PORTLAND, Ore. – The first Catholic diocesan bankruptcy proceeding in the nation ended April 17 when a federal judge approved a $75 million settlement of clergy sexual abuse claims and a financial reorganization plan for the Portland Archdiocese. Smoothing the way for U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Elizabeth Perris, lawyers at the last moment negotiated payment for...Read More

A funeral Mass for Sister Alvera Stead, O.S.F., was offered April 18 at Assisi House, Pa. Sister Alvera died April 14. She was 96.Read More

Patrick K. Clancy’s letter objecting to the term “Ranger Rosary” smacked of ignorance and ingratitude (CR, April 19). I suppose he would like to disarm St. Michael, excommunicated modern-day Joan of Arcs, and deny the final instruction Christ gave his disciples at the Last Supper – from now on sell your cloaks and buy swords...Read More

A funeral Mass for Ellen V. Dunkes, formerly of Baltimore, was offered April 10 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Woodlawn. Mrs. Dunkes died April 5 in Lewes Convalescent Center, Lewes, Del. She was 100.Read More

WASHINGTON – A workable comprehensive immigration reform bill on the table, more sympathetic leadership in Congress and a “this year or maybe never” incentive are prodding immigration advocates to action. After a day and a half of briefings and strategizing with advocates who work on immigration every day, activists from more than 66 dioceses took...Read More

VATICAN CITY – An Italian animal rights group called on Pope Benedict XVI to stop wearing fur out of “respect for the sacredness of the lives of all living creatures.” The Italian Anti-Vivisection League made the appeal ahead of the pope’s April 22 visit to the Italian city of Pavia, where he was to receive...Read More

ROANOKE, Va. – Deacon Michael J. Ellerbrock of St. Mary Parish in Blacksburg had just wrapped up his 9 a.m. class at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg April 16 “when it all happened,” he said. A gunman, later identified by police as student Cho Seung-Hui, shot and killed two people in a residence hall and then...Read More

LONDON – A revised code of ethics will prevent doctors from providing contraceptives and abortion referrals at a London Catholic hospital popular with celebrity mothers. The finalized code, which is expected to be passed by the hospital board May 16, will encompass all staff and resident practitioners at the Hospital of St. John and St....Read More