The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena is asking a judge to approve an agreement with its insurers that would provide the bulk of the funding for a proposed settlement with hundreds of people who say they were sexually abused by clergy.
Follow up to an earlier NCR story: Legionaries of Christ apologize for Maciel-Magdalene parallel
Follow up to an earlier NCR story: Missing, tough Francis words to Korean bishops
Kia Donates 'Popemobiles' to Vatican
Case of defrocked Polish archbishop set to be crucial test for Vatican
John Thavis writes: Spanish appointment tells Curia heads: You can go home again Is Francis making curia appointments temporary assignments? Term limits for prefects?
Ask Sr. Mary Johnson to draw a picture of a successful religious institute 20 years out. She doesn’t mention whether it’s liberal or conservative, where it is, how big it is, how old its members are or what they are wearing. In her picture, it’s the connecting that matters. Successful institutes, Johnson said in an interview, will have broad and deep networks that allow them to respond to the needs of the local and the global church. 
Global Sisters Report , devoted to covering the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious. It offers news, commentary and reflections on spirituality and theology.
Philadelphia priest, teacher convicted of abuse seek new trial
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) converted to Catholicism in a quiet ceremony at Milwaukee's St. Francis de Sales Seminary on Monday Two Wisconsin bishops -- Morlino and Listecki and New York Cardinal Dolan reportedly attended the private ceremony.
Iowa City-area research institute benefiting from ice bucket challenge “hundreds of thousands” of dollars goes to John Paul II Institute which doesn't do embryonic stem cell research
Australian Catholic newspaper refuses to run ad for talk by former Irish president Mary McAleese. Editor explains: "She is reported as being in favour of ordination of women as Catholic priests and in favour of homosexuality."
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 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.
