Remarkably, the death sentences are being pushed through this month in an effort to beat the May expiration date for the state’s supply of midazolam, a controversial sedative that is one of three drugs used in lethal injections.

Three in 10 Catholics admit to having unfavorable views about Muslims, Catholics are less likely than other Americans to know a Muslim personally, and nearly 50 percent of Catholics can't name any similarities between Catholicism and Islam.

“It is the ugly face of clericalism that unfortunately still has too much influence in our church,” Archbishop Gregory said.

For the 1.5 million people who live on its six islands, Hawaii is not a vacation fantasyland but home, with its own set of struggles and blessings.

With 10,000 families and 7,000 volunteers, this megaparish has some novel challenges and opportunities.