Every two years the U.S. Postal Service issues a traditional first-class Christmas stamp showing Mary and Jesus, and this year’s stamp features an oil-on-panel painting from the first half of the 16th century titled “Virgin and Child.”
National News
Supreme Court Appears Ready to Support Web Designer in Free Speech Case
In a case examining the scope of free speech protected by the First Amendment, the Supreme Court Dec. 5 ultimately seemed to favor a broad view of free speech.
Pastor Reflects on 10th Anniversary of Sandy Hook School Shooting
Ten years ago, Newtown, Connecticut was catapulted into the national spotlight when a young man shot and killed 26 people Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Bishop Barron Disappointed by Senate Passage of Respect for Marriage Act
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth said he was “gravely disappointed” by the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.
Second Victim Identified in Louisiana Murder of Priest
Ruth Prats, a pastoral associate at St. Peter Church in Covington, La., has been identified as the second victim in a double homicide that has shaken the community, the local coroner’s office announced Thursday afternoon.
New Orleans Prelate Recalls Murdered Priest as ‘Beloved Pastor’
After a coroner confirmed that Father Otis Young, Jr. was one of two dead bodies found near his parish earlier this week, the Archbishop of New Orleans on Nov. 30 remembered the retired priest of St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, La., as a “beloved pastor.”
Senate Passes Respect for Marriage Act; Bill Now Heads to House
Ahead of the U.S. Senate’s Nov. 29 61-to-36 vote approving the Respect for Marriage Act, the chairmen of two U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees reiterated the bishops’ ” firm opposition” to the “misnamed” measure legalizing same-sex marriage.
Catholics Urged to Focus on Holy Family, the Eucharist During Advent
In the Diocese of Nashville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding has asked Catholics to focus on the Holy Family this Advent.
Some U.S. Dioceses are Lifting Restrictions on Communion Cup
As many restrictions put in place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, some Catholic dioceses around the country are returning, or already have returned, to offering consecrated wine in the chalice for Communion while others are waiting to do so.
Priest Calls Serving Alongside Military Members as Army Chaplain ‘Humbling’
As much as Father Lukasz J. Willenberg misses being part of a regular parish family back home in the Diocese of Providence, ministering to members of the U.S. Army as a military chaplain for the past eight years has brought him an unparalleled level of joy.