News
Women who make Christmas happen reflect on Martha at retreat
Led by author Christine Marie Eberle, women gathered for Dec. 10 at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Warrington, to ponder two saintly women's response to the coming of Jesus: busyness, or listening.
Pope lifts secrecy obligation for those reporting sex abuse
Pope Francis' decision to drop the highest level of secrecy regarding cases of clerical sexual abuse is an "epochal change" that means "transparency now is being implemented at the highest level."
House bill improves existing system for farmworkers, farmers, say bishops
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019, passed by the House Dec. 11 with a 260-165 bipartisan vote, aims "to make a better system for both the farmer and the farmworkers and to create a more effective and humane agriculture industry."
Catholic climate groups vow to maintain pressure after COP25 failures
UPDATED - Catholic campaigners voiced frustration over a lack of progress at U.N. climate talks in Spain, but vowed to step up demands for firmer international action.
Presidential debate will go on after labor pact OK’d
A food service company settled an agreement with employees of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where the Democratic presidential debate was set for Dec. 19. Most candidates had vowed not to cross strikers' picket lines.
Catholic homilies shorter than Christian counterparts, data show
An analysis of 50,000 sermons showed the median Catholic homily is 14 minutes long, followed by mainline Protestant sermons at 25 minutes, Evangelical Christian sermons at 39 and African American Protestant sermons at 54.
Lebanese Guides, Scouts hope to raise Christmas hope amid despair
In an effort to brighten an otherwise bleak Christmas, the Maronite Girl Guides and Boy Scouts of St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Parish in Mtaileb, north of Beirut, initiated a food drive for the needy.
Creches tell the Nativity story using materials, symbols of local culture
The ubiquitous manger scene makes the perfect illustration of enculturation, that is, adapting the principles of faith to a specific cultural setting. The Incarnation, the moment God becomes human, allows the nations to envision Christ as one of their own.
Martin Saints keeps Advent on right note
Students of the classical high school invite all to join in the Festival of Lessons and Carols, featuring Scripture readings and carols to sing along, Jan. 17 at Holy Martyrs Church, Oreland.
The hardest time: Man recounts wrongful 28-year incarceration
The Peace and Justice Ministry of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Germantown and Art for Justice welcomed Chester Hollman III, who was freed from prison last July, for praise music and reflection on criminal justice.