VILNIUS, Lithuania – Lithuania’s bishops said they are “gravely concerned” over a Ministry of Health draft document that would oblige would-be obstetricians and gynecologists to learn how to perform abortions up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, sterilization and in vitro fertilization procedures.Read More

WASHINGTON – The publication of a recent booklet about a “Catholic approach” to same-sex marriage by New Ways Ministry prompted the chairmen of two bishops’ committees to reaffirm a year-old statement that the organization cannot be considered a Catholic group.Read More

Witnessing the induction of former Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken Jr. into the Baseball Hall of Fame July 29 was a heady experience for St. Ignatius, Hickory, parishioner Ernie Tyler. While attending the Cooperstown, N.Y., festivities caused the 83-year-old to end a baseball era of his own – Mr. Tyler missed his first home game as...Read More

PHILADELPHIA – A March 14 preliminary hearing for three priests, a former priest and a male former lay teacher was recessed until March 25 by presiding Common Pleas Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes.Read More

WASHINGTON – Precious Blood Father Clarence Williams has been chosen as Catholic Charities USA’s new director of racial equality and diversity initiatives. Father Williams, director of black Catholic ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit for the last 12 years, starts the new job Sept. 1. A consultant to Catholic Charities for about nine years, Father...Read More

ANNAPOLIS – Planned Parenthood almost seemed like a permanent fixture in the Minnesota community where Baltimore Raven Matt Birk grew up. Located just two miles from his home in St. Paul, the abortion clinic operated for three straight decades.Read More

WASHINGTON – Catholic organizations have joined with a variety of medical, civic, labor and other religious groups in calling on Congress to increase funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, despite a threatened veto by President George W. Bush. Representatives of nearly three dozen organizations participated in a July 25 Capitol Hill news conference...Read More

VATICAN CITY – In his new volume on “Jesus of Nazareth,” Pope Benedict XVI presents the passion and resurrection of Christ as history-changing events that answer humanity’s unceasing need to be reconciled with God.Read More