Government: It’s God’s idea, but our task to make it better

God calls for good governance of his people on earth, but not for a specific form, writes Gina Christian. Though she will vote Nov. 8 with a heavy heart, she knows the ballot box can lead to an encounter with our divine king.

Sister of Life says perpetual vows begin her next adventure with Christ

The seeds of Sister Grace Dominic's vocation were first planted in the Archdiocese of Washington, where she was born and raised, attended school, graduated from college and began a career in journalism. Here, in her hometown, God's eventual plan for her life took shape.

Teens from Catholic schools enjoy high-energy class retreat

More than 2,200 sophomores from 10 high schools learned about conversion of heart at a rally that for the first time gathered all the students under one roof for a retreat featuring rock music, dynamic speakers and Eucharistic adoration.

Albanian church awaits beatification of 38 communist-era martyrs

A priest who was shot for baptizing a child and a religious novice who died after she was tortured in a sack are among 38 Albanians to be beatified as martyrs Nov. 5, doubling the number of Catholics declared blessed from communist rule in Eastern Europe.

Rest on the Sabbath, at least in the spirit of the catechism

A reader wonders whether gardening and doing household chores on Sunday violates the Third Commandment. They generally don't, replies Father Ken Doyle, but he cautions: don't forget about going to Mass.

Pottstown parish’s teenagers enjoy faith-filled Steubenville weekend

Some two dozen members of the St. Aloysius Parish youth group traveled to Franciscan University for a summer conference that attracts about 2,000 young people. Teens called the experience "a great way to deepen your relationship with God.”

Students of 40 Catholic schools display, perform artistic talents

The creative arts are flowering this April as Catholic grade schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese participate in four “Showcases of Excellence” events at four archdiocesan high schools this week and next.

‘Faith overshadows fear’ amid Boko Haram’s terrorist acts, says bishop

"As the bishop, I am in a particular place because God has planted me there in order to serve the people," Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri, Nigeria, said.

37 students from archdiocese named Neumann Scholars

See our complete list of eighth grade students who will receive a four-year scholarship from the Connelly Foundation to attend one of 17 archdiocesan high schools.

Reader wants to move sign of peace, squelch singing at Communion

Father Ken Doyle answers two readers' suggestions for changing the Mass by pointing out what the church allows and encourages in the liturgy.