U.S.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Comes to the Stage in Norfolk, Virginia

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Max McLean told me he was convinced that this CS Lewis masterpiece was "so brilliant and so consistent" in presenting a "morally inverted universe"  that he knew it had to performed ...

ASIA PACIFIC

Australian billionaire to build life-size replica of the Titanic

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Billionaire Clive Palmer, Australian mining magnate has commissioned a Chinese shipyard to build a replica of the ill-fated Titanic. The replica of the 1912 luxury liner will be complete in every ...

LIVING FAITH

The Old, Old, Story: Fr Dwight Longenecker on Authentic Evangelization

by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Through video, radio, internet, blogs, e-books and publishing on demand the world is opening up to the proclamation of the gospel as never before. What is needed now is an army of enthusiastic, ...

MOVIES

'Think Like a Man' tops at U.S. box office

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The ensemble African American comedy "Think Like A Man" kept its top spot at the nation's box offices for what was a relatively quiet weekend before the rush of big-budget adventures that typify ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Bitumen, or 'dirty oil' carries transportation risks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bitumen, commonly referred to as "dirty oil," has many concerned over its environmental impact on the petrochemical industry. Far more corrosive than regular crude oil, bitumen poses a hazard to ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago LE - Public schools mark Earth Day with new menu

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The major food provider for Chicago Public Schools, Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality, has marked Earth Day 2012 by serving a menu that contains fish, fruits, and vegetables. The special menu included: ...

U.S.

Eight U.S. troops die after sampling Afghanistan's deadliest crop, Opium

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Afghanistan is notorious for producing the deadly poppy that produces opiates that are turned into illicit drugs such as heroin and morphine. Now, some U.S. troops have paid a high price for ...

ASIA PACIFIC

'Bollywood' actress killed after being kidnapped by costars

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Indian film star - or "Bollywood" actress Meenakshi Thapar has been murdered by two of her former co-stars in a failed attempt to extort money from her family. The 26-year-old actress was strangled ...

LIVING FAITH

Vatican Congregation for the Clergy: God Stands Before Us and Invites Us to Touch Him

by Congregation for the Clergy

God stands before us and invites us to touch Him.  God does not set conditions for us; He does not call for a special 'work' or a special 'space' in order for us to meet Him.  Rather God ...

TELEVISION

Actor who played TV vampire 'Barnabas Collins' dies

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The mythical blood-sucking vampire is supposed to be immortal. It still came as a bit of a shock to learn that TV vampire Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins on the Gothic soap opera "Dark ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

U.S. Airways moves to merge with American Airlines

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

U.S. Airways has filed papers to begin a merger with American Airlines. U.S. Airways CEO Doug Parker is quick to say that an earlier report that said an agreement between the two airlines had ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago LE - Local School Council elections this Wednesday

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Chicago Public Schools will be having their Local School Council elections this Wednesday, with roughly about 6,500 candidates running for the positions.

U.S.

Farrakhan speech - Jesus was black, Mary was Egyptian, and brothers ain't shooting no blanks.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, has captured attention once again with fresh racist rhetoric. In an inflammatory speech delivered at Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church in ...

EUROPE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you POPE BENEDICT!

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENEDICT! Today is Pope Benedict XVI's 85th birthday. Thursday will also mark the seventh anniversary of his election to the papacy.

LIVING FAITH

Divine Mercy: The Happy Priest Reflects on the Wounds of Jesus and Our Wounds

by Fr. James Farfaglia

Many call Thomas the doubting Thomas. All of the Apostles doubted.  All of the Apostles ran away and abandoned Jesus.  In reality, he is not the doubting ...

MUSIC

Bee Gee Robin Gibb in coma, reported near death

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bee Gee Robin Gibb is in a coma, after battling pneumonia. His family are keeping a close vigil on the musician, who is reported near death. Gibb is reportedly in a private hospital in London.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

US economy, two out of three ain't bad?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Claims for jobless benefits are on the rise while the trade deficit has decreased and inflation has remained flat. That's good news for most in two out of three economic reports released by the ...

LOCAL NEWS

Red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag warning" for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana from noon until 7 p.m. due to the warm, dry, and windy weather and how the weather "will ...

U.S.

The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter Keeps Busy During Holy Week and Easter

by Randy Sly

"The journey to full communion, for both individuals and groups of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, seems not to be unlike [the journey of Moses and the Chosen People in their journey ...

EUROPE

Pope calls for end of violence in Syria in Easter message

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Pope Benedict XVI in his Easter message called for an end to violence in Syria. He also called for a renewed peace effort in the Middle East. The pope delivered his annual Easter Mass message ...

LIVING FAITH

Archbishop Dolan - Obama policy 'intruding into the life of faith.'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Cardinal Timothy Dolan boldly stated that Obama's contraception policy is "intruding into the life of faith," during an interview on CBS News' Face The Nation.

