The number of permanent deacons in the Catholic Church has steadily grown, to more than 18,000 in the U.S. and more than 45,000 worldwide.

They stood out because they stood together, employing the wisdom of young parents, in the back of a hotel ballroom packed with 2,800 permanent deacons, their wives and children.

An interview with Cardinal Joseph Tobin on the changing place of women in the church.

Their actions of several Catholic groups follow the appointment of a panel of experts set up by Pope Francis to consider the controversial question.

Parts of us are afraid and behind locked doors. Parts of our society are afraid and behind locked doors. Parts of our church are afraid and behind locked doors.

Diversity brings opportunity, but leaky roofs and aging priests bring challenges to American parishes.