SCOTUS: The Supreme Court will hear arguments today for two cases involving faith-based business owners challenging Obamacare’s mandate that businesses provide its employees with free birth control. Here's a roundup of the issues involved: Does Hobby Lobby have religious rights? The Supreme Court will decide
High court with vocally devout justices set to hear religious objections to health care law
From the Pew Research Center: 5 questions about the Supreme Court cases on requiring contraceptive coverage
NY Times Editorial: Crying Wolf on Religious Liberty
Commentary for Lent: Is shopping sinful? by Michelle A. Gonzalez, who sometimes writes for us.
El Salvador struggles to come to terms with violent past
El Salvador: Living with effects of bad policy
Seattle -- Meetings set to address Seattle archdiocese security breach
Australia -- Sydney's Catholic archdiocese has assets of $1.24 billion, royal commission told (about U.S. $1.13 billion) The funds are 'ultimately controlled by -- owned by, if you like -- the archbishop of the day.'
Lynn, Mass. -- Refugee housing ‘getting a little tougher to find’ -- It is often local churches who shoulder the task of helping refugees learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and find jobs and longer-term housing.
David Siler, executive director of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese of Indianapolis, sees some new spring in the steps of his staff and volunteers who serve the homeless, help resettle refugees and intervene on behalf of the poorest of the poor. The Francis effect in Indianapolis.
Lincoln, Neb. -- Bishop issues new letter to Catholics condemning contraception. Echoes letter issued 23 years ago by then Bishop Glennon Flavin, but uses much gentler tones. Copy of Bishop Conley's letter and Bishop Flavin's letter on this site.
The power of one: Hollie's homework project turns into a £200 fundraising drive for charity (about U.S. $330)
Looking for a little inspiration to begin your day? NCR's sister publication, Celebration, gives you two options, both based on the Scripture readings of the day:
Pencil Preaching is a blog in which Celebration editor Pat Marrin combines Scripture and sketching to reflect on the Word.
Daily Bread is a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings. Daily Bread is intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned Scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. It's a great way to begin the day.
