News
Catholic students raise a lot more than nickels for special ed brothers and sisters
It’s never too early to teach children the importance of giving to others. Students across the Archdiocese learned this valuable lesson recently through the Catholic Students for Catholic Charities fundraising program. Catholic elementary schools and high schools in the Archdiocese raised $24,201 in support of the archdiocesan Schools of Special Education.
Unemployment goes against God’s plan — ‘It is not right!’ Pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis called for an end to slave labor and human trafficking as well as greater efforts to create dignified work for more people. The problem of unemployment is "very often caused by a purely economic view of society, which seeks self-centered profit, outside the bounds of social justice," he said, marking the May 1 feast of St. Joseph the Worker during his weekly general audience.
Strong faith is key to church unity, says doctrinal congregation head
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The unity of the Catholic Church rises or falls to the degree that its members uncompromisingly hold firm to the faith transmitted by the apostles, said Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Explosion-shattered Texas town buries victims, picks up pieces
WEST, Texas (CNS) -- The town of West all but shut down April 25 as most of its 2,800 residents headed to Baylor University in Waco, 20 miles south, for a memorial service for the first responder victims of an April 17 factory explosion. As the town's public works agencies struggled to restore water, gas and electrical service to the damaged areas, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was overseeing assistance from Catholic organizations. Austin Bishop Joe S. Vasquez had asked parishes in the diocese to hold special collections to aid in the relief efforts.
Give curia reform time, Vatican official says, urging calm
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Amid widespread speculation about a complete and quick reorganization of Vatican departments and rumors in the Italian media that Pope Francis was going to close the Vatican bank, a top Vatican official told everyone to calm down. "The pope was surprised to see attributed to him phrases that he never said and that misrepresent his thought," said Archbishop Angelo Becciu, whose job is similar to a chief of staff.
Canadian brother murdered in Haiti, mission in country closed
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS) — Marianist Brother Richard E. Joyal, who was murdered in Haiti after withdrawing money at an ATM in late April, was a dedicated missionary who had worked in trying circumstances around the world, according to fellow members of the Society of Mary order. Brother Joyal, 62, was shot three times […]
State House passes abortion opt-out bill as Senate deliberates
The Pennsylvania Senate will soon consider a bill that would allow the state to opt out of paying for abortions under the federal health care reform law. The House of Representatives passed its opt-out bill April 23.
Israeli president invites Pope Francis to visit Israel
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres officially invited Pope Francis to Israel, telling the pope "the sooner you visit the better, as in these days a new opportunity is being created for peace, and your arrival could contribute significantly to increasing the trust and belief in peace." The Vatican said that during their half-hour private conversation April 30, the pope and the president discussed "the political and social situation in the Middle East where more than a few conflicts persist."
New magazine for women set for May debut
Five young Catholic women living in New York learned that women overall were experiencing a decline in happiness. So the five decided to develop a magazine that would offer something different. Verily magazine, unveiled April 17 at its website verilymag.com, will feature articles of hope to "lift women up," a founding editor said.
Sold-out concert nets windfall for St. Charles Seminary
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary hosted a sold-out concert performance April 19 by the Three Irish Tenors. The fundraising event was created to support the ongoing mission of the seminary in forming priests for the future. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and Bishop Timothy Senior, rector of the seminary, were joined by more than 450 guests at […]