News
U.S. bishops want to give ‘careful analysis’ to HHS final rules
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The final rules issued June 28 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implementing its mandate that employers provide coverage of contraceptives "will require more careful analysis," New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a statement. The cardinal, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the 110-page ruling is "long and complex" and the bishops will "provide a fuller statement when that analysis is complete."
Lifelong Philadelphian and Tacony parishioner Anna Legin dies at 100
Anna J. Legin, 100, of Philadelphia died June 27 at Deer Meadows Nursing Home in Northeast Philadelphia. She was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in the Tacony section of Philadelphia.
Federal appeals court finds merit in Hobby Lobby’s challenge of mandate
DENVER (CNS) — In a June 27 ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver reversed a decision of the lower court in Hobby Lobby’s challenge to a federal contraceptive mandate, saying that the chain of arts-and-crafts store will not have to pay fines while its lawsuit makes its way through […]
Pro-lifers challenging ‘buffer zone’ feel they’ll prevail, lawyer says
WORCESTER, Mass. (CNS) — Two Worcester sidewalk counselors are among seven plaintiffs in the “buffer zone” lawsuit the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear during its next term. The court announced June 24 that it accepted the case, which challenges lower court rulings that the Massachusetts “buffer zone” law is constitutional. [hotblock] That law prohibits […]
Senate immigration bill passes, moves to uncertain fate in House
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The diverse coalition of faith, labor, business and civil rights activists who are trying to rework the nation’s immigration system celebrated the June 27 Senate passage of a massive reform bill. The bill moves to the House, where Speaker John Boehner has said he would not allow it on the floor unless […]
Teacher from Allentown Diocese bikes across U.S. for Catholic education
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CNS) -- When Rebecca Gonzalez dismissed her students from Notre Dame of Bethlehem School for summer break, she planned to continue bettering their education by putting her foot to the pedal. Like many of her students, the fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher is spending most of her summer days on a bicycle. But instead of biking to friends' houses or the local pool, she is biking across the country for "Coast to Coast for Catholic Schools," an event she created to raise awareness for Catholic education.
Texas lawmakers fail to pass abortion control bill, will try again July 1
AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) -- The Texas Catholic Conference was "disappointed that the disruptions in the Senate chamber" prevented state lawmakers from passing a strict abortion law before a midnight deadline June 25. The bill would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Vatican to cooperate in investigation of monsignor arrested for fraud
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An Italian monsignor, already suspended from his Vatican accounting job while under investigation for money laundering, was arrested June 28 on charges of fraud, corruption and slander in a separate case. Msgr. Nunzio Scarano was head of the analytical accounting service at the Vatican office that oversees Vatican property and investments.
Clergy assignment changes announced
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective July 1, 2013: PAROCHIAL VICAR Right Reverend Ronald J. Rossi, O.Praem., to Parochial Vicar with the status of Senior Priest, Saints Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester RESIDENCE Reverend Joseph A. Amalfitano, Pastor Emeritus, Immaculate Conception Parish, Marcus Hook, to […]
Catholic League baseball squad feels pinch from absentees
So much for looking forward to the Carpenter Cup Classic. In the first round on June 17 at South Philadelphia’s Richie Ashburn Field, the CL dropped an 8-3 decision to the Suburban One National/Continental League. The contest started ugly, with two errors leading to three runs. It didn’t get much better, as SONC doubled the […]