IMAGE: CNS photo/Debbie Hill By Judith Sudilovsky BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) — Even the Christmas decorations seem more cheerful this year in Bethlehem. A new display of Santa’s reindeer and sleigh were about to alight at the main traffic circle on Manger Street, and a big white Christmas tree made …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Catholic Charities By Rose Ybarra MCALLEN, Texas (CNS) — Blessing the ground for a new respite center in McAllen is a sign of the Catholic Church’s commitment to be available and helpful to immigrant families, who “are enduring many, many tragic situations in their lives,” said Brownsville …

IMAGE: CNS/Oscar Durand By Oscar Durand ISTANBUL (CNS) — Sami Dankha, his three brothers and their families used to kick off Christmas celebrations by attending a packed Christmas Eve Mass at St. Thomas Church in Baghdad. Wearing brand new clothes and sporting fresh haircuts, they would spend the night chatting, …

IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis pleaded with a group of billionaires to take seriously their personal obligation to share their resources and make a real commitment to doing business in a way that helps other people realize their potential, too. The global economic …

The Athenauem of Ohio is involved with the Cincinnati Gives Challenge, a friendly fundraising competition raising money for local nonprofit organizations. Right now they are in the Number 3 Spot. As of 9:15 a.m. on December 5 the gap is widening between second and third place and The Athenauem is …

Although permission for Catholics to be cremated was issued and incorporated into Canon Law in 1963, Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told reporters Oct. 25 that church law had not specified exactly what should be done with “cremains,” and several bishops’ …

Marianist Sean Richard Downing, a native of Xenia, was ordained a priest on Oct. 8 at the Unviersity of Dayton’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S, of San Antonio presided. Marianist Provincial Father Martin Solma concelebrated the Mass at the chapel, which was overflowing with family, friends …

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES LaSalle (12-2) 14 vs. Perry (Massillon) 7 St. Xavier (9-5) 27 vs. St. Ignatius (Cleveland) (13-1) 20 All Archdiocese High School Standings LaSalle Lancers 13-2 (Ohio State Division II Champions) (Greater Catholic South Football Champions) St. Xavier Bombers 10-5 (Ohio State Division I Champions) Archbishop Alter Knights …

By Gail Finke The nearly two hundred men, women, and students who attended the US Catholic Mission Association (USCMA) national conference in Cincinnati last month come from different areas of the world and in serve different ways, but they all agree on one thing: Mission isn’t something you do, it’s …

IMAGE: CNS By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Father Stanley Rother of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, making him the first martyr born in the United States. The Vatican made the announcement Dec. 2. The recognition of his martyrdom clears the way for his …