Mission of Santa Barbara

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - City Council to vote on 10 percent wastewater increase.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

To make upgrades to the city's aging sewers after a lawsuit from environmental group, ChannelKeeper, Santa Barbara is raising its water and wastewater fees.

U.S.

L.A. riot figure Rodney King found drowned in pool

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

If a man had not videotaped his brutal beating by four L.A.P.D officers in 1991, Rodney King would have lived a private and anonymous life. Instead, he became a reluctant social activist after the ...

EUROPE

Synod 2012: The New Evangelization for the Transmission of Christian Faith

by Vatican News

Articulated in four chapters, the document will serve as the basis of reflection and discussion during the course of the three weeks' gathering of Synod Fathers, experts and other invited guest ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Catholic Schoolbus Firebombed in Illinois - Are Anti-Life Terrorists to Blame?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The community of Rockford, Illinois doesn't support abortion much, but that didn't prevent the firebombing of an anti-abortion schoolbus in that town. More baffling, the local media moved slowly to ...

MOVIES

'Madagascar' on top while 'Rock of Ages' flops

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While it starred Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand, "Rock of Ages" tanked at the nation's box offices this past Father's Day weekend. Ditto for the father-themed Adam Sandler comedy, ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Foreign held U.S. debt reaches all-time high

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

China, the largest buyer of United States Treasury debt, increased its holdings after trimming them for two straight months, sending foreign demand for U.S. Treasury securities to a record high ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - City Council to vote on 10 percent wastewater increase.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

To make upgrades to the city's aging sewers after a lawsuit from environmental group, ChannelKeeper, Santa Barbara is raising its water and wastewater fees.

U.S.

Oldest galaxy found and why we care

by Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)

Japanese astronomers claim to have found the oldest galaxy yet at 12.91 billion light years distance. Looking at primitive galaxies gives astronomers an important look back into time, when the ...

EUROPE

Newest Manifestation of the Culture of Death? Baby Boxes and Infant Exposure

by Deacon Keith Fournier

The early Roman Empire was a Culture of death. The Christian Church was called into it to transform it from within and build a Culture of life. They lived as leaven, light and salt for the world ...

HOME & FOOD

SUMMER SOLUTION - Windowsill gardening

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

MOVIES

One of the last surviving cast members of 'Gone With the Wind,' Ann Rutherford dies

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Her role in the classic American film, "Gone With the Wind," was a small one. Ann Rutherford played Carreen, Scarlet O'Hara's youngest sister. It was in Rutherford's words, a "'nothing part'" ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

And the winner is? Handful of states spurs on U.S. economic growth

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There's been lots of negative economic news as of late that obscures the fact that the United States' economy continues to grow. The economy is growing, although not as fast as last year - 1.5 ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Students graduate high school

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Families gathered to see their sons, daughters, and siblings take the last steps of high school as they graduate.

U.S.

Santorum Launches Patriot Voices to Defeat President Obama and Mobilize One Million Conservatives

by Patriot Voices

"Patriot Voices believes that family is the foundation for a healthy society and a strong economy. We believe in freedom and American exceptionalism; entrepreneurship and opportunity; and personal ...

EUROPE

Staked, 'vampire' graves discovered near Black Sea town

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Archaeologists have excavated two suspected "vampire" graves in the Black Sea town of Sokopol, Bulgaria. Each 700-year-old skeleton had an iron rod pinned into its chest. This reflected the ...

LIVING FAITH

Poll: Americans that believe in 'Godless evolution' are in the minority

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to a Gallup Poll released this week, only 15 percent of Americans say they believe that the human species evolved from a lower form of life - without the hand of a Divine Creator. ...

MUSIC

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Guitarist Bob Welch was an early member of super-group Fleetwood Mac until he launches a successful solo career with such hit singles as "Ebony Eyes." He was found dead from a self-inflicted ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

U.S. economy massive train wreck waiting to happen

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

One word - dire - is being used to describe the current U.S. economy. House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) reports that the "growing debt . would increase the probability of a ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Santa Barbara Zoo takes fox after 3 months

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A fox pup was found on the side of a road on San Clemente Island roughly three months ago, and was cared for by Navy wildlife biologists.

U.S.

San Fernando LE - Students love the popular ballroom dancing program.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

On Saturday, a ballroom was created out of a Woodland Hills gymnasium as elementary students did the tango, rumba, and the cha-cha-cha.

MIDDLE EAST

Why today is a bad day to be Al Qaeda in Yemen

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

It's a bad day to be an Al Qaeda fighter in southern Yemen. The Yemeni Army supported by artillery, tanks, and US drones is preparing to attack and capture an Al Qaeda coastal stronghold. Already, ...

LIVING FAITH

Are Comic Books Marketing Homosexuality to Children? A Troubling Sign of the Times

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Kafka had it right when he pointed out that deviant activity that is accepted eventually becomes mainstream and normalized. Consider his parable: Leopards break into the temple and drink the ...

CELEBRITY

Philadelphia LE - James Earl Jones named '12 recipient of Philadelphia's Marian Anderson Award

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

James Earl Jones has recently been named the 2012 recipient of the Marian Anderson Award, an award that honors artists whose leadership helps humanity.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Lawsuit: Losses at Merrill Lynch were withheld before B of A deal

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

It has come to light that shortly before Bank of America shareholders approved the bank's $50 billion purchase of Merrill Lynch in December of 2008, that top bank executives were aware that ...

HOME & FOOD

Santa Barbara LE - Foodbank needs volunteers

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Roughly 25,000 kids in Santa Barbara County are relying on free or reduced school meals to stay fed every single day. Although most kids look forward to summer break, for some it is a difficult ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Cardinal Scola Sees Signs of Revival in Christian Family Life

by David Kerr

On the eve of Pope Benedict's visit to the 7th World Meeting of Families in Milan, the city's archbishop believes there are real signs of hope that Christian family life is undergoing a revival. The ...

U.S.

Feast of Justin Martyr Calls For a New Generation of Apologists to Defend the Faith

by Deacon Keith Fournier

On the Memorial Feast of Justin, Martyr, we need to implore the Lord to raise up new apologists, defenders of the faith, who are unafraid to contend in the marketplace of ideas for ...

ASIA PACIFIC

Shops closed in major protest of gasoline prices in India

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The nation of India is wracked with demonstrations against the high price of gas prices. Stores have been shut in the wake of a nationwide strike. Public transport has been disrupted, and the ...

CELEBRITY

Investigators in decades-old case get an intriguing clue

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A small cosmetic jar intended to cover up freckles gives more circumstantial evidence that legendary aviator Amelia Earhart died on an uninhabited island in the southwestern Pacific republic of ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Stocks plummet in light of an uncertain Europe

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Europe's increasingly uncertain economic system has sent traders running from risky investments. Traders fled to the relative safety of U.S. bonds, pushing the yield on the benchmark 10-year ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Glass sculpture to honor veterans

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

As a tribute to the airport's role as a Marine base from 1942-1946, the Santa Barbara Airport is getting a new pair of wings.

U.S.

World Trade Center once again the tallest building in New York City

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The single One World Trade Center, being built to replace the twin towers destroyed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes to reclaim its title of New York ...

ASIA PACIFIC

China's industries bouncing back

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

With an index of purchasing managers' sentiment rising for the fifth straight month, the Chinese government says that manufacturing activity continued to recover in April. While Mark Williams, ...

LIVING FAITH

The Old, Old, Story: Fr Dwight Longenecker on Authentic Evangelization

by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Through video, radio, internet, blogs, e-books and publishing on demand the world is opening up to the proclamation of the gospel as never before. What is needed now is an army of enthusiastic, ...

MOVIES

'Think Like a Man' tops at U.S. box office

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The ensemble African American comedy "Think Like A Man" kept its top spot at the nation's box offices for what was a relatively quiet weekend before the rush of big-budget adventures that typify ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Bitumen, or 'dirty oil' carries transportation risks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Bitumen, commonly referred to as "dirty oil," has many concerned over its environmental impact on the petrochemical industry. Far more corrosive than regular crude oil, bitumen poses a hazard to ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Summer classes at SBCC gets green light

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Santa Barbara City College had planned to hold a series of forums to address concerns over the belief that the entire summer session would be inevitably cancelled.

U.S.

Results from 13,000 mph Falcon flight released by the Pentagon

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The test flight of an experimental aircraft capable of traveling at 20 times the speed of sound was undertaken last August. The Pentagon has now released the results of the super-fast vehicle, ...

EUROPE

Christian Resurgence in Russia? Patriarch Kirill Leads Day of Prayer in Moscow

by Deacon Keith Fournier

There is a growing recognition that there is more that joins theologically faithful Catholics and theologically faithful Orthodox than that which separates us. The cultural decline compels ...

LIVING FAITH

Vatican Congregation for the Clergy: God Stands Before Us and Invites Us to Touch Him

by Congregation for the Clergy

God stands before us and invites us to touch Him.  God does not set conditions for us; He does not call for a special 'work' or a special 'space' in order for us to meet Him.  Rather God ...

TV

Actor who played TV vampire 'Barnabas Collins' dies

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The mythical blood-sucking vampire is supposed to be immortal. It still came as a bit of a shock to learn that TV vampire Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins on the Gothic soap opera "Dark ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Walmart admits that Mexican branch may have used bribes

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Retail giant Walmart has admitted it is investigating allegations that its managers in Mexico used widespread bribery to secure the company's presence in the country and expand its market share. ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Earth Day festivities this weekend

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Earth Day is hitting Alameda Park this weekend with a schedule that includes food, music, events, and all things that have to do with the world that we live in.

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Movie fans wanted, no experience needed

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Community Film Studio Santa Barbara wants everyone who shares an interest in movies to join and become part of film-making history.

U.S.

Georgetown Invites Sandra Fluke to Talk to Undergrads About Contraception; Bans Outside Press

by Edwin Mora

Georgetown University, a Catholic institution run by the Jesuit order, invited Sandra Fluke to talk to undergraduate students at its main campus on Monday on the subject of contraception.The ...

EUROPE

Muslim husband freed after killing wife with 120 knife stabs after a year in custody

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A man stabbed wife of 37 years 120 times in a brutal slaying has walked away free from court less than a year later. Declared insane in court, he has walked away from custody after serving less ...

LIVING FAITH

Teen Pregnancy Rates Fall? Hold the Applause!

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"The church's response is total charity. We do everything to convince a teen they have other options than abortion.  We as a church respond to the pregnancy with love."

MOVIES

Movie audiences still hungry for 'Hunger Games'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The blockbuster adaptation of the young adult book series "The Hunger Games" is still making - pardon the pun - a killing at the box office. The crowd pleasing epic remains at the top spot for ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

US economy, two out of three ain't bad?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Claims for jobless benefits are on the rise while the trade deficit has decreased and inflation has remained flat. That's good news for most in two out of three economic reports released by the ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara LE - Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara's top tourist attraction

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara's 140-year-old pier, is the city's number one tourist attraction with an estimated 5 million visitors each year.

U.S.

Why I'm outraged over the real race war in America

by Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)

As America revisits old issues of race and violence amid the allegations of the Trayvon Martin case, a lot of attention is focused on the possibility of a "race war" in the US. Racist groups like the ...

ASIA PACIFIC

Communist Chinese Police Pressure Underground Church

by Wang Zhicheng

"This year" - an underground priest told AsiaNews -" we will celebrate Easter in silence and discretion, without any solemnity. In other years, we had to find locations big enough so we could ...

LIVING FAITH

Archbishop Dolan - Obama policy 'intruding into the life of faith.'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Cardinal Timothy Dolan boldly stated that Obama's contraception policy is "intruding into the life of faith," during an interview on CBS News' Face The Nation.

CELEBRITY

60 Minutes' Mike Wallace dies at 93

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"I've often replied, when asked, 'I'll retire when my toes turn up,'" 60 Minutes' fiercely tenacious newsman Mike Wallace once declared. "Well, they're just beginning to curl a little, which ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Gas prices on Catalina Island, California top $7 a gallon

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Catalina Island is a popular resort off the coast of California best known for its picturesque scenery, seafood and hiking. The island paradise does have a catch, however: For the past two weeks, ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara introduces 3D technology

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Santa Barbara Zoo is now presenting state-of-the-art 3D technology that make the living animals seem to be right in front of the park visitors.

U.S.

President Obama Makes Video Vowing to Protect Planned Parenthood

by Jennifer Hartline

Our current President has made his position crystal clear and has demonstrated time and time again that he will always defend Planned Parenthood; he will always defend abortion-on-demand, without ...

AFRICA

South Africa to emphasize breastfeeding, not formula, to HIV-positive mothers

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

All nine provinces in South Africa will begin phasing out provision of free formula to HIV-positive mothers and implement a new policy on breast-feeding. Many respected individuals from leading ...

HOME & FOOD

Antioxidants - Popcorn is good for you!

by Taylor Wilkerson

Popcorn is one of the top guilty food pleasures today and is, for most people, the highlight of going to the movie theater. As soon as the tickets are bought, moviegoers make a bee-line for the ...

MOVIES

OCTOBER BABY: A Box Office Winner is Born

OCTOBER BABY had the third highest per-screen average and closed at No. 8 in the nation for its opening weekend competing against The Hunger Games - one of the most successful Hollywood blockbuster ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Party's over for tribal casino in Connecticut

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Times once ran high for the Pequot tribe in Connecticut. Establishing the Foxwoods Casino on their tiny patch of reservation, tribesmen prospered, many earning an annual income of $100,000. This ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara woman recognized as "Woman of the Year"

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Dr. Victoria Riskin, a human rights supporter, was both globally and locally honored as one of California's "Women of the Year" on Monday.

U.S.

Former NAACP leader blasts Jackson and Sharpton as 'race hustlers'

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A former leader of the NAACP is blasting Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for what he calls "exploiting" the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. Rev. C.L. Bryant told the Daily Caller on Monday that "His ...

AFRICA

For many, Arab Spring failed to yield desired fruits

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Arab Spring that gripped much of Northern Africa and the Middle East is still ongoing. The death toll continues to climb in Syria, and the struggle for stability in Yemen continues. However - ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Online iReport - Allentown, PA rallies for Religious Freedom

by Carolee Gifford (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"It's terrible! It has to be rescinded!" said Sister Josanne Huber, M.S.C., commenting on the healthcare mandate thousands and thousands protested at noon, Friday, at federal buildings all over ...

MOVIES

'Hunger Games' wins third largest film opening of all time

by Greg Goodsell

There was no doubt that the opening for the movie adaptation of the phenomenally popular "Hunger Games" was going to be huge. "Hunger Games" made history, earning an astounding $155 million at ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Dartmouth president named as surprise choice to lead World Bank

by Greg Goodsell

United States President Barack Obama has named the president of Dartmouth College, Jim Yong Kim as its nominee to lead the World Bank. Kim has now become the frontrunner to lead the multinational ...

LOCAL NEWS

Boys and Girls Club closer to reaching goal

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara is about half-way there to reach their goal.

U.S.

GLAAD Sets Up Ministry of Propaganda to Silence Opponents of Homosexual Agenda

by Deacon Keith Fournier

In a sign of their growing intolerance of people who hold positions other than those of the Homosexual Cultural Revolution, the Media Watchdog Organization "GLAAD" (Gay and Lesbian Alliance ...

AFRICA

Why some Cote d'Ivorie parents don't want their children back

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

For the children of Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), life has been particularly cruel. Thousands of children remained displaced and traumatized by violence which lasted from December 2010 until May 2011. ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Doctrine: Unjust Laws? Obeying God Rather Than Men

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

Unjust laws pose dramatic problems of conscience for morally upright people: when they are called to cooperate in morally evil acts they must refuse. Besides being a moral duty, such a refusal is ...

U.S.

There's Still Time to Begin Using 'The Catholic Playbook' for your Lenten Formation

by Jennifer Wilson

With 40 meditations written by and for single Catholics, you'll walk together every step of the way, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday by reading "The Catholic Playbook: A Lenten Reflection for ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Newspaper print ads being wiped out by Internet ads

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Reading the morning newspaper, feet up on the couch or ottoman is a uniquely American pastime - whose time may soon be over. Print advertising, the lifeblood of all newspapers, large and small, has ...

LOCAL NEWS

Highest-place finishes for Santa Barbara Science Fair

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The highest-place finishes in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District's history for the Santa Barbara County Science Fair belong to four Pioneer Valley High School students.

U.S.

Wrongful Birth Verdict Signals Growth of the Culture of Death, Threatens the Disabled

by Deacon Keith Fournier

The mother and father claimed in their lawsuit that if they knew that Kalanit had an extra 21st chromosome they would have had her killed by abortion. Only, they used the sterile term taken from ...

MIDDLE EAST

Day of mourning for Syrian dead declared

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The death toll from a year of Syrian government attacks upon the unarmed, civilian population has escalated. Opposition activists have declared a day of mourning across Syria for the estimated ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Contraception as Preventative Health Benefit? One Woman's Point of View

by Peg Luksik

For the majority of women, the natural hormonal cycles of their bodies are not illnesses. And since they are not illnesses, they do not require medical treatment. They require respect. ...

MOVIES

Filmmakers of the world turn their camera towards the Arab Spring

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Journalists of the world have all risen to the challenge to document a way of life in a part of the world that is being irrevocably changed. While some feel the Arab Spring has turned into a ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Gas prices up by at least 12 cents nationwide

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Prices at the pump have risen by an average 12.31 cents a gallon nationwide over the past two weeks. Bad news: while these prices reflect higher crude oil prices, Good news: the rates of the ...

LOCAL NEWS

Researchers discover genetic link of visual pathways

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Even with the absence of eyes, some creatures have light-sensitivity that uses the same visual pathway that allow us human beings to see.

LOCAL NEWS

Famous pianist returning to Santa Barbara

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Gil Rosas, a pianist for over 40 years, will be returning to Santa Barbara on Saturday.

U.S.

