, as an extension of the larger ministry of the Knights of Columbus, the group is a family friendly organization that seeks to serve the Catholic Church and the community through a common interest in riding motorcycles.
Vatican bank launches website to boost transparency, media relations
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an effort to shake its image as a secretive, scandal-ridden institute and improve its relationship with the media, the Vatican bank has launched its own website.
Liturgical reform movement started centuries ago, says scholar
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For those who think the movement to reform Catholic liturgical practices started sometime early in the 20th century, Jesuit Father John Baldovin suggested looking back earlier in time. A lot earlier. Like, say, 1786.
Local World Youth Day events offer solidarity with pilgrims in Rio
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (CNS) -- Hundreds of teens came together at a Catholic high school in Chicago Heights to pray, to learn about their faith and to be in solidarity with young people from around the world who came together at the same time with Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.
Pope appoints Brooklyn auxiliary bishop to head Diocese of Bridgeport
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Brooklyn, N.Y., as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. The appointment was announced July 31 in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Ireland’s pro-lifers vow to repeal new abortion law
DUBLIN (CNS) -- Irish pro-life campaigners vowed to work to repeal a new law that permits abortion in limited circumstances. President Michael D. Higgins signed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill July 30 after tense parliamentary debates during which several legislators resigned.