CELEBRITY

60 Minutes' Mike Wallace dies at 93

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"I've often replied, when asked, 'I'll retire when my toes turn up,'" 60 Minutes' fiercely tenacious newsman Mike Wallace once declared. "Well, they're just beginning to curl a little, which ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Geithner acknowledges runaway federal spending is a problem

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Treasure Secretary Timothy Geithner is calling the government's long-term fiscal commitments "unsustainable" and is calling for the government to take a balanced approach to addressing the issue. 

LOCAL NEWS

Rally to protest youth murders in streets of Chicago

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

On Sunday, both church and community members protested against the murders of youth in Chicago and the shooting of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.

U.S.

President Obama Makes Video Vowing to Protect Planned Parenthood

by Jennifer Hartline

Our current President has made his position crystal clear and has demonstrated time and time again that he will always defend Planned Parenthood; he will always defend abortion-on-demand, without ...

AFRICA

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to field own presidential candidate

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has announced that it will field its own presidential candidate. The announcement reverses an earlier decision. The ultra-conservative Muslim Brotherhood is already in ...

HOME & FOOD

Antioxidants - Popcorn is good for you!

by Taylor Wilkerson

Popcorn is one of the top guilty food pleasures today and is, for most people, the highlight of going to the movie theater. As soon as the tickets are bought, moviegoers make a bee-line for the ...

MOVIES

OCTOBER BABY: A Box Office Winner is Born

OCTOBER BABY had the third highest per-screen average and closed at No. 8 in the nation for its opening weekend competing against The Hunger Games - one of the most successful Hollywood blockbuster ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Party's over for tribal casino in Connecticut

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Times once ran high for the Pequot tribe in Connecticut. Establishing the Foxwoods Casino on their tiny patch of reservation, tribesmen prospered, many earning an annual income of $100,000. This ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago ranks 17th for social media knowledge

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to a survey released on Monday, Chicago ranked 17th out of 75 major cities in its social-media knowledge.

U.S.

A happy story of redemption - Modern Jean Valjean has day in court

by Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)

A California judge has sentenced a man who fired two shots at police officers to one year in county jail and probation; this after the man skipped bail and fled to Africa. Prosecutors had asked for a ...

EUROPE

Spanish teenager who tried to flee prostitution marked with degrading 'barcode' tattoo

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Prostitution is the degrading practice of a human being offering sexual services for money. Many young women and girls with no place to go around the world are often forced into prostitution in ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Online iReport - Allentown, PA rallies for Religious Freedom

by Carolee Gifford (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"It's terrible! It has to be rescinded!" said Sister Josanne Huber, M.S.C., commenting on the healthcare mandate thousands and thousands protested at noon, Friday, at federal buildings all over ...

BOOKS

Muslim 'marriage manual' offers tips on wife beating

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A book entitled "A Gift for the Muslim Couple" is a purported marriage manual that offers helpful advice on wife beating. Within the book's opening pages, there is a passage that reads that "it ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Dartmouth president named as surprise choice to lead World Bank

by Greg Goodsell

United States President Barack Obama has named the president of Dartmouth College, Jim Yong Kim as its nominee to lead the World Bank. Kim has now become the frontrunner to lead the multinational ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago Chef Week includes dining deals

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

March is another month that is full of dining deals.

U.S.

United for Religious Freedom: US Bishops Unified Statement

by Catholic Online

Most importantly of all, we call upon the Catholic faithful, and all people of faith, throughout our country to join us in prayer and penance for our leaders and for the complete protection of our ...

EUROPE

Gun used in French school shooting was used in previous attacks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The gun used to kill four people at the Ozar Hatorah School in Toulouse, France was used previously in attacks against French paratroopers last week, authorities say. The gunman opened fire upon ...

AMERICAS

Bishop Gerald Kicanas on the Papal Visit - Reaching out to our Cuban Neighbors

by Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Chair, Catholic Relief Services’ Board of Directors

Later this month, I have the privilege of traveling with several other brother bishops from the United States to join our Holy Father on his visit to Cuba. Pope Benedict XVI follows in the footsteps ...

BOOKS

Book Review: 'Indivisible' is a Book for Our Time and A Call to Christian Collaboration

by Randy Sly

"I read this book from cover to cover, in one sitting, in awe of what God was up to in these pages. INDIVISIBLE builds a sure bridge of faith and reason over which our country can walk, from our ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Many U.S. states face crisis over teachers' pensions

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

As one million teachers in the U.S. expect to retire this year, many states are caught in a bind over pensions. A vast majority of states' teacher retirement funds are underfunded. According to a ...

LOCAL NEWS

A small local bank has been closed down by regulators

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A small community bank has been closed on Friday by regulators.

U.S.

Anti-Christian Attacks Continue: More Mindless Hate Mongering in the Media

by Michael Terheyden

According to Larry Doyle of The Huffington Post, the Catholic Church conducts barbaric rituals; its priests wear black robes and cast spells; its devotees eat Jesus meat in a cannibalistic ...

