News
Bishop says First Step Act brings needed criminal justice reform
The nation's criminal justice system "is in need of reform" and the First Step Act "is a worthy 'first step' in the right direction," said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
Priest apologizes for funeral homily that focused on suicide
Father Don LaCuesta criticized for emphasizing suicide in his homily during a recent funeral for an 18-year-old who took his own life has since apologized.
Irish president signs abortion law
In a May referendum, voters opted by a margin of 2-1 to lift the country's constitutional protection of the right to life of unborn children. The new law will permit abortion on demand up to 12 weeks' gestation.
In Christmas message, pope prays for peace, brotherhood
Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace.
Pope at Christmas: Come to the manger with love, charity, simplicity
Jesus' birth in a stable, God's coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.
Being holy is what brings joy, pope tells Vatican employees
One sign of holiness is being able to "be astonished, to feel wonder before God's gifts, his 'surprises.' And the greatest gift, the ever-new surprise is Jesus," he told Vatican employees and their family members.
Santa saddles up to help at-risk youth at Christmas
A local motorcycle group braved wet roads to deliver toys to the St. Francis-St. Joseph and St. Vincent Homes, which serve more than 100 dependent and delinquent teens.
Pennsylvania priest sent to prison after guilty plea in abuse case
Father John T. Sweeney, 76, received a sentence of 11 months to five years in state prison and must register as a sex offender for 10 years, a judge in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, said Dec. 21.
Kids served by Catholic agencies thrill to fun-filled party
The 63rd annual Archbishop's Christmas Gala for Children not only was a lot of fun for the 550 kids attending, but was also “a beautiful witness to the church at its best, caring for children."
Christmas brunch helps hundreds at holidays
A volunteer's dream of assisting families in need has grown into an annual tradition with year-round impact, thanks to a partnership with archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.