VATICAN CITY – Americans will soon have their first close-up encounter with Pope Benedict XVI, a figure who, in the minds of many, is still coming into focus. Some view him as a vigilant pastor, one who has used virtually every medium possible – books and speeches, sermons and encyclicals – to guide Catholics back...Read More

VATICAN CITY – In a new set of rules encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican is requiring dioceses to be more meticulous and objective when they prepare local sainthood causes.Read More

Similar to television’s version of “The Biggest Loser,” a priest and a youth minister are going head to head – or in this case stomach to stomach – in the St. John’s Largest Loser weight-loss contest not only to benefit charities of their choice, but their health and wellbeing as well.Read More

Since Feb. 29 only falls on the calendar every four years, Sherry Strickler of Fort Meade rarely thinks about the unusual date – but she’s thinking about it in 2008. The 40-year-old parishioner of Our Lady of Peace, Fort Meade, was surprised to learn that Pope Gregory XIII is actually responsible for establishing the modern-day...Read More

With the understanding that no one gets out of this existence alive, those who want to prepare for the inevitable can plan their funeral and prepay for most of it, too.Read More

It might not be such a good idea to catch some ZZZs on your next flight. Especially if you are overweight, suffer from chronic disease or have undergone surgery to lower extremities, sitting in one position while traveling can lead to a dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be fatal if not...Read More

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Good evangelizers are good communicators, so Catholics must make the most of the tools available to them for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley told an audience in Columbia.Read More

DENVER – Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has joined other leaders of faith-based organizations in opposing a bill before the Colorado Legislature they criticized as harmful to preserving religious identity.Read More