ASIA PACIFIC

U.S. soldier goes on shooting spree, kills 16 Afghans

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Sixteen Afghan civilians have been shot dead in their homes by a US soldier in a pre-dawn attack. The victims include three women and nine children. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has vociferously ...

HOME & FOOD

The disgusting product you're inadvertently feeding your kids

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Kids who turn their noses up at the school lunch may actually have a good reason why. Despite every assurance that school lunches are as nutritious and healthy as possible for our kids, school ...

MOVIES

Filmmakers of the world turn their camera towards the Arab Spring

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Journalists of the world have all risen to the challenge to document a way of life in a part of the world that is being irrevocably changed. While some feel the Arab Spring has turned into a ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

More and more U.S. church buildings being foreclosed upon

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Banks are now foreclosing on more and more U.S. churches in record numbers. Lenders are increasingly losing patience with religious facilities that have defaulted on their mortgages. The recent ...

LOCAL NEWS

Former Bears quarterback files for bankruptcy

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bob Avellini, former Chicago Bears quarterback, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.

U.S.

The high stakes of the Obama Netanyahu talks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The near-term fate of Iran's nuclear sites may hang on the results of talks taking place now at the White House. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with President Barack Obama as ...

ASIA PACIFIC

Suicides among young females epidemic in Kashmir

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Suicide rates in Kashmir were negligible before the insurgency of 1989. Since then, there has been a very noticeable uptick in suicides in the past 21 years. Researchers at Kashmir's sole ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Doctrine: A Reflection on the Kingdom of God and His Christ

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

The Kingdom of God is a strange kingdom whose king finds his earthly manifestation not on a throne, with gold crown, and lush raiment.  What kind of king is it ...

MOVIES

Filmmakers of the world turn their camera towards the Arab Spring

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Journalists of the world have all risen to the challenge to document a way of life in a part of the world that is being irrevocably changed. While some feel the Arab Spring has turned into a ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

One in four homes was in foreclosure, RealtyTrac says

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

As a reminder of the bleak U.S. housing market, RealtyTrac reports that homes in some stage of foreclosure accounted for nearly one in four homes sales during the fourth quarter.

LOCAL NEWS

Students fined for not behaving.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Last year, Noble Network of Charter Schools' 10 Chicago campuses collected an estimated $190,000 for students not being on their best behavior.

LOCAL NEWS

Governor Quinn wants to cut state funding

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn wishes to eliminate the state's contributions toward health insurance benefits for retired teachers and professors.

U.S.

What's Really Despicable? Rick Ungar, Obamacare, and Rick Santorum

by Jennifer Hartline

Last week Forbes' contributor Rick Ungar indignantly labeled Rick Santorum a "despicable human being" for saying that Obamacare will result in rationed care based on usefulness and not on the dignity ...

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian activist tells NBC News of torture, deprivation

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In a harrowing interview with NBC News, an anti-Syrian government activist told of the weeks he spent in torture chamber. A merchant from Jisr al-Shughour in Syria's northern Idlib, 25-year-old ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Homosexual and Lesbian Relationships as Marriage in Maryland?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Homosexual and Lesbian unions are on the road to being given the legal equivalency of marriage in the State of Maryland after the legislature gave its final approval to a bill. It ...

MOVIES

ACT OF VALOR - The Directors Speak Out

by Mike Parker

What went into creating the newly release film, "Act of Valor?" Veteran writer and film critic Mike Parker talks with the movie's co-directors Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Apple tops in retail per square foot

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to research company RetailSails, Apple is head and shoulders above all other physical, brick-and-mortar stores - per square feet. The company judges the health of a store is annual ...

U.S.

'American Humanist Association' sets up scholarship fund for atheist student

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A high school student who voiced her opposition to a banner at her Rhode Island high school now has a Web site dedicated to raising money for her college. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Ahlquist said ...

AFRICA

HIV diagnosis for infants to be made available in rural Kenya

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Students at Kenya's Strathmore University since 2001 have been developing and refining software for infant HIV diagnosis. The software has been implemented in 75 health center in the must rural ...

HOME & FOOD

Overweight and unhappy? Here's a good reason why...

by Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)

One in five American breakfasts now come from McDonald's. Half of all meals are eaten outside of the home, and nearly all family meals are consumed with each member of the household eating a ...

MUSIC

Paul McCartney gets star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

All things come to those who wait. Paul McCartney, one of two surviving members of the Fab Four has finally been blessed with his own star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Several hundred ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

General Motors reports record profits, but much work remains to be done

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

General Motors posted flat fourth-quarter income this week but still managed to haul in $7.6 billion worth in profits last year, up 62 percent from the prior year. The fourth quarter is the ...

U.S.

I Choose No Contraception, so Why am I Paying For It? This is Really a Mandate Against Life

by Jennifer Hartline

Caring for a pregnant woman is expensive.  Caring for children is even more expensive.  Preventing their existence is cheap.  Destroying them in the womb is a money-saving act in the ...

