SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Catholic leaders in Illinois are scrambling for a last-minute fix to prevent a showdown between the state and Catholic Charities of Illinois.

They want lawmakers to amend the state’s civil-union bill, set to take effect June 1, in order to assure that child welfare agencies such as Catholic Charities can continue turning down applications from cohabiting couples, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

“We want to see legislative action occur quickly so we can preserve our adoption and foster-care services for the thousands of children and families we serve,” said Carolyn Matheson, director of advancement for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria. “The spin is that...READ MORE

For Your Family Night at the Movies - Allison Salerno, Why I Am Catholic

The Plagues of Memphis (U.S.), 1873-1879 A.D. - Pat McNamara, McNamara’s Blog

Life Doesn’t Have to be Easy to be Joyful - Jennifer Fulwiler, Conversion Diary

About Those Who’ve Never Heard the Gospel - Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery

Please Stop Distracting Me during Mass - Danica, Catholic Phoenix

Newt Gingrich, The Catholic Church, and Spousal Abandonment - Hilary Towers, Catholic Vote

Amnesty Equals Abortion - John Zmirak, Crisis Magazine

An Open Letter To Claire McCaskill - The Catholic Knight

Mislaid, 26 million Catholics - Father Bevil Bramwell O.M.I., The Catholic Thing

Father Pfleger Vows to Preach...READ MORE

Universae Ecclesiae: Summorum Pontificum Instruction - Taylor Marshall, Canterbury Tales

Lost Meaning of the Sacred - Jake Tawney, Roma locuta est

May is Mary’s Month, But Why? - Reginaldus, The New Theological Movement

What “God Said” Matters - William E. Carroll, The Catholic Thing

US: Why Have FEMA? AL Citizens Show Us Spontaneous Charity in Action - Joshua Mercer, Catholic Vote

UK: New Papal Nuncio Address, Read Between the Lines - Damian Thompson, The Telegraph

Conspiracies And Controversies - LarryD, The American Catholic

On the Imprudence and Uncharitableness of Immodesty - Monsignor Charles Pope, Archdiocese of Washington

Chicago: The Pfleger Follies Continue! - Father John...READ MORE

VALLETTA, Malta — Malta has resisted legalization of divorce for many years, but the country is set to vote on the practice May 28.

Malta is one of the very few countries in the world where divorce is still illegal.  The upcoming referendum will offer voters the option of divorce only for couples who have had four years of marital separation with no prospect of reconciliation and where adequate maintenance is guaranteed for child support.

Only separation and annulment are possible under the current Civil Code and Marriage Act. Catholics in Malta may file for a declaration of nullity (commonly called an annulment), which recognizes that a valid marriage never existed. Others may opt for...READ MORE

Mormon Convert: Richard Sherlock - Why I’m Catholic

Aquinas and Horses - George Weigel, The Catholic Difference

What’s Good? Wherefore Ought? - Thaddeus J. Kozinski, Public Discourse

The Guild Of Blessed Titus Brandsma. . .? - Mac McLernon, Mulier Fortis

Amy Wellborn’s New Travel Blog - Jay Anderson, Pro Ecclesia

Spiritual Direction Is. . . - Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction

A Message to Catholic Politicians and Others: The Presence is Real - Lisa Graas, The American Catholic

Why is Manhattan College in the Bronx? - Pat McNamara, McNamara’s Blog

Does the Church Condemn Capitalism? - Kevin Schmiesing, Crisis Magazine

Indiana Governor Daniels Signs Bill De-Funding Planned...READ MORE

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Two years have passed since President Barack Obama’s controversial appearance at the University of Notre Dame. The university’s decision to invite the pro-abortion president to speak at the 2009 commencement exercises and receive an honorary doctorate was met with protests from a number of bishops. And people came to northern Indiana from all over and held rallies on and off campus. Nearly 90 protesters were arrested for trespassing.

Now, at the behest of Notre Dame, Saint Joseph County, Ind., prosecutor Michael Dvorak has dropped the charges against the “ND 88,” as the group of protesters has come to be known (one has since died).
 
The defendants and Notre Dame moved...READ MORE

Saint Damian the Leper Priest and his Protestant Defender - Stephanie A. Mann, The English Reformation: Supremacy and Survival

Saint Damien of Molokai: Zeal for God’s House Consumed Him - Theresa Rita, Zeal

The Will of God - Carl Olson, Ignatius Insight Scoop

Biblical Thoughts on the Ship of Saint Peter - Taylor Marshall, Canterbury Tales

Private Charity Versus Government Welfare - Father C. J. McCloskey III, Crisis Magazine

Quaeritur: Our Father Prayer Hand Holding, Fr. Z Rants - Father John Zuhlsdorf, What Does The Prayer Really Say?

The Right to Kill Your Kid - Donald R. McClarey, The American Catholic

A Spanish Lesson - Robert Royal, First Things/On The Square

Christians...READ MORE

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Gov. Mitch Daniels is reportedly about to a sign a bill providing restrictions on abortion and denying public funds to Planned Parenthood or any other organization doing abortions.

“The principle involved commands the support of an overwhelming majority of Hoosiers,” said Daniels as he announced his intention to sign H.B. 1210 April 29.

A reported $3 million is at stake for Planned Parenthood Indiana (PPIN) in both state money and federal funds administered by the state.

PPIN’s president, Betty Cockrum, followed Daniels’ announcement with an immediate promise to seek an injunction against the law as soon as it is signed.

Cockrum, who declined to speak to the...READ MORE