When Father Benjamin Kosnac decided to start offering confessions 30 minutes before every Mass, he wasn’t sure anyone would come. But try walking into the chapel at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church in Sterling Heights. Mich., on any given weekend now, and you won’t find a seat that isn’t taken.
National News
Search for Irish Roots Adds Depth to Author’s Catholic Identity
Given Irish history and the people’s struggles with the great famine, British absentee landlord oppression, and the 19th-century migrations to North America, there is virtual storehouse of material for historical fiction, especially for a writer with an Irish-Catholic sensibility like Mary Pat Kelly.
K of C Study Calls for Action Against Terrorists
The Knights of Columbus and In Defense of Christians contend that Christians in Libya, Iraq and Syria are victims of genocide carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS) in a new report. It argues that the case for genocide exists and called on Secretary of State John Kerry to make such a declaration and to include Christians in it.
Catholics Urged to Sign Pledge vs. Genocide
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked U.S. Catholics to sign a pledge calling for an end to the slaughter of Christians and members of other religious minority groups in the Middle East.
Biden, Boehner to be Honored at Notre Dame University Graduation
With public confidence in government “at historic lows” and cynicism “high,” the University of Notre Dame will present its 2016 Laetare Medal to two public servants known for “their leadership, civility and dedication to our nation,” the university’s president announced.
New Bishop for Metuchen
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, N.J., and named as his successor Msgr. James Checchio, a priest of the Diocese of Camden, N.J.
Catholic Extension Highlights ‘Nuns Who Rock’ for Nat’l Catholic Sisters Week
Dominican Sister Gabriella Williams in the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif., gives her heart and soul to her ministry with migrant field workers, hourly laborers and their families living in trailer parks in California’s Coachella Valley.
‘Pray It Forward’ Campaign Focuses on Sisters’ Ministries
As they tend to the spiritual and physical needs of people, including the most vulnerable, women religious rely on the amazing power of prayer.
B’klynites View Livestream of Race Conference
Religious leaders, civic leaders and community members came together for a conference on “Black and White in America: How Deep the Divide?” in Birmingham, Ala. Brooklynites participated by livestream.
Catholic Letter Writers Denounce Trump as a Demagogue
“Donald Trump is manifestly unfit to be president of the United States. His campaign has already driven our politics down to new levels of vulgarity,” said the letter from two prominent Catholics, Robert George and George Weigel.