AMERICAS

Mystery illness killing thousands of Latin Americans, spreading fast

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A silent, mysterious killer that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives in the past decade is stalking the manual laborers of Central America. At least one in four Central American men are ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Abp. Dolan: Obama needs to 'back out of intruding into the internal life of a church'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan came to the South Bronx to bless a library. He offered no blessings for President Barack Obama, who wants Catholic institutions to pay for birth control, the ...

MUSIC

Paul McCartney gets star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

All things come to those who wait. Paul McCartney, one of two surviving members of the Fab Four has finally been blessed with his own star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Several hundred ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

49 states accept $25 billion foreclosure-abuse settlement

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Forty-nine states have accepted a $25 billion foreclosure-abuse settlement with the five largest mortgage lenders. While coming as welcome news to many, primarily those "underwater" in their ...

LOCAL NEWS

Roosevelt University now offering Occupy movement class

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Roosevelt University is now offering a class on the ongoing Occupy movement.

U.S.

Doug Kmiec Writes President Obama: 'Friendship Will Not Permit Me to Disregard Duty to Faith and Country'

by Deacon Keith A. Fournier

Doug Kmiec convinced many Catholics to elect President Barack Obama and received an ambassadorship to Malta. He also became a lightning rod in the Catholic community and beyond. I have not heard ...

MIDDLE EAST

Double veto from Russia, China sink Syrian sanctions

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

An effort from the United nations Security Council to slap Syria with sanctions collapsed amidst bad feelings when both Russia and Chine rejected the proposals with a double veto. The breakdown ...

LIVING FAITH

The Happy Priest: Jesus Gives Meaning to Human Suffering

by Fr. James Farfaglia

Jesus does not take away human suffering; rather he transforms it and gives it new meaning. In his book Compassion, Henri Nouwen, no stranger to sorrow and pain,  expresses this idea with ...

MUSIC

'Soul Train's' Don Cornelius commits suicide with self-inflicted gunshot wound

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Don Cornelius, the creator and host of the long-running TV dance show "Soul Train," apparently committed suicide by way of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Cornelius, 75 was discovered at ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

New Sony CEO pledges comback

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

When Kazuo Hirai, who at 51 is Sony's youngest chief executive, takes over in April from Howard Stringer, he has some daunting tasks in order to bring the company up to speed. Japan's ailing ...

LOCAL NEWS

New Gang Book explains how gangs are abusing social media

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Street gangs are using social media to follow through with their criminal plans, explained in a new book published by the Chicago Crime Commission, a non-profit organization that supports fighting crime.

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago to recieve federal grants for HIV testing and treatment

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The city is receiving nearly $1 million in federal grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. The funding will be for both community mental health and substance abuse ...

U.S.

Catholic Resistance Must be the Response to the Unjust HHS Edict to Violate Conscience

by Deacon Keith Fournier

The Catholics Bishops of the United States have asked the faithful to pray, fast and engage in Catholic Action. This is in response to the unjust edict demanding ...

ASIA PACIFIC

Male health activists step in to help in Indian child births

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In order to reach the United Nations' millennium development goals 4 and 5, which is to reduce child and maternal mortality respectively, such new innovations have been introduced in such remote ...

LIVING FAITH

Atheist teen stands behind her position after school prayer banner taken down

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A prayer banner at Cranston High School West in Rhode Island, part of the school since 1963, has been covered after a teenage student there complained that it violated the separation of church and ...

CELEBRITY

'Sweathog' Robert Hegyes dies from heart attack

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Long before Bart Simpson, the "sweathogs" on TV's "Welcome Back Kotter" were under-acheivers, and proud of it ma-an. That Seventies TV show focused on a class of likable would-be dropouts in an ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

2011: Ford's second most profitable year in history

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In a year of economic downturn and disappointments, Ford reported its second greatest year in its 109-year-old history. It didn't top its earnings that were recorded in 1998. However, a net ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago public school nurses to carry Epi Pens

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education has voted to establish an asthma and diabetes policy after more than 19,000 students were diagnosed with these illnesses. 

U.S.

A Rising Catholic Tide of Resistance May Determine the U.S. Presidential Election

by Keith A. Fournier

Catholics in the United States are rising up in a Tide of Resistance to the unjust actions and edicts of the Obama Administration. They might determine the outcome of the 2012 Presidential election ...

AFRICA

Promises made to displaced farmers in Kenya not honored

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Thousands were displaced by Kenya post-election in the years 2007 and 2008. Many have taken refuge on lands northwest of Nairobi, where their government has promised them one-acre farms to ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Guest Reflection: In Christian Marriage, True Submission Means True Success

by Dan Shea

Few consider the power of submission; it is a simple, voluntary yielding done out of love for someone or something.  An athlete voluntarily submits to the agony of training and ...

