News
Now-public clergy files focus attention on Los Angeles Archdiocese’s abuse response
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The release of thousands of pages of personnel files by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles detailing allegations of clergy sexual abuse has focused new attention on the roles of church leaders and their handling of the cases over four decades.
Give real help to youth facing work, education issues, pope urges
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Young people's essential needs, including decent work and an education, demand a serious, effective response from both the church and the wider community, Pope Benedict XVI said. Problems facing young people "cannot be met with responses that are evasive or banal," he said, especially if humanity is going to have a hopeful, generous future.
Appeals court sides with manufacturing company against HHS mandate
ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- An appeals court issued a preliminary injunction Feb. 1 against the federal government's contraceptive mandate, saying a Catholic-owned company, Annex Medical, does not have to comply with that part of the Affordable Care Act while its legal challenge makes its way through the courts.
Punk band rocks the Vatican, explains today’s youth to culture council
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When the head of the Pontifical Council for Culture said he wanted to listen to what today's young people had to say, he wasn't afraid to hear it belted out at 100 decibels. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi invited members of the Italian rock group, The Sun, to speak their minds through music to the cardinals, bishops, lay members and advisers of the council, as well as to a large contingent of foot-stomping, cheering young fans. (Watch a video of The Sun performing their song, "Rain".)
College presidents urged to equip students for faith-based outreach
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, wants to see graduates of Catholic colleges become more involved in service -- globally and even locally within their own parishes -- and said university presidents should do more to make sure this happens. "Young people love to volunteer," she said, but what she "finds missing" from them is a "lifelong commitment" to the poor and a sense of "responsibility for building up the church."
Struggling moves people to ‘higher level of spirituality,’ says priest
MELBOURNE, Fla. (CNS) — Franciscan Father Richard Rohr told a Florida audience that he is about to end 43 years of giving retreats all over the world “and I haven’t found a single perfect person.” “We all come to God by falling, by doing it wrong,” he said. “The ego doesn’t like that.” The San […]
St. Andrew Parish, Drexel Hill, to study Shroud of Turin with film, discussion
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Drexel Hill will study the Shroud of Turin by viewing the slideshow presentation “Shroud Encounter” on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in Msgr. McGettigan Hall at the parish, located at 3500 School Lane in Drexel Hill. Russ Breault, an expert on the shroud who has appeared on several TV network programs on it, […]
Canada’s Salt and Light TV debuts new ‘Vatican Connections’ series
TORONTO (CNS) — Salt and Light Television in Toronto is debuting a new television series called “Vatican Connections.” The weekly show will offer viewers insight into the latest headlines coming out of the Holy See and highlight the history and traditions of Rome. Alicia Ambrosio will host the show, aimed at helping “make sense of […]
Britain’s House of Commons close to passing same-sex marriage bill
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- Members of Britain's House of Commons voted, 400-175, to allow same-sex marriage, pushing a controversial piece of legislation closer to becoming law. The vote followed six hours of debate and represented the first time lawmakers were able to vote on the redefinition of marriage to include same-sex couples.
SS. Simon and Jude School students enjoy talent show, book fair
Above, eighth graders of SS. Simon and Jude School, West Chester, perform Jan. 31 in the talent show during Catholic Schools Week, a traditional show at the school. At right, second graders Evelyn Hewitt (left) and Ava Panetta enjoy browsing through titles at the school book fair.