Courts give some last-minute relief from HHS contraceptive mandate
In the midst of their New Year's Eve celebration with low-income elderly residents, the Baltimore-based Little Sisters of the Poor learned that the Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily protecting them from the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate.
Photographer captures final stages of abandoned churches, factories
Philadelphia photographer Matthew Christopher strongly believes in restoring abandoned buildings, but says if a structure is going to be demolished, it should at least be documented.
Milwaukee project makes, markets soaps to help former prostitutes
They drive around the surrounding neighborhoods where street prostitution is active. They try to meet people's basic needs, offering food, first aid and personal care items. Perhaps more importantly, they listen to their stories, often tales of sexual abuse as children and feelings of being unloved and feeling hopeless.
Response to ‘On Eagle’s Wings’ over the years humbling for composer
Fr. Jan Michael Joncas has composed more than 300 liturgical songs, but his name is widely known for the one that tops a list of favorites: "On Eagle's Wings."
Pope, on feast of first martyr, prays for persecuted Christians
Observing the feast of the church's first martyr, Pope Francis prayed for Christians suffering persecution and discrimination around the world, even in countries that nominally honor religious liberty.
Christmas is time to feel God’s closeness, experience peace, pope says
Celebrating the first Christmas since his election, Pope Francis preached the goodness and tenderness of God, and prayed that men and women around the world would allow God's grace to transform them into peacemakers.
Auxiliary bishop joins immigration experts in debate
TEMPE — Auxiliary Bishop Edurado A. Nevares joined top local and national immigration experts in an immigration reform debate Dec. 14 at Rio Salado College.
Judge says employer objections to HHS mandate based on religious rights
NEW YORK (CNS) -- A spokesman for the New York Archdiocese said the archdiocese "welcomes and applauds" a Dec. 13 ruling by a federal judge granting Catholic organizations in the archdiocese and the neighboring Diocese of Rockville Centre a permanent injunction on having to comply with the federal contraceptive mandate in the health care law.
Pope Francis is third pope to win Time’s Person of the Year honor
Pope Francis is not seeking fame or accolades, but being named Time magazine's Person of the Year will make him happy if it helps attract people to the hope of the Gospel, said the Vatican spokesman.
Pope calls on Catholics to end world hunger, join in ‘wave of prayer’
Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has asked that parishes, schools and individuals join Pope Francis in his call to unite in prayer and action against global hunger.
