News & Commentary

A file photo shows the front of the New York state Capitol in Albany. New York is now the first state to offer paid prenatal care leave to expectant mothers. As of Jan. 1, 2025, privately-employed New Yorkers will be able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments, fertility treatments and abortion. The law was the result of a bipartisan legislative effort and was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

NY becomes first state to offer paid leave to expectant mothers for prenatal appointments

New York is now the first state to offer paid leave to expectant mothers for prenatal medical appointments. Under the law -- which was the result of a bipartisan legislative effort and was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul -- privately ...
Read More →

Survey: Most don’t see reasons to seek vaccine religious exemption as valid

A poll released Dec. 9 showed a strong majority of Americans don't see the reasons for a religious exemption to the coronavirus vaccine as valid.
Read More →
People gather for Midnight Mass

Oxford, Mich., is rebuilding ‘crumbled edifice of our hearts,’ priest says

There were four white candles alight in the darkness on the baptismal font at St. Joseph Parish Dec. 5. One for Hana St. Juliana. One for Justin Shilling. One for Tate Myre. One for Madisyn Baldwin.
Read More →

Program explores how social media can help engage young faith

When using social media, Ogechi Akalegbere, a catechist and co-chair of the pastoral council at St. Rose of Lima Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland, finds it's prudent to ensure that her posts honestly reflect her views and are respectful of others.
Read More →

Catholic organizations voice ‘anger’ over policy that keeps migrants out

In front of the White House, a large group of women religious and their supporters shouted just a few feet way from the president's residence Dec. 3, calling him to end a Trump-era policy that keeps migrants out.
Read More →

Michigan community picks up pieces after ‘everyone’s worst nightmare’

A day after a tragic shooting claimed the lives of four Oxford High School students and forever changed the lives of countless others, community members were picking up the pieces.
Read More →

Pro-lifers hopeful about outcome of Dobbs case, urge prayers for court

The chairman of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee Dec. 1 urged Catholics, people of other faiths and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade in its eventual ruling on ...
Read More →