News
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 […]
At 50 years old, Christ the King Parish proud of much, including its school
When Father James Callahan celebrated the 50th anniversary Mass for his parish, Christ the King, in the Morrell Park section of Philadelphia on June 23, it was on the exact date that the very first Mass was celebrated by Father Arthur Woods, the founding pastor. Today its 36 different programs and groups provide ministry from the cradle to the grave and all stops in between.
Archbishop calls immigration reform debate a ‘defining moment’ for U.S.
DENVER (CNS) -- The nation's heated debate over immigration reform this summer is "a defining historical moment for America" and "a moment for national renewal" Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez told hundreds of attendees at the closing keynote address of the Catholic Media Conference June 21 in Denver.
Guantanamo Bay prison poses moral dilemma for White House
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A growing chorus of voices — from international human rights groups to grass-roots faith-based activists — are pushing President Barack Obama to finally make good on his pledge to close the military-run prison at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. The bottom line for the organizations is that the basic human […]