Archdiocese sets up website for prayers for Cardinal George

Calling prayers and well wishes for Cardinal Francis George a “significant aspect of his continuing health journey,” the Archdiocese of Chicago has set up a link on its Web site for the public to directly contact the Catholic leader.

George, 75, announced last week that …

North Side’s Saint Scholastica Academy to close in June

Saint Scholastica Academy — the all-girls Catholic school on Chicago’s far North Side that produced the city’s only female mayor, Jane Byrne — will close at the end of this school year in June.

Concert to honor Pope John Paul II’s beatification

Pope John Paul II loved Chicago. And he loved music as a means to express what words sometimes couldn’t. To celebrate the first anniversary of the pope’s beatification — the first step on the path to sainthood — a diverse array of cultural and religious …

Pastors take Ash Wednesday on the road

Observing “Ash Wednesday” doesn’t always require physically stepping into a church.

Pastors Christian Coon and Trey Hall of the Urban Village Church took to the streets and offered to smudge the foreheads of passers-by with ash, a Christian symbol of repentance to signify the beginning …

Episcopal priests offer ‘Ashes to Go’ as Lent begins

More than 70 Episcopal parishes in 18 states will bring Ash Wednesday to the streets, kicking off the Lenten season with a twist. They’ll offer the Christian sign of repentance -- a smudged cross of ashes on the forehead -- to anyone who seeks it in train stations, coffee shops and other public spots.

Nigerian blasts mar pope’s Christmas peace appeal

Pope Benedict XVI issued pleas for peace to reign across the world during his traditional Christmas address Sunday, a call that was marred by Muslim extremists who bombed a Catholic church in Nigeria, striking after worshippers celebrated Mass. The assault on the Catholic church left 35 dead in Madalla, near the Nigerian capital.

What makes Catholics Catholic?

Twenty-five percent of Americans call themselves Catholic, but a new survey finds this is more a cultural brand label for many than a religious identity. An overwhelming majority — 88 percent — say “how a person lives is more important than whether he or she is Catholic,” according to the survey, called Catholics in America: Persistence and Change in the Catholic Landscape.

Televangelist Joel Osteen’s ‘Night of Hope’ coming to Chicago

Joel Osteen has taken the evangelical Christian world by storm with a multi-million dollar ministry overflowing with positivity, charm and a focus on atonement-free faith. On Saturday night, Osteen and his wife will bring their digital, commercial approach to religion to Chicago.

Suburban megachurch breaks ties with group over gay counseling

Willow Creek Community Church has severed its formal ties to Exodus International, the largest ministry in the country that deals with issues of homosexuality in the church.

“To say this is a disappointment is an understatement,” said Alan Chambers, president of the Orlando-based interdenominational association …

Long summer days mean long fasting periods during Ramadan

The fasting from dawn to sunset that is required of observant Muslims during Ramadan seemingly would be more challenging when the holy month falls during the summer. The days are longer, the weather hotter, thirst more unrelenting. But Badie Ali, of Orland Park, doesn’t see it that way.

Ramadan begins on Monday

CAIRO — Religious authorities in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have declared that Monday will be the start of the holy month of Ramadan — a period devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayers and spiritual introspection. Official statements issued Saturday also said Lebanon and Qatar agreed on …

Lutheran split could hurt  social service

One of the largest social service networks in the U.S. faces a shakeup over the Bible and homosexuality. The theologically conservative Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod says it has become “difficult if not impossible” to continue to work with the more liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, …

Gov. Quinn cuts foster-care contracts with Catholic Charities over civil unions dispute

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn defended his administration’s decision to butt heads with his own religion Monday in a dispute over the Catholic church’s refusal to place any of the nearly 2,000 state wards it cares for with same-sex couples.

On Friday and Monday, the …

Man pleads guilty to $8 million swindle - including from a church

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A Connecticut securities broker has pleaded guilty to federal charges that he swindled investors including members of a Greek Orthodox church out of more than $8 million.

Federal authorities said Tuesday that 51-year-old Gregory Loles (LOW-liz) of Easton pleaded guilty to …

Tearful farewell to 174-year-old church in Aurora

For nearly two centuries, the bell of First United Methodist Church in Aurora has summoned the faithful to worship. On Sunday, however, the bell toll signified the closing of the church after 174 years. “I am going to ring it loud for all to hear,” third generation parishioner John Roesch said.