God is mercy: Holy Year affirms belief Christians, Muslims, Jews share

In his official proclamation of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis noted that the Christian profession of faith in God's mercy "relates us to Judaism and Islam, both of which consider mercy to be one of God's most important attributes."

U.S. bishops approve statement that calls pornography ‘mortal sin’

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops approved a statement on pornography on the second day of their Nov. 16-19 fall general meeting in Baltimore. “Producing or using pornography is a mortal sin that needs to be confessed in order for the person to receive God’s forgiveness,” says the draft version of “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” “Those who produce and distribute pornography harm the common good by encouraging and even causing others to sin,” it says.

God never shuts the door; church always must be open, too, pope says

The pope dedicated his catechesis to the symbol of the Holy Door, which will be opened at St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 8 to mark the start of the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy.

Bishop disturbed by calls to end resettlement of Syrian refugees in U.S.

"These refugees are fleeing terror themselves — violence like we have witnessed in Paris," said Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the migration committee for the U.S. bishops.

Carmelite Missionary Sisters establish novitiate at Scottsdale parish

A mini vocation boom of sorts at St. Daniel Parish saw the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Child of Jesus convent welcome a novice, a formator and temporarily, a woman in the early stages of discernment.

Recycled Orchestra produces clean sounds, renewed spirits

Alas, the older generation can rightly claim that what they’re hearing is garbage. But they’ll have to distinguish between the physical instruments and the sound coming out of them.

Pray to lead with understanding hearts, credible voices, bishops told

At the opening Mass for the annual fall assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the USCCB president urged his brother bishops to pray for virtues that would help them be better spiritual leaders.

Mesa parish loses long-serving deacon

Dcn. Tom Bolduc passed away Oct. 21 following a short illness and hospice care. He would have turned 69 Nov. 18.

Trip to the Holy Land an adventure in faith, Christian history

JERUSALEM — Tonight as I write these words, I’m about 6,000 miles away from the birthplace of Christianity, but just a few days ago, I was walking in the footsteps of Christ in the Holy Land.

Young Latino emerges as leader in foreign policy

One young man’s latest fete is both a nod to his past and a sign of an impactful future.