News
Trump, Barr urged to stop federal executions, recall God’s mercy during Advent
Federal executions are at odds with Advent as a season "of anticipated redemption" and must be stopped, said the chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' domestic policy and pro-life committees.
Vatican cardinal says confession by phone likely invalid
Despite the pandemic's limits on many people's ability to celebrate the sacraments, the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary confirmed "the probable invalidity of the absolution (of sins) imparted" through electronic means.
Tackling threats to planet demands cooperation, pope tells new ambassadors
The pope told 10 new ambassadors to the Vatican that they are beginning their work "at a time of great challenge facing the entire human family," with "grave threats facing our planet and mortgaging the future of younger generations."
Pope Francis plans to visit Iraq in March
Barring any obstacles caused by the global pandemic, the pope is set to begin international travel again in 2021 for the first time since November 2019. He would be the first pope to visit Iraq and its 400,000 remaining Christians.
Kansas man thanks every doctor, nurse, therapist who helped him beat COVID-19
In June Catholic parishioner John Rathbun began to sleep a lot then developed a cough -- signs that he'd contracted COVID-19. After 35 days in a hospital he finally returned home. Now he's grateful for "all the people who cared for me."
Minnesota Bankruptcy Court approves St. Cloud Diocese’s reorganization plan
The plan provides for a $22.5 million trust to compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse, consisting of insurance coverage settlements, property sales and contributions from parishes, plus a line of credit. It also outlines protocols for the protection of children.
Federal judge orders full restoration of DACA program
Catholic immigration advocates applauded a new ruling that said the Trump administration must fully restore the program that protects qualifying young adult immigrants from deportation. It was suspended this summer by the Department of Homeland Security.
Catholic Foundation welcomes religious liberty speaker
Montse Alvarado, vice president and executive director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, is the guest speaker in a virtual event Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.
First Communion dresses, suits find new life in parish program
The Communion Closet at St. Katherine of Siena Parish in Philadelphia accepts those precious outfits used only once -- and perhaps not even then because of the pandemic -- and offers them to anyone for their child's special day in the church.
Immaculate Conception, St. Cyril churches to close
The churches in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood and in East Lansdowne, Delaware County had been infrequently used worship sites, and both in need of costly maintenance.