Miami, San Antonio bishops place NBA Championship bet

Jun 6, 2013 - 04:25 pm .- The last time Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski made a friendly bet with a bishop from Texas, he lost.

Pain-capable abortion ban passes congressional subcommittee

Jun 6, 2013 - 01:26 pm .- By a vote of 6 to 4, the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice approved a bill on Tuesday that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of gestation.

Despite lawsuit, Ohio archdiocese keeps teacher morality clause

Jun 6, 2013 - 06:02 am .- Although the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has been ordered to pay $171,000 to a school teacher fired for undergoing artificial insemination, a spokesman says it has no intention to end morality requirements.

Unknown dead buried with reverence at Catholic cemetery

Jun 6, 2013 - 02:02 am .- At the Archdiocese of Denver's Mount Olivet Cemetery, no person is buried without prayers being said over them – even those whose identities are a mystery.

US dioceses prepare for second Fortnight for Freedom

Jun 5, 2013 - 05:03 pm .- Dioceses across the country are preparing for the upcoming Fortnight for Freedom – now in its second year – by organizing a variety of prayer and educational activities with a religious liberty theme.

Mass. bishop asks forgiveness after drunk driving charge dropped

Jun 5, 2013 - 04:05 pm .- Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Mass., has again apologized following an agreement with a Rhode Island court to dismiss a drunk driving charge against him.

Archbishop Chaput prays for building collapse victims

Jun 5, 2013 - 03:18 pm .- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia offered his prayers to those affected by a building collapse on the morning of June 5, which left one woman dead and over a dozen injured.

Parents of kidnapped journalist grateful for Pope's words

Jun 5, 2013 - 06:04 am .- The parents of kidnapped American journalist Austin Tice have appealed again for his release, voicing gratitude for Pope Francis' words on behalf of all abducted victims in the Syrian conflict.

Jesuit priest appointed to lead US bishops' doctrinal office

Jun 5, 2013 - 02:04 am .- Fr. Peter Ryan, a Jesuit priest known for his defense of Church teaching, is slated to step up in August as the executive director of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs.

Advocate says fight to defend marriage in Illinois continues

Jun 5, 2013 - 12:02 am .- An Illinois Catholic leader says that the state's failure to advance a “gay marriage” bill is a significant victory for grassroots activism, but more action is needed to ensure it never passes.

Professor says religion, private life are public concerns

Jun 4, 2013 - 05:01 pm .- In a talk at the nation's capital, a U.S. scholar argued that so-called private entities – such as the family, religion and interpersonal interactions – involve and are in fact the core of public society.

International bishops urge G8 leaders to remember the poor

Jun 4, 2013 - 01:19 pm .- Catholic bishops from across the world joined together to ask leaders of the G8 nations to consider the needs of the poor in developing countries across the globe.

Mobile ultrasound aims to reach abortion-vulnerable women

Jun 4, 2013 - 06:03 am .- A network of pro-life pregnancy centers in Colorado is the latest to take to the streets with a mobile ultrasound unit that it hopes will help women choose life and reject abortion.

Catholic Relief Services honored on 70th anniversary

Jun 4, 2013 - 02:01 am .- In recognition of the 70th anniversary of Catholic Relief Services last week, the mayor of Baltimore declared an official “Catholic Relief Services Day” on May 31.

Philadelphia archdiocese announces 24 parishes to merge

Jun 4, 2013 - 12:07 am .- The Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday announced the merger of 24 parishes into 10, saying the changes will “ultimately strengthen parish communities.”

Religious liberty is 'endangered,' warns Hispanic Christian leader

Jun 3, 2013 - 05:28 pm .- Current threats to religious freedom in the United States demand that people of faith speak out in defense of their fundamental rights, said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez.

'Blindside' mom launching show to help adoptive families

Jun 2, 2013 - 04:07 pm .- The mother whose story inspired the hit movie “The Blindside” has taken on a new television series to assist families in navigating the process of adoption.  

St. Norbert's conversion and reforms remembered June 6

Jun 2, 2013 - 06:02 am .- On June 6 the Catholic Church honors Saint Norbert of Xanten – who started out as a frivolous and worldly cleric, but was changed by God’s grace into a powerful preacher and an important reformer of the Church during the early 12th century.

Political scholar says religious freedom unites society

Jun 1, 2013 - 04:12 pm .- Through respect and healthy debate, society can find a balance in respecting the rule of law while accommodating the religious beliefs of different groups, said political scientist William Galston.

Bishops’ Adviser on Sexual Abuse: ‘How Do We Get Children Safer?’

Jun 1, 2013 - 01:06 pm .- Al Notzon III is the chairman of the National Review Board that advises the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, guidelines and procedures established by the USCCB in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.