FaithDispatches
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.
Politics & SocietyDispatches
The fertility rate in the U.S. is down, but the cost of raising a child may be to blame. If not for immigrant families, births would be down sharply.
FaithDispatches
Surveys suggest that younger Americans are turning away from religion, but they may not have been properly introduced to the church in the first place.
FaithDispatches
Easter is second only to Christmas in Mass attendance—and in a tight race with Halloween in candy consumption.
Politics & SocietyDispatches
The Irish-American population is almost seven times bigger than Ireland itself, but it is also aging and shrinking.
Politics & SocietyDispatches
Besides Pope Francis, there was an impressively wide range of topics that got readers’ attention, including reflections on capitalism and philanthropy, and evaluations of the music of U2 and Beyoncé.
Politics & SocietyDispatches
A record low moving rate may be worsening inequality in the United States.
Politics & SocietyDispatches
Most Americans say they have changed their behavior to help protect the environment—whether because they are heeding the warnings of Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si’” or are alarmed by stories of severe weather and rising sea levels. But summer may bring the biggest test of good intentions.
Politics & SocietyOf Many Things
There is a bubble in American politics, but it is not separating Democratic and Republican voters; it is keeping political leaders of both parties from hearing the voices outside Washington.
Politics & SocietyShort Take
Both political parties are getting further out of touch from the average voters.