CELEBRITY

Celebrity chef Paula Deen comes out of the diabetic closet

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Southern celebrity chef Paula Deen has come out of the closet as a type 2 diabetic, after being diagnosed with the condition for three years. Appearing on the Today Show, Deen wished to address ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

More Americans gave more to charity in 2011

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The year 2011 was a highly difficult year financially for most Americans - however, many in the U.S. gave a total of nearly $347 billion to charity in 2011, which was a 7.5 percent increase over ...

LOCAL NEWS

City Council approves new rules for cabs

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The City Council has approved new regulations for taxis on Wednesday. The new regulations are expected to improve safety and monitor the industry more closely. 

U.S.

Republican Candidates and School Choice? Support Parental Choice in Education

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Supporters of school choice call for a public policy and enabling legislation which makes it possible for all parents, no matter what their socio-economic situation, to choose where to send ...

AMERICAS

Job prospects just as low for Mexican women with diploma, degree

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Job prospects in Mexico remain bleak for young women, whose chances of finding a job are no better with a high school diploma or university degree. Chinese goods have begun flooding the country ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Teaching: The Family is the First School, Parents the First Teachers

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

It is within the family where children are raised and formed as human beings. The parental role in this human formation is governed by love, a love which places ...

MOVIES

Movie Review: Film 'Courageous' is a Must-Buy for Christian Families

by Randy Sly

Viewers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

World Bank predicts 2012 to be 'very difficult year'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Europe's ongoing debt woes coupled with slow economic growth worldwide has the World Bank warning the international community to brace for economic challenges in 2012. The bank has substantially ...

LOCAL NEWS

Obama visits Chicago

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

President Obama is visiting Chicago today for fundraising and re-election events. His visit is overshadowed by the resignation of William Daley, a member of one of the city's most well-known ...

U.S.

The Child is All of Us: Gabriel Santorum's Lesson Lives On

by Jennifer Hartline

No one who has sneered their objection to what the Santorums did is actually afraid that they are weird or of unsound judgment. They're afraid that respect for the life of a "fetus" might ...

EUROPE

Pope: Policies Which Undermine the Family Threaten The Future of Humanity

by Deacon Keith Fournier

There is a movement in the West which I have labeled the homosexual equivalency movement. Their strongest opponent is now the Catholic Church. Thank God for the courage of this Pope. It should ...

LIVING FAITH

Fr Paul Schenck on the Feast of the Epiphany: What is Revealed to Us and What does it Mean?

by Fr. Paul CB Schenck

Each of us needs to be open to this wonderful gift of human life, of eternal life, by responding to God's love calling us to worship Him as single persons, the religious life, Holy Orders and Holy ...

MOVIES

'Devil Inside' rakes in millions, inspires audiences to boo and hiss at ending

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While most "found footage" horror films such as "Paranormal Activity" and "The Blair Witch Project" make the majority of their audiences scream with delight, this past weekend's "The Devil ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Indian stock market opens up to individual foreign investors

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

India is opening up its stock market to individual foreign investors for the first time. Previously, foreign investors were only allowed to invest in the Indian stock market via mutual funds or ...

LOCAL NEWS

Gas prices to rise by at least 4.5 cents

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Gas prices are expected to rise in the Chicago area, and across the nation after Sunday, a result of government cuts to ethanol subsidies.

U.S.

Defund Planned Parenthood: 329,445 Abortions Reported by Planned Parenthood

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Planned Parenthood has pulled off a ruse. A ruse is an action intended to deceive. They dress themselves up as a "Health Care Provider" and include the taking of the life of children as a ...

AFRICA

Working to provide clean water in Kenya

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In Kenya, clean, drinkable water is a scarce commodity. Many families are forced to walk miles in order to fetch water from existing wells. In both rural and urban areas, people are forced to walk ...

LIVING FAITH

Fr. Paul Schenck Reflects on the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God

by Fr. Paul Schenck

In order to win us back to himself, to "reclaim" us and restore us in love, God chose to become one of us, to know us up close and personal. He "descended" into our world - with us, beside us. Just ...

BOOKS

Interview: Fr. Robert Spitzer - Equipping the Church to Combat the Culture of Death

by Randy Sly

America has stopped reasoning and principled thinking. That is my conviction after reading "Ten Universal Principles" by Fr. Robert Spitzer. Fancy word crafting, personal attacks and other ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

McDonald's fast food shows strong on stock market

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

It was a topsy-turvy year for the U.S. stock market - one in which a longtime fast-food institution took one of the top spots and one of America's most trusted banks began to sputter and fall.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Is America becoming a nation of renters?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In an otherwise stagnant U.S. economy, some segments of the construction industry are enjoying a boom. In some areas, the construction of new apartment complexes has become commonplace. This ...

CELEBRITY

Movie star Cheetah the chimpanzee dies at 80

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

He was one of the few movies stars of the 1930s that made it into the 21st century - it must have been an awful lot of bananas! Cheetah the chimpanzee, the sidekick in the Tarzan movies of the early ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Teaching: What is Really meant by Justice?

by Andrew Greenwell, Esq.

