By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sister Rita Petruziello said she could feel the “contention and nastiness” in the air during the presidential election campaign of the last year. Instead of getting better as the process went along, it kept getting worse. “It didn’t matter who won,” she told Catholic …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the depths of despair, when no words or gestures will help, then cry with those who suffer, because tears are the seeds of hope, Pope Francis said. When people are hurting, “it is necessary to share in …

Michael D. Pitman, politics reporter for the Journal-News, owned by Cox Media Group Ohio, will be honored as the Salesian Guild’s Distinguished Communicator of the Year at the group’s annual dinner meeting in Cincinnati on Saturday, Jan. 28. Guest speaker for the event will be popular blogger Deacon Greg Kandra. …

Conflict is a natural part of what it means to be human. Until God ushers in His Kingdom, we know that we will be muddling our way, creating and overcoming conflicts. The Church, for instance, will unapologetically stand up for the principles we believe in. We will witness to our …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The religious makeup of the 115th Congress is significantly Christian — 91 percent — with Catholics comprising one-third of the House of Representatives and about a quarter of the Senate. Overall, there are six fewer Christians in the new …

By AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) — A federal judge in Texas Dec. 31 blocked a regulation by the Department of Health and Human Services requiring Catholic hospitals and health care providers to perform or provide gender transition services, saying it would place “substantial pressure” on the plaintiffs — a coalition of …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Dennis Sadowski By Dennis Sadowski NEWARK, Ohio (CNS) — For Tonya and Chuck Cooper, family isn’t just those who share their last name. When it comes to helping people in need, the couple often sets an extra plate at the dinner table for someone without food, offers a …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Raminder Pal Singh, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Stand up and protect children from exploitation, slaughter and abuse, which includes committing to a policy of “zero tolerance” of sexual abuse by clergy, Pope Francis told the world’s bishops. Wake up to what is happening to …

Q: I have heard that the number of seminarians is increasing locally and more of them are recent college graduates. Why do you think there are fewer second-career vocations and more young men applying to seminary? A: Yes, there has been an increase in seminary enrollments locally and nationally and …