Articles by Kevin J. Jones
Springfield Catholic Charities reorganizes to maintain public presence
Jan 10, 2012 / 23:06 pmCatholic Charities in the Diocese of Springfield, Ill. has announced a major reorganization in response to the state’s termination of its foster care and adoption contracts. The agency intends to strengthen its Catholic identity and become more self-reliant in funding its services.
Researcher reveals Pius XII’s ‘remarkable’ aid for Jewish refugees
Jan 10, 2012 / 11:22 amPope Pius XII helped a group of 500 Jewish refugees escape death at the hands of the Nazis and made a touching public tribute to the Jewishness of the man seeking their deliverance, new research shows.
Irish Catholic group insists cartoonist not worthy of NJ honors
Jan 7, 2012 / 16:25 pmAn Irish-American Catholic fraternal group has repeated its objections to 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast’s nomination to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
Paralyzed priest’s ‘miraculous’ cure could lead to canonization
Jan 6, 2012 / 04:18 amA priest who was severely paralyzed from a neck injury believes he was healed through the intercession of 19th century priest Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos. If declared a miracle by the Vatican, the healing could lead to the blessed’s canonization.
Anti-Catholic cartoons become issue in NJ Hall of Fame nomination
Jan 4, 2012 / 23:55 pmVoting has closed for the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s nomination of 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast, whose proposed induction drew criticism from Catholic and Irish groups who said his negative portrayals of Catholics and Irish-Americans made him unsuitable for the honor.
Santorum success in Iowa could shock establishment
Jan 3, 2012 / 13:25 pmFormer Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum’s late surge in the polls ahead of the Iowa Caucuses is a sign that he may be “poised to shock the Republican Establishment,” a Catholic deacon and political commentator says.
Deadly floods in Philippines trigger Catholic response
Dec 19, 2011 / 22:46 pmCatholic organizations are helping organize aid for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines after it caused flash floods that have killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless.
Knights of Columbus urge millions to 'Keep Christ in Christmas'
Dec 16, 2011 / 01:03 amThe Knights of Columbus' annual campaign reminding millions of Americans to “Keep Christ in Christmas” is in full swing with radio ads, signs, billboards, Nativity scenes and Christmas cards.
State board rejects legal complaint against archdiocese's pro-marriage DVD
Dec 13, 2011 / 17:33 pmThe Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis did not violate state campaign laws by mailing a DVD on marriage to 400,000 Catholics before the 2010 election, Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Board ruled Dec. 8.
Cardinal John Foley, great Catholic communicator, dies at 76
Dec 12, 2011 / 11:18 amCardinal John Patrick Foley, former head of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and former president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, died in Pennsylvania on Dec. 11 at the age of 76. Pope Benedict XVI expressed gratitude for the cardinal’s priestly ministry and “distinguished service.”
Archbishop Chaput describes ‘very serious’ issues in Philadelphia
Dec 10, 2011 / 09:30 amThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia faces “very serious” financial and organizational issues which mean some of its schools must close or combine, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has said in a new pastoral letter. He also warns of unavoidable continued fallout from the court cases tied to sexual abuse by priests.
On Civil War's 150th anniversary, historian reflects on religion's role
Dec 9, 2011 / 04:09 amReligion had a “pervasive” role in American life at the time of the United States’ Civil War, one historian says, explaining his “fascinating” discoveries about the roles Catholics played.
Election results in Egypt worry Catholic leaders
Dec 5, 2011 / 17:16 pmCatholic leaders in Egypt voiced surprise and alarm at the success of Islamist groups in the first round of Egypt’s parliamentary elections but stressed that the process is still in an early phase.
iPhone’s lack of abortion clinic advice not intentional, Apple says
Dec 2, 2011 / 04:12 amThe failure of the iPhone’s Siri program to locate some abortion clinics drew praise from pro-lifers and criticism from pro-abortion rights advocates, but Apple said the lack of recommendations was unintentional.
Irish Church’s abuse review stresses accountability
Dec 1, 2011 / 11:27 amNew reviews of six Irish dioceses show that the Catholic Church in Ireland is dedicated to “complete transparency and accountability” about allegations of clerical sex abuse and that its child protection systems are improving, an official with the independent review board says.
Cloistered nun and former actress to tell story of Hollywood and faith
Nov 30, 2011 / 04:03 amThe Central California Marian Eucharistic Conference this January will feature a rare speaker: Mother Dolores Hart, OSB, a former award-winning actress who performed in two Elvis Presley movies and still votes for the Academy Awards.
As holidays approach, Catholic aid agencies encourage generosity
Nov 21, 2011 / 09:54 amOfficials with Catholic charities and relief agencies have asked people to remember both the needs of the poor at home and those facing humanitarian disasters overseas.
After fire, director reflects on Camp St. Malo's important role
Nov 17, 2011 / 18:51 pmThe Camp St. Malo Retreat Center severely damaged in a Nov. 14 fire has had a “huge” place in the life of the Catholic Church in Colorado, its director says.
Bishop Finn agreement seems to indicate prosecution's weak case
Nov 17, 2011 / 03:13 amA county prosecutor’s agreement with Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph is a sign of the weakness of the charge that the bishop illegally failed to report suspected child sex abuse, a Missouri lawyer says.
NJ nurses explain lawsuit against hospital’s abortion requirements
Nov 15, 2011 / 11:36 amWith the backing of a congressman, a group of nurses in New Jersey are speaking about their lawsuit challenging their hospital superiors’ orders to cooperate in abortions or lose their jobs.