Articles by Kevin J. Jones
WikiLeaks exposes Cardinal Law’s work in Vatican-Vietnam relations
Sep 23, 2011 / 04:16 amThe WikiLeaks release of secret and confidential State Department cables has revealed that American Cardinal Bernard Law is actively working in Vatican-Vietnam relations. His “personal involvement” helped confirm the December 2009 meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet.
Dolores Hope remembered for deep Catholic faith
Sep 20, 2011 / 22:31 pmDolores Hope, the widow of entertainer Bob Hope and a supporter of many Catholic charities, was a Catholic of “deep abiding faith,” Archbishop José H. Gomez said in tribute to her life.
Teacher strike ends in Philadelphia with contract about Catholic identity
Sep 19, 2011 / 22:19 pmCatholic high school teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will return to classes after agreeing to a new contract on Sept. 19. The contract includes provisions about job security and the importance of the Catholic identity of the schools.
Vatican stresses dignity of elderly in reaction to UN report
Sep 17, 2011 / 14:40 pmThe Catholic Church’s delegation to the United Nations in Geneva has taken “strong exception” to a reference to assisted suicide in a special report on the place of the elderly in society, despite its agreement with other aspects of the report.
Teachers’ strike closes Philadelphia Catholic high schools
Sep 15, 2011 / 03:10 amThe Archdiocese of Philadelphia says there is “steady progress” in negotiations with the Catholic high school teachers’ union, but its high schools must shut down until an agreement is reached with the teachers’ union.
Regis University reacts to Colorado contraception mandate
Sep 14, 2011 / 03:28 amThough a new Colorado law mandates contraceptive coverage in its student health plan, Denver’s Regis University has reaffirmed that it will not provide or refer for contraceptives.
On Sept. 11, Catholic bishops reflect on event’s spiritual implications
Sep 13, 2011 / 03:53 amOn the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, leading American Catholic bishops mourned the dead, commemorated their sacrifices and looked for signs of renewal and resurrection.
Ten years later, World Trade Center cross still consoles
Sep 10, 2011 / 15:49 pmThe World Trade Center cross is still a “sign of comfort” to many people, says the Franciscan priest who describes himself as its “unofficial guardian.”
Lack of clergy at Sept. 11 memorial prompts separate prayer event
Sep 10, 2011 / 05:18 amSome Christian ministers have objected to the 9/11 Memorial Service’s failure to include members of the clergy and have scheduled a public prayer service for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Raleigh diocese announces new Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral
Sep 7, 2011 / 22:55 pmThe Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina plans to build a new 2,000-seat cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge announced Sept.7.
Opponents: Calif. vaccine bill will give taxpayer boost to drug companies
Sep 7, 2011 / 14:58 pmCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown should veto a bill allowing 12-year-olds to consent to STD vaccinations or treatment without their parents’ knowledge, bill opponents say. They warn that the bill violates parents’ rights and could give pharmaceutical companies $360 per child vaccinated, at taxpayer expense.
Vatican phone numbers not revealed in WikiLeaks cable dump
Sep 6, 2011 / 14:45 pmA WikiLeaks release of leaked State Department cables has drawn criticism for exposing sensitive diplomatic information. However, the massive release did not reveal confidential Vatican phone numbers but contained information already available in the city state’s public directory.
D.C. Padres baseball team promotes priestly vocations
Sep 2, 2011 / 04:02 amA baseball team of 11 Catholic priests and seminarians from the Archdiocese of Washington will play a team of high school and college varsity players to help promote vocations. The team’s first baseman, Fr. Larry Young, can’t wait for the game.
Catholic Charities organizes help for Irene’s victims
Aug 30, 2011 / 23:21 pmAs Catholic Charities agencies respond in the aftermath of the hurricane and tropical storm Irene, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Burlington has expressed his “prayerful support” for Vermonters suffering the storm’s effects.
Calif. bill draws fire for letting children consent to STD vaccines
Aug 30, 2011 / 04:14 amPublic action is needed to defeat a California bill that would allow children as young as 12 to consent to Gardasil vaccines without parental permission. Opponents say the proposal is a violation of parents’ rights and is motivated by the desire to prepare children for sexual activity.
North Carolina Catholics prepare for Hurricane Irene’s wake
Aug 26, 2011 / 15:30 pmCatholics in North Carolina are preparing to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Catholic churches damaged in northeast US quake
Aug 24, 2011 / 15:35 pmChurches in the archdioceses of Washington and Baltimore suffered some damage in the Aug. 23 earthquake that shook the northeastern United States. The oldest church in the Archdiocese of Baltimore will be closed for repairs for at least several weeks.
Fertility monitoring software is natural family planning's 'new face'
Aug 23, 2011 / 00:19 amThe developer of new fertility management software says it is becoming the “new face” for natural family planning. It can assist couples in conceiving or in avoiding pregnancy and help Catholics live their faith.
Government restrictions and social hostilities hinder religion globally
Aug 18, 2011 / 03:55 amMore than 2.2 billion people live in countries where government restrictions on religion or social hostilities involving religion rose “substantially” in recent years, a new report says.
Increased cohabitation rates mean more instability for children
Aug 16, 2011 / 23:31 pmFamily instability continues to grow in the U.S. despite falling divorce rates for families with children. Researchers say an increase in cohabitation is part of the problem, adding that society’s “retreat from marriage” harms children and has particularly hurt poor and working-class communities.