There is some urgency in getting back to the classical notions of justice built upon an authentic Christian anthropology because of the modern mindset of reducing or ...

U.S.

Seeds of the Ordinariate, Part One: Our Lady of the Atonement, San Antonio

by Randy Sly

While we await the announcement of the new Ordinariate for the United States, let's take a look at a couple of the trailblazers who, as a part of the Pastoral Provision, established Anglican Use as a ...

AMERICAS

Atrocities of Franco dictatorship in Spain under investigation

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While Spain officially remained neutral through World War II, the fascist regime of General Francisco Franco, begun in 1936 with the overthrow of the communist insurgents there, Franco's regime ...

LOCAL NEWS

Sorry - No snow for Christmas

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The good news: There will be a dusting of snow this afternoon and evening. The bad: We won't be having a white Christmas.

U.S.

Wake up call: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will be arrested, study says

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There is shocking news about the state of the United States' teenagers and young adults. A new study estimates that roughly one in three U.S. youths will be arrested for a non-traffic offense by ...

EUROPE

Pope's Last General Audience for 2011: Christmas Points Beyond Itself - Transcends Time

by Vatican Radio

Christmas, and how we should celebrate the festive season, was at the heart of the Holy Father's catechesis this week as he appealed to believers not to allow the external symbols of Christmas ...

LIVING FAITH

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha tapped for sainthood

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Pope Benedict XVI has decreed that a Washington state boy who was afflicted with the flesh-eating bacteria and was miraculously cured can be attributed to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. If she is ...

MOVIES

A Family War Movie? 'War Horse' Delivers!

by Peggy Bowes

Strong performances by a talented cast, both human and equine, keep War Horse from becoming too sappy or sentimental. The battle scenes are magnificent and manage to portray the grim reality of war ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Think things are bad? Here are 50 things that prove things REALLY are that bad

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bad news is everywhere apparent this Christmas season. Given the holidays, isn't it better to concentrate on the positive? No way, says the Web site The Economic Collapse. In fact, this Web site ...

LOCAL NEWS

Blagojevich asks for substance abuse program

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Convicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich is asking to enroll in a substance abuse program at a Federal Prison in Denver, Colorado. If he enrolls and completes the program successfully, he could ...

U.S.

Voice of Alexander Graham Bell retrieved with the aid of computers

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone  could have never foreseen that his voice would suddenly become available in over the century following his death. His audio-recording ...

ASIA PACIFIC

COL Report: US and NATO sleeping with a monster

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A close and key American ally in the war on terror is also one world's worst abusers of human rights. Under the current regime, Uzbekistan is practicing routine torture of its own people, but Western ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Fewer Americans found to be tying the knot

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Far fewer Americans are jumping the broom, tying the knot, getting' hitched. A new study has found the institution of marriage is becoming far less popular in the United States, and those who do ...

MOVIES

Fiercely independent film producer dies

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Fiercely independent, he changed American film forever with some rules-breaking features such as "Easy Rider," "Five Easy Pieces" and "The Last Picture Show." Movie producer Bert Schneider has died ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Pope to Bankers: Promote Life, Solidarity, Subsidiarity and the Common Good

by Deacon Keith Fournier

In the midst of challenging economic times, Catholics have a vital role to play in bringing the values which humanize banking to the forefront. When a society fails to recognize that ...

LOCAL NEWS

A $65,000 reason for Blagojevich to be upset

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich has yet another reason to be upset. In addition to his 14 year sentence to federal prison on corruption charges, he will not receive his $65,000 a year pension for ...

U.S.

'Catholics Come Home' Begins Massive Main Stream Media Outreach to the USA

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Pope Benedict XVI recently proclaimed, "Today we live in an epoch of new evangelization. Vast horizons open up to the Gospel, while regions of ancient Christian tradition are called to rediscover ...

U.S.

Distressed 'Blago' gets 14 years

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

US District Judge James Zagel has sentenced a disgraced Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in federal prison for corruption despite an emotional plea for leniency from the former governor. Because of ...

MIDDLE EAST

Australian sentenced to 500 lashes for blasphemy in Saudi Arabia

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A resident of southern Victoria State, Mansor Almaribe has been arrested by religious police last month in Medina while participating in the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca known as the hajj. ...

HEALTH

Some children's cereals have more sugar than a Twinkie

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Is breakfast really a healthy start to everyone's day? While a nutritious breakfast is seen as being especially important for children and their school performance, popular cereals contain ...

MUSIC

A picture with Elvis is worth more than a thousand words

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There's no mistaking the young Elvis, giving his trademark whiplash smile to the camera. A beautiful brunette, who just so happened to be Elvis' Tennessee sweetheart, likewise gives a radiant smile. ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Chicago Sun-Times begins 'paywall' on Web site

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Chicago Sun-Times, one of Chicago's two main daily newspapers will be introducing a "metered" paywall this week. The announcement was made late Tuesday that along with all of its sister ...

LOCAL NEWS

Illinois Supreme Court to hear challenge to notification law

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Illinois Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it would hear a case regarding if the state must notify parents before children can obtain an abortion. 

U.S.

A Thanksgiving Day Marred by Police Brutality Reveals Another Aspect of the Culture of Death

by Michael Terheyden

The horrific incident left Newman's grandson in tears and his wife Pamela hysterical. Firefighters treated his grandson for minor injuries at the scene. Newman was taken to the hospital by ambulance ...

EUROPE

Our Prayerful Pope Calls the Whole Church to Learn the Way of Prayer

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Our prayerful Pope is calling the whole church to prayer. He is correct, of course, "Jesus reveals the mystery of prayer". He reminds us  that "while prayer is a gift of God, it is ...

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

Wounded lawmaker shares her rough road to recovery

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head in a January shooting spree in an Arizona parking lot gave her first extended television interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer. ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Report: Federal Reserve lent banks nearly $8 trillion during 2007-2009 crises

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Throughout the 2007 - 2009 financial crises, major American banks assured the public that everything was fine - while at the same time approaching the Federal Reserve to borrow $7.77 trillion. ...

LOCAL NEWS

New strategy to help panhandlers

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Panhandling is a fact of life in every urban area, but some local leaders are working to make life easier for both the needy and local residents. 

U.S.

The Day Before Thanksgiving: Are There Self Evident Truths and Unalienable Rights?

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Many households are already filled with the smells associated with the pies and side dishes which will accompany the Thanksgiving Feast. There is something so basically good about this day and we all ...

EUROPE

50 Thousand Orthodox Christians Venerate Holy Belt of the Virgin in Moscow

by Nina Achmatova

The relic, one of the most venerated in the Orthodox world, ends its tour of Russia at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Thousands waited up to 18 hours to see it. The security measures ...

HEALTH

Is sudden weight loss a sign of encroaching Alzheimer's?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Alzheimer's researchers have noted a contrasting fact about those who develop the condition. Middle-aged people have a higher long-term risk of developing the disease if they're overweight or ...

TELEVISION

Interview: Nathan Kress Talks About 'The Game of Your Life'

by Randy Sly

Best known as the teen hunk Freddie on the Disney show "iCarly," Nathan Kress portrays a nerdy math genius in the upcoming Procter & Gamble and Walmart newest Family Movie Night offering, "Game ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Money missing from MF Global may be twice as large as previously suspected

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Lost customer revenues, to the tune of $1.2 billion, which is double than the previous estimates remain unaccounted for from M. F. Global. That's the latest bit of news from the trustee ...

LOCAL NEWS

Disabled parking: Better have a valid permit

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Wednesday that he was introducing an ordinance to crack down on those who illegally use disabled placards for parking. 

U.S.

Massive 30,000 pound bomb enters US Air Force service

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Boeing has just delivered the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal to the Air Force. The new bombs weigh 30,000 pounds, and are designed to destroy bunkers buried deep underground.

AMERICAS

Leftist former mayor of Mexico City to run once more for President

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The leftist former mayor of Mexico City, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will run once more for the Mexican presidency in 2012. His narrow loss in the 2006 election sparked massive protests. The ...

HEALTH

Common chemicals linked to increased risk for Parkinson's

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene, or TCE, has now been associated with a greater risk for contracting Parkinson's disease. TCE is a common organic contaminant that pollutes groundwater, ...

BOOKS

Book Review: The Prayer of Mary: Living the Surrendered Life

by Randy Sly

The Prayer of Mary, in clear and vibrant language, takes the reader on a journey of faith as seen through the life of this precious woman who became a world-changer by uttering one simple word - ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago Innovation Awards honor locals making a difference

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

On Tuesday night, the Chicago Innovation Awards celebrated the city's entrepreneurial spirit and honored this year's winners.

U.S.

'Catholics Come Home' Launches Prime-Time Network Television Evangelization

by Deacon Keith Fournier

"Catholics Come Home" hopes to inspire one million to come home to local Catholic parishes. The bi-lingual Catholics Come Home commercials are scheduled to air on CBS, NBC, Univision, ...

HEALTH

Study: The happier you are, the longer you live

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Say what you will about diet, lifestyle, hereditary - it appears that those who have something to live for generally live longer than most. Backing this up is a new British study that suggests ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Staggering 28.6 percent of U.S. homes now 'underwater'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to Zillow, a real estate Web site, a whopping 28.6 percent of mortgaged homeowners owe more on their loans than their homes could sell for - in short, these homes are "underwater." ...

LOCAL NEWS

Quinn comes under Church criticism

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Governor Pat Quinn faced Catholic criticism for announcing plans to present an award to an "abortion rights" political action committee. 

U.S.

Guest Opinion: The Real Question - What Lies at the Center of Our Society?

by Peg Luksik

In a government centered society, the government will eventually devour everything in its ever increasing reach - destroying itself and the larger society in the process.So, do we want to be the ...

