News
God’s kingdom comes through gentleness, not violence, pope says
Jesus' petition for his father's kingdom to come "is not a threat at all; on the contrary, it is a happy announcement, a message of joy," the pope said March 6 during his weekly general audience.
Don’t dread Lent, but make the best of its 40 days
Learning to welcome this season of repentance can help us to become "living parables of Jesus" who are charged to "connect the Gospel with life as we know it."
Palms to ashes: A few things to know about Ash Wednesday
Rich in history and tradition, the first day of Lent invites the faithful to turn from sin and recommit themselves to God through prayer, fasting and abstinence. Fun fact: Lent actually spans 46 days.
USCCB leaders offer prayers, urge support for tornado victims
UPDATED - The violent storms caused at least 23 deaths and scattered debris across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and parts of South Carolina, knocking out power for more than 10,000 homes.
States, District of Columbia sue to stop new rule for Title X funding
Twenty states and the District of Columbia filed a joint suit to block the Trump administration's "Protect Life Rule," which prevents funds from being used in services that include abortion as a method of family planning.
Religious, nonprofit leaders want Congress to repeal ‘parking lot tax’
A provision in the 2017 tax cut bill taxes religious and nonprofit organizations for the cost of parking lots and transit benefits for employees. It "creates an income tax on churches for the first time in U.S. history.”
Court denies case over religious buildings not getting taxpayer funds
The dispute is over state funds -- through historic preservation grants -- being offered to churches and other religious institutions.
Sessions set to conclude 3-year initiative on marriage, family life
This year the archdiocesan “Remain in My Love” program to reinvigorate Christian marriage and the family will present nine sessions at parishes from March through September -- see the full schedule.
Dissenting sisters in Indian rape case say they are church outcasts
As the Vatican grapples to devise stronger protocols and responses on clergy sex abuse of minors, five nuns in India complain of church repression for their support of a former superior general who was allegedly raped by a bishop.
Catholic youth learn significance of ashes in fiery Lenten tradition
By involving children in the process of creating these ashes, the staff of St. Bartholomew hoped the young people would better understand the rich symbolism contained in the tradition.