News
Christmas traditions prepare faithful for the joy of Jesus’ birth
From posadas and novenas to seafood and spiders, beloved Christmas rituals connect believers to Bethlehem across cultures and through the generations.
COVID-19 causing a ‘parallel pandemic’ for kids, Vatican says
Two new Vatican documents outlined the situation children and adolescents are facing worldwide and how governments, communities and the church can respond -- especially by keeping schools and parish programs open.
COVID-19 vaccines present ‘no ethical problem,’ says head of papal academy
The Vatican has reaffirmed its support of COVID-19 vaccines with both the head of the Pontifical Academy for Life and a Holy See communique insisting that getting inoculated is "an act of love," while refusing them is irresponsible.
Family’s faith comes to head in Tridentine Brewing operation
Lifelong Catholic Trevor Alcorn's great-great-grandmother brewed beer in her bathtub in Chicago during Prohibition in the 1920s. Today his home-brew hobby is running professionally and with an eye to the saints, especially Blessed Karl of Austria.
Couple: Young Catholic adults need community, parish outreach
A young Pittsburgh couple, 24 and 23, are sharing their strong faith with their peers, one at a time, through activities and friendships. From this personal relationship emerges community, "and then they become interested in our Catholic way of life."
Cardinal Turkson exits; pope names Canadian cardinal for key post
Pope Francis has named Cardinal Michael Czerny to lead the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, formed in 2017. The move ends Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson's five-year term of service.
Deepen your faith in the new year
The School of Theological Studies at St. Charles Seminary is welcoming a new cohort in its Institute for Christian Formation, geared to Catholic adults and equipping them "to be better disciples of Jesus,” said the school's director.
Young adults invited to New Year’s Retreat
Young adults in their 20s and 30s can welcome in the new year at Malvern Retreat House with a social and spiritual renewal beginning 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 through noon Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022.
Once homeless, choir members share message of hope for those on streets
The Good Shepherd Singers of St. John's Hospice performed at Philadelphia's Dec. 21 Homeless Memorial Day vigil, lifting their voices and others' spirits.
Carolers call for ‘peace in the womb’
Days before Christmas, local pro-life advocates sang the hymns of the season outside two area abortion clinics, bringing a message of joy to "places of despair."