Christine Rousselle

Christine Rousselle

Christine Rousselle is a former DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. Prior to working at CNA, she was the managing web editor of Townhall.com; she has a BA in political science from Providence College.

Articles by Christine Rousselle

The hallowed tradition of cemetery Masses

Oct 31, 2021 / 08:00 am

There are many different cultural traditions around Allhallowtide, but one of the most consistently honored is the practice of visiting cemeteries.

Catholic group decries Oklahoma execution, during which inmate vomited

Oct 29, 2021 / 17:09 pm

A Catholic organization is calling on Oklahoma to stop executing prisoners following yet another botched execution Thursday afternoon.  

Paid leave program removed from social spending package

Oct 28, 2021 / 13:02 pm

A provision creating a national paid leave program will not be included in the social spending package being crafted by Congress, after weeks of negotiations on the potential length of the leave. 

Canada's bishops hope papal visit will aid 'reconciliation and healing'

Oct 27, 2021 / 21:11 pm

Catholic, secular, and tribal leaders throughout Canada reacted with mixed emotions to the news that Pope Francis would likely be making a papal visit to Canada in the future.

March for Life announces 2022 theme of 'equality'

Oct 27, 2021 / 12:18 pm

The theme for the upcoming March for Life will be “Equality Begins in the Womb,” event organizers announced at a press conference on Oct. 27. 

Orthodox leader discusses religious freedom, climate change with Biden

Oct 26, 2021 / 13:40 pm

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I discussed religious freedom and climate change with U.S. leaders on Monday in Washington, D.C., and announced an interfaith initiative to encourage vaccination against COVID-19.

Canadian diocese requires COVID-19 vaccination to attend Mass

Oct 26, 2021 / 11:10 am

A Catholic diocese in Canada will be requiring proof of vaccination and identity verification for anyone 12 or older to attend Mass or other events held at parishes. 

US bishops warn against ‘extreme’ abortion provisions in budget bills

Oct 25, 2021 / 15:02 pm

Spending bills introduced last week in the U.S. Senate would force employers and insurers to cover and pay for abortion, and do not include longtime protections for conscience rights, the U.S. bishops’ conference warned on Friday.  

Alta Fixsler dies in hospice

Oct 23, 2021 / 13:36 pm

Alta Fixsler, the two-year-old British girl whose parents fought to keep on life support, died October 18 after her life support was withdrawn. 

Oklahoma City archbishop issues call to prayer for end to abortion, death penalty

Oct 23, 2021 / 12:11 pm

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City has issued a call to prayer for the abolition of the death penalty and for the end to abortion in Oklahoma. 

Catholics pray after Alabama executes death row inmate

Oct 22, 2021 / 17:01 pm

Alabama executed inmate Willie B. Smith III on Thursday evening, Oct. 20, marking the first execution in the state since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith received a lethal injection of and was pronounced dead at 9:47 p.m. 

Christians pray, fast for release of missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

Oct 22, 2021 / 16:01 pm

The ringleader behind the kidnappings of 17 missionaries in Haiti has threatened to kill the hostages unless he received his demands, in a video posted online on Thursday. Meanwhile, the group that organized the mission trip has called for prayer and fasting for the missionaries’ safe release.

Bishops of Lake Charles, Raleigh issue statements on Latin Mass

Oct 21, 2021 / 18:01 pm

Three months after the release of Traditionis custodes, Pope Francis’ restrictions on traditional liturgies, U.S. bishops are continuing to implement the apostolic letter within their respective dioceses. 

Two priests in Lincoln diocese reassigned with restrictions, following review of alleged misconduct

Oct 20, 2021 / 16:09 pm

Two priests in the Diocese of Lincoln are being reassigned to ministry with restrictions, following diocesan review of accusations of sexual misconduct. Neither priest was reportedly charged with a crime.

After Catholic football coach was fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccine, lawyer alleges anti-religious animus

Oct 20, 2021 / 15:00 pm

The former Washington State University football coach, a Catholic, intends to sue the school after he was refused a religious accommodation to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate and was subsequently fired for not getting vaccinated.

Christian aid group requests prayers for kidnapped missionaries in Haiti

Oct 19, 2021 / 17:01 pm

The gang responsible for the kidnapping of 17 missionaries in Haiti is demanding a $17 million ransom for their safe release, as the organization behind their trip is requesting prayers for their safety.

Federal judge rules Baltimore cannot block Church Militant rally 

Oct 15, 2021 / 15:10 pm

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Baltimore city officials cannot block the parent company of the website Church Militant from holding a rally during a meeting of the U.S. bishops in November. 

San Francisco archbishop clarifies Pelosi's papal visit not an endorsement of her abortion views

Oct 14, 2021 / 10:05 am

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent meeting with Pope Francis does not signal a papal endorsement of her views on abortion, the archbishop of San Francisco said in a television interview on Oct. 13. 

Biden administration pushes death sentence for Boston bomber at Supreme Court  

Oct 13, 2021 / 16:03 pm

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday, Oct. 13 concerning whether or not to reinstate a federal death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. 

Why women didn’t need Roe to get ahead: An interview with the head of Secular Pro-Life

Oct 12, 2021 / 16:15 pm

This December, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Many legal experts say it presents the most momentous test yet of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. At issue is the constitutionality of Mississippi’s 2018 law banning most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy.