News

Sister Eileen Russell, S.S.J., dies at age 87

The Orange, New Jersey native entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill in 1950 and would minister in three archdioceses on the East Coast.

Francisan Brother, longtime servant at St. Francis Inn, dies at 85

Brother Thomas Ennis, O.F.M., ministered for 26 years at the Franciscan-run soup kitchen in Philadelphia's Kensington section, among other assignments in his 54 years of religious life.

All-Catholic basketball teams announced

The Philadelphia Catholic League has named first-, second- and third-team All-Catholic basketball players for boys and girls for the 2019-2020 season.

Catholic Church in Germany to increase payments to abuse survivors

The German bishops, responding to criticism from survivors of clergy sexual abuse, will begin paying more compensation "at the higher end" of the current range between 5,000 euros ($5,650) and 50,000 euros per case.

New program helps Latinos find mental health resources

Archdiocesan Catholic Social Services has launched "Recupere Su Felicidad (Recover Your Happiness)" to direct clients to treatments that speak their language, and their culture.

Catholic school adds esports team to keep students engaged

A Vermont school found it couldn't field a football team, so it added esports, a form of sport competition using video games with organized, multiplayer competitions. A bass fishing team is next.

What is the ‘Catholic vote’ in more diverse church?

The 2016 election revealed a demographic shift taking place among Catholic voters, one that depends more on ethnicity than on religion. At issue is "the white Catholic vote vs. the Hispanic Catholic vote."

Vatican announces theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Pope Francis wants Catholics to focus on the pastoral care of people displaced within the borders of their own country and the church's mission to serve them. The theme is: "Forced like Jesus Christ to flee."

Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after COVID-19 reported at hotel

The Catholic Church in Jerusalem urged its faithful to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority following its order March 5 to close all schools, universities, mosques and churches, including the Church of the Nativity.

Live life, don’t squander it, pope tells young people

Both young people and adults can "waste their lives with superficial things" and give in to "widespread growing digital narcissism," the pope said in his message for World Youth Day 2020.