Calling it “unconstitutional” and “unfair,” the Maryland Catholic Conference expressed its continued opposition to legislation approved March 10 by a State Senate committee that would treat private institutions such as the Catholic Church differently from public institutions in civil liabilities faced for child sexual abuse.
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Assisted suicide proposals in Maryland called ‘unethical, discriminatory and dangerous’
As Maryland’s General Assembly considers bills permitting physician assisted suicide and that would allow voters to decide on whether to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right in the state, Maryland’s Catholic bishops led a Prayer Vigil for Life and Lawmakers on March 9 at St. Mary in Annapolis.
Biden argues new budget would reflect U.S. values; GOP hits rising debt
Democratic President Joe Biden unveiled the third budget proposal of his presidency March 9, and his first to a divided Congress.
Gunman attacks Jehovah’s Witness hall in Germany; 7 reported dead, including gunman
Seven people, including an unborn baby, were killed in a shooting at a Jehovah’s Witness meeting hall in Hamburg, Germany.
Jesus asks that no one be excluded from his table, pope says
The Catholic Church is not selective: each one of its members is a sinner and part of the holy, faithful people of God, Pope Francis said in an interview marking his 10 years as pope.
Bishops add some spiritual ‘meat’ to St. Patrick’s Day dispensations
With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Lenten Friday this year, many U.S. bishops have issued dispensations from abstinence on March 17, allowing the faithful to enjoy the American Irish tradition of eating corned beef (or ham) and cabbage in good conscience.
Pope opens path for more women at Vatican, in church
At the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square March 8, International Women’s Day, Pope Francis led a round of applause for women.
Pro-life leaders defend Texas abortion law facing new lawsuit
Five women who said they were denied abortions under Texas law despite pregnancy complications filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s abortion ban, while pro-life leaders defended the law, saying it already takes into account life-threatening situations.
Love Jerusalem, work for peace, pope tells interreligious group
If Jews, Christians and Muslims truly recognize Jerusalem as a sacred city, their desire for the city to be at peace must come before any political claim on its territory, Pope Francis said.
Helping, welcoming others creates a culture of fraternity, pope says
Taking in and welcoming others must be done without expecting anything from them in return, Pope Francis said.
Trusted relationships with priests key to fostering vocations, study says
A new study cites trusted relationships with parish priests as a deciding factor in cultivating vocations and reducing the priest-to-parishioner ratio as essential for making such encounters possible.
Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg unveils media center
Mother Seton School freshened up its learning facilities by adding a new media center.