School-choice initiatives — akin to the quiet students in the back of a classroom — have kept a relatively low profile in recent years while steadily working their way to the front.The movement was given a big boost in late March when the Indiana Supreme Court upheld one of the country’s most comprehensive school-choice programs. The state court backed a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said that because school vouchers primarily benefit families, they could not be viewed as an unconstitutional state support for religion.
Articles By: Catholic News Service
Iron Man 3
Given that his first appearance in print dates back to 1963, the comics-based superhero of “Iron Man 3″ (Disney) may be said to be turning 50 this year. Perhaps a midlife crisis is to blame for the lack of freshness and charm that mark the latest addition to this blockbuster screen franchise — or perhaps other factors are at fault.
Bishops hail repeal of capital punishment in Maryland
One U.S. Catholic bishop hailed the repeal of the death penalty in Maryland as “a courageous step toward a culture of life.”
Pope Francis welcomes retired Pope Benedict back to Vatican
For the first time in history, the Vatican is home to a pope and a retired pope.
FDA ‘acted irresponsibly’ in lowering age for emergency contraceptives
The Food and Drug Administration “acted irresponsibly” with its decision to lower the age limit from 17 to 15 for purchasing an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive, said an official of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Retired Pope Benedict set to return to Vatican May 2
Retired Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to move into a remodeled convent at the Vatican May 2, the Vatican spokesman said.
Pope: Unemployment, slave labor go against God’s plan, human dignity
Pope Francis called for an end to slave labor and human trafficking as well as greater efforts to create dignified work for more people.
Christian credibility rooted in actions and words, pope says
The credibility of Christianity is undermined by pastors and faithful who preach one thing and do another, Pope Francis said.
Bishops say immigration bill on right track, some changes sought
Without getting into specifics, a panel of bishops said April 22 that a comprehensive immigration bill introduced the week before is on the right track, though they alluded to some aspects they would like changed.
Build ‘civilization of love’ in response to bombings, Boston cardinal urges
Even though “the culture of death looms large” today, the light of Christ the Good Shepherd “can expel the darkness and illuminate for us a path that leads to life, to a civilization of solidarity and love,” said Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
Prepare for Last Judgment by serving the poor, pope says at audience
Christians believe they are saved by God’s grace, but they also know they will be judged at the end of time on how they used the talents God gave them and how they served others, especially the poor, Pope Francis said.
Chaplain deserves ‘about three or four’ Medals of Honor, say veterans
President Barack Obama April 11 awarded the Medal of Honor to famed Korean War chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, presenting it to the priest’s nephew, Ray Kapaun, nearly 22,604 days after his uncle’s death in a prisoner of war camp.
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