By Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Oct. 8 urged the federal government “to reconsider” its new rules to allow religious institutions — and potentially some for-profit companies — to opt out of the contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act. On Aug. 22, the …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Existing diocesan programs and Catholic organizations aimed at helping Catholic families fulfill their vocation clearly are not strong enough to meet modern needs, a Wisconsin couple told the Synod of Bishops. “We must develop more robust and creative methods to share …

By Andrea Gagliarducci The Catholic Telegraph  VATICAN CITY — The family is not an outdated model, and Catholics should defend it from the sins that call into question and often destroy the traditional family, the general rapporteur of the Synod of Bishops said Monday. Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest presented …

By Ann Schneible CNA/EWTN News  VATICAN CITY — As the media centers upon the question of whether the Church will change its teaching regarding reception of the Eucharist by those living in complex situations, there is a danger that many of the other, no less significant, issues may be falling …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — The highest ranking U.S. bishop at the Vatican says this month’s Synod of Bishops on the family should mark the end of a high-level debate over whether to make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion. …

By Michelle Martin Catholic News Service  CHICAGO — With prayers, songs and sealing wax, Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago formally closed the investigation into the life and virtues of Father Augustus Tolton Sept. 29 in a ceremony in the St. James Chapel at the Archbishop Quigley Center. The prayer …

By Andrea Gagliarducci CNA/EWTN News VATICAN CITY — The first woman ever to be appointed a member of a Vatican congregation explains that “women still have much to give to the Church with their personal charisma.” Sister Luzia Premoli, superior general of the Combonian Missionary Sisters, was appointed a member …

By Elise Harris CNA/EWTN News  VATICAN CITY — On Monday’s feast of the archangels Pope Francis spoke of the ongoing battle between the devil and mankind, encouraging attendees to pray to the angels, who have been charged to defend us. “He presents things as if they were good, but his …

By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON — People of various religious groups tend to think followers of their faith are more apt to face discrimination than the general public thinks, but majorities of all backgrounds agree that Muslims, gays/lesbians, blacks and Hispanics face discrimination. According to a Pew Research …

By Kate Veik CNA/EWTN News  Milwaukee, Wis. — After 30 years of providing post-abortion healing and support across the United States, Project Rachel is hoping to take its ministry abroad. “The aftermath of abortion is a universal phenomenon,” founder Vicki Thorn said in a recent interview with CNA. “The symptoms …