"Providing mothers access to sonograms informs them about the risks and complications associated with abortion," said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo."These consultations save lives by educating mothers who may not realize that the child they carry is exactly that – a unique, irreplaceable human life." 

Bishop Flores Discusses Exorcism in Latest Texas Catholic Podcast 
Although most often exploited through Hollywood horror movies, exorcism is nonetheless a solemn and valid rite in the Catholic Church. In the latest Texas Catholic Podcast, Bishop Daniel Flores of the Diocese of Brownsville discusses the Church’s scriptural basis of exorcism, the signs of demonic possession, and how potential cases are assessed.The podcast was recorded before more than one hundred young adults at a McAllen pub on November 21, 2010 for a Theology on Tap series sponsored by the Diocese’s Campus and Young Adult Ministry and recorded by the Dioceses’ newspaper, The Valley Catholic.  It is available either via the Texas Catholic Podcast on iTunes or on the Texas Catholic Conference’s website at the Audio Archive.

Political Ethics
Msgr. James Vanderholt, East Texas Catholic
Political speech and debate have intensified in our country recently. Listen to these carefully. Ideas and programs are suggested which address the national problems and opportunities of our nation. Immigration is one such problem. It strongly influences Texas which is a state that forms part of our national border. How do citizens evaluate such ideas or programs?

A System of Fifty State Immigration Laws Is Untenable
Bishop John C. Wester, USCCB Media Blog
Time is up for comprehensive immigration reform. But it is the American public, including the Catholics, who will decide the final outcome. This is an important time in the immigration debate in this nation. While Congress has failed to address this issue, our state legislatures and local governments are not hesitating to attempt to fill the vacuum. Instead of one consistent national policy, we are now confronted with hundreds of State and local immigration policies, the majority of which are harmful to immigrant families and communities.

 

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the need for the Church in America to proclaim the unchanging truths of the Gospel and witness in the public square to several U.S. bishops making their "ad limina" visits. "It is imperative that the entire Catholic community in the United States come to realise the grave threats to the Church's public moral witness presented by a radical secularism which finds increasing expression in the political and cultural spheres," he said. "Of particular concern are certain attempts being made to limit that most cherished of American freedoms, the freedom of religion."