Institute officials outline alternatives to in vitro for infertile couples
For couples struggling to conceive a child, in vitro fertilization has been a medical standard for the past 30 years. The Catholic Church has long opposed the process of as immoral, because it separates contraception from the marital act and it destroys embryos.
Praying for the dead, pope asks special prayers for victims of war
The early November feasts of All Saints and All Souls call Catholics to contemplate their ultimate destiny, hope in the eternal happiness of their beloved dead and remember the thousands of innocent people dying each day because of human evil and selfishness.
Praise God, proclaim salvation, pray for the persecuted, pope says
Prayer and mission are the very breath of the Christian life, Pope Francis said.
Official says Catholic cemeteries have ‘huge opportunity to evangelize’
RYE, N.Y. (CNS) — Beyond their traditional roles as predictably quiet and often-beautiful places, "cemeteries have a huge opportunity to evangelize and a responsibility to stand for what the church represents," said Andrew Schafer, executive director for Archdiocese of Newark Catholic Cemeteries in New Jersey.
People who come to a committal service in a cemetery may be encountering Catholic funeral tradition for the first time, or for the first time in many years.
Muslim-Catholic dialogue on Iranian weapons focuses on arms policies
Seven months after a delegation of U.S. bishops quietly met with Iranian religious leaders, their efforts appear to be on track to continue a dialogue on nuclear weapons and the role faith leaders may have in influencing arms policies.
Bright lights, cool air protect Sistine Chapel from visiting hordes
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican is not promising visitors to the Sistine Chapel more elbow room, but it is guaranteeing a cooler experience.
Couple to Couple League turns to crowd funding to publish book on marriage
The Couple to Couple League, a Catholic organization that trains couples in Natural Family Planning, is turning to crowd funding in order to publish a book about marriage.
Don’t be bad Christians, people may think atheism is better, pope says
The way Christians behave can either help and inspire others, or turn them away from ever following Jesus, Pope Francis said.
Precious Blood sister with strong ties to St. Mary’s Basilica dies
Sr. Virginia Hebbeler, CPPS, who ministered at St. Mary’s Basilica for 22 years, died Oct. 28. She was 93.
Holocaust survivor to lecture on St. John Paul II
A scholarly lecture on a Catholic campus will provide an interfaith perspective of St. John Paul II, whose first official feast day the Catholic world observed a week ago.
