A federal judge in Texas Dec. 31 blocked a regulation by the Department of Health and Human Services requiring Catholic hospitals and health care providers to perform or provide gender transition services.
National News
National Migration Week Starts Jan. 8
“Creating a Culture of Encounter” is the theme of 2017’s National Migration Week, Jan. 8-14, an annual observance the U.S. Catholic bishops began over 25 years ago.
Number of Catholics in Congress Is Now 168
The religious makeup of the 115th Congress is significantly Christian – 91 percent – with Catholics comprising one-third of the House of Representatives and about a quarter of the Senate.
Fall River Diocese, Town Create Wildlife Sanctuary
Richmond Pond in Westport is just a stone’s throw away from the mouth of Buzzards Bay where it meets Rhode Island Sound, both leading to the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach area on the pond’s south side was the spot where youngsters attending St. Vincent’s Camp, a few miles to the north, would enjoy its pristine waters and sand.
Cardinal Dolan to Participate in Inauguration
New York’s Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan will take part in the upcoming presidential inauguration of Republican Donald Trump.
Parents Just as Attached to Their Devices as Kids
For adults complaining about America’s youth being saturated in media usage, it appears the apple hasn’t fallen far from the iPad.
NY Appeals Removal of Sheen’s Body
Hopes buoyed in the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., by a Nov. 17 court ruling allowing Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s remains to be transferred from New York to Peoria were tempered by an emergency stay being granted to the New York Archdiocese, which planned to appeal the ruling.
Brooklyn’s Maronite Bishop Mansour to Chair CRS
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops appointed Maronite Bishop Gregory J. Mansour to chair the board of directors of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief and development agency.
HHS Mandate in Limbo Until New Administration Takes Over
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious employers that challenged the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act have been cautiously breathing a sigh of relief since the presidential election.
Pope’s Schedule Released As Christmas Tree Rises
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – As a towering spruce tree was erected in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ liturgy schedule for Advent, Christmas and the month of January.