MIDDLE EAST

Israel tests missile amid rumors of Iran strike

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Concerned about Iran's nuclear threat, Israel test fired a missile on Wednesday. Local media is warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gearing up for a possible attack on Iran.

ASIA PACIFIC

Unprecedented floods shocking food prices on world market

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

First floods, then disease, and now -- famine. Today, because of severe flooding in Southeast Asia, food prices throughout the region are expected to skyrocket, putting millions at risk.

HEALTH

Fountain of youth discovered! - But only for mice

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Researchers are announcing a genetic breakthrough that may someday allow people to enjoy much longer life spans. Preliminary research on mice has shown that cells which cause most of the effects of ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago mayor squaring off with unions

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is set to face off against unions. The mayor, a democrat in a staunchly pro-union city, is blaming union members for his decision to lay off hundreds of city employees.

HEALTH

Got hypertension? Better read this before bed

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A new study has found that changing the time when you take your blood pressure meds could significantly reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

U.S.

Occupy protestors cleared from Oakland plaza

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Oakland is a California suburb a stone's throw away from San Francisco, known as a mainstay of Sixties radicalism. The torch bearers of that time, the Occupy Wall Street protestors in Oakland ...

HEALTH

BPA may be harmful to toddler girls

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A widely used chemical found in plastic bottles, metal cans, and a whole host of other consumer products could be linked to behavioral and emotional problems in toddler girls. Results of the study ...

U.S.

Military RAPE: One in three women, one in four men

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to at least one peer-reviewed study, one in three women is raped during their term of US military service. If true, this is an astounding statistic, and an ongoing national tragedy that ...

EUROPE

The Door of Faith: Pope Calls for Year of Faith, Issues Apostolic Letter

by Deacon Keith Fournier

The Year of Faith is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Savior of the world. In the mystery of His death and resurrection, God has revealed in its fullness the ...

U.S.

Former colleagues give Herman Cain highest marks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Former colleagues of Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain who worked with him while he served in an honorary capacity with the Federal Reserve, give him very high marks.

LOCAL NEWS

Quinn threatens gambling veto

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

On Monday, Governor Pat Quinn threatened to veto a major gambling expansion bill and instead proposed scaled-back alternative that would allow a casino in Chicago and up to four other new casinos, ...

LOCAL NEWS

Chicago City Council bans texting while biking

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Chicago City Council is cracking down on bicyclists who text while riding.

LOCAL NEWS

Former Polish President, Lech Walensa to visit Chicago for award

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Former Polish President and leader of the Solidarity movement, Lech Walesa will receive an award in February from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Jobless claims fall - but U.S. not out of the woods yet

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There was a substantial drop-off in jobless claims in the U.S. last week -- claims tumbled to 391,000, down 37,000 from a revised 428,000 in the previous week and below the key 400,000 mark. ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Bank of America has declared war--on America

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bank of America has lost money from a cap on fees that they can charge retailers. Now they're coming after you to make up the difference.

HEALTH

Diabetes linked to dementia, costs everyone 1k per year

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

If you're diabetic, you now have one more thing to worry about. A new study finds that people with diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing dementia. 

U.S.

Seed of the US Ordinariate Begins to Sprout: Here Come those Groups of Anglicans

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Into a world that is fractured, divided, wounded, filled with "sides" and "camps" at enmity with one another, the Church is called to proclaim, by both word and deed, the unifying love of a living ...

U.S.

Full Tilt Poker busted--for bluffing players

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors accused the executives of Full Tilt Poker, an online poker site, of running a Ponzi scheme and stealing more than $440 million in gambler's winnings. They allege the ...

HEALTH

CDC officials warn parents to get flu shots for children

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns parents to vaccinate their children against the flu. The report shows that of the 115 children who died of flu-related ...

LOCAL NEWS

Blagojevich could face 30 years

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Federal prosecutors believe that convicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich faces up to 30 years to life in prison under sentencing guidelines. 

HEALTH

Women's cancer: Like six jumbo jets crashing every day

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Cancer may be killing more women in developing countries than childbirth. A new study shows that while childbirth is becoming safer, cancer is spreading among women, especially breast and cervical ...

AFRICA

Britain and France pledge support for Libya

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Libyan soldiers loyal to the NTC, have attacked Gaddafi's last stronghold city, Sirte. Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain and France vowed full support for Libya's new regime.

U.S.

Call to Catholic Action: Defense of Marriage Requires Courage and Perseverance

by Deacon Keith Fournier

True marriage is the preeminent and the most fundamental of all human social institutions. It is a relationship defined by nature itself and protected by the natural law that binds all men and ...

LOCAL NEWS

Quinn threatens closures, layoffs

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Governor Pat Quinn has taken the first step towards large-scale government layoffs and the closure of several state facilities on Thursday. The goal is to cut budgets and increase pressure on state ...