In inaugural address, Bishop Olmsted reflects on past decade while charting course for future...

In a world beset by challenges, Pope Francis' fresh approach has inspired hope in many. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix echoed those hopes and spelled out his thoughts about the Church in Arizona in his inaugural 'State of the Catholic Church' address Sept. 23.

Send prayers, needed aid for those hit by Ebola, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called for prayers and concrete help for the thousands of people affected by the deadly Ebola virus. It was the second time in the past 24 hours that the pope spoke about the outbreak.

Trio of info fairs fosters high school discernment

The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office is holding high school information fairs over three days at as many locations aimed at helping eighth-graders and their families discern which Catholic high school might be the right for them.

Night of Hope celebration to gather fans of Catholic schools Nov. 1

Night of Hope, the signature event for the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Phoenix, will celebrate Catholic education at every level — from preschool to college.

Studies confirm religion increases longevity, and marriage does too

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Study after study has confirmed that those who are involved in religion and those who are married are healthier, physically and mentally happier and live longer than those who are not.

Depression: Glimmer of hope in the midst of sorrow, darkness

Kelley Orr, a social worker and mother of four sons, has struggled with depression for years. “I don’t hide it,” Orr said. “I pray and I reach out to friends.”

Hosting date nights a way for parishes to help couples keep bond strong

For many Catholic married couples, the training they received for their vocation started and ended with the required marriage preparation classes they took as engaged couples.

Tempe woman elected to national leadership in Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Susan Moné, a parishioner at Resurrection Parish in Tempe, is now one of nine national directors for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Survivors of Albania’s dictatorship give witness, move pope to tears

TIRANA, Albania (CNS) — Two survivors of Albania's communist crackdown against the church brought Pope Francis tears with their stories during a vespers service in Tirana's cathedral Sept. 21. "To hear a martyr talk about his own martyrdom is intense," the pope told journalists on the papal plane back to Rome the same evening.

Bishop Cupich named to succeed Cardinal George as Chicago archbishop

Pope Francis has named Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Spokane, Washington, as archbishop of Chicago, succeeding Cardinal Francis E. George, who has headed the archdiocese since 1997.