Scientists put faces on long forgotten Civil War soldiers

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Thanks to forensic reconstruction, two soldiers from the U.S. Civil War have faces, if not names. When the USS Monitor was raised from the ocean bottom, two skeletons and the tattered remnants of ...

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., other nations agree to talk to Iran about nuclear weaponry

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The United States along with other nations agreed to resume negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Iran has also signaled a willingness to let international inspectors visit the Parchin ...

LIVING FAITH

An Irish burglar has the heart of a saint - and the church wants it back

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In one of the more bizarre cases of theft, the preserved heart of Saint Laurence O'Toole has been stolen from the Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. The heart had been displayed in the cathedral ...

MOVIES

Filmmakers of the world turn their camera towards the Arab Spring

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Journalists of the world have all risen to the challenge to document a way of life in a part of the world that is being irrevocably changed. While some feel the Arab Spring has turned into a ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Low interest rates doesn't mean U.S. will pay less

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Interest rates on U.S. bonds may be low for now, but there's a catch. Low interest rates don't mean that the country's future interest payments on the national debt will be. The U.S. government, ...

U.S.

Is Sharia creeping into US law? PA Judge dismisses atheist assault case.

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A judge is coming under increasing scrutiny for dismissing an assault case against a Muslim who attacked a man dressed up "Zombie Mohammed." The Pennsylvania judge who dismissed the case is purported ...

AMERICAS

FARC promises to release police, military hostages

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Colombia's largest left-wing rebel group, FARC has promised to free 10 remaining police and military hostages and end its practice of kidnapping civilians.

LIVING FAITH

A Reflection Based on Catholic Social Doctrine: A Nation Under God

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

As we say in our Pledge of Allegiance, we hold ourselves to be "one nation, under God."  This is political language, but it means the same thing as Yahweh ...

U.S.

'Berenstain Bears' co-creator dies at 88

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Along with her husband Stan, Jan Berenstain created the popular "Berenstain Bears" children's book series. The brightly illustrated series of books guided pre-schoolers through such milestones as ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

New orders for U.S. goods drops to lowest in three years

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

More people are headed back to work in the sign of a strengthening U.S. economy. However -- new orders for manufactured goods fell in January by the most in three years. Demand fell across the ...

LOCAL NEWS

Events for future parents held in Santa Barbara

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Santa Barbara Birth Center and the Central Coast Doula Association are welcoming future parents this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26.

U.S.

'American Humanist Association' sets up scholarship fund for atheist student

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A high school student who voiced her opposition to a banner at her Rhode Island high school now has a Web site dedicated to raising money for her college. Sixteen-year-old Jessica Ahlquist said ...

AFRICA

HIV diagnosis for infants to be made available in rural Kenya

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Students at Kenya's Strathmore University since 2001 have been developing and refining software for infant HIV diagnosis. The software has been implemented in 75 health center in the must rural ...

HOME & FOOD

Overweight and unhappy? Here's a good reason why...

by Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)

One in five American breakfasts now come from McDonald's. Half of all meals are eaten outside of the home, and nearly all family meals are consumed with each member of the household eating a ...

MUSIC

Paul McCartney gets star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

All things come to those who wait. Paul McCartney, one of two surviving members of the Fab Four has finally been blessed with his own star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Several hundred ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

General Motors reports record profits, but much work remains to be done

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

General Motors posted flat fourth-quarter income this week but still managed to haul in $7.6 billion worth in profits last year, up 62 percent from the prior year. The fourth quarter is the ...

LOCAL NEWS

SB Eastside Library may be re-opened

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Eastside Library, having suffered being cut library days in 2010 due to a budget crisis, is being considered to be re-opened by the Santa Barbara City Council.

U.S.

Judy Brown on the The Contraceptive Mandate: Is Poisoning Women the 'Perfect' Valentine?

by Judy Brown

Reducing "the likelihood of implantation" means that the embryonic child will not be able to attach himself to his mother's womb and therefore will die. This is an abortion caused by chemical ...

MIDDLE EAST

Is Syria heading to a full-blown war?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Snipers are preventing anyone from moving in the battle-shocked Syrian city of Homs. "The snipers are even targeting those who intend to get bread from the bakeries," one activist says. "They are ...

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

Happy Valentine's Day! Six-year-old cancer patient gets date with Justin Bieber

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Six-year-old Avalanna Routh is battling a rare form of cancer. She put her struggles with the disease this Valentine's Day with a date with teen pop singing sensation Justin Bieber. A highlight ...

MUSIC

Paul McCartney gets star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

All things come to those who wait. Paul McCartney, one of two surviving members of the Fab Four has finally been blessed with his own star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Several hundred ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Catholic Social Doctrine: Morality and the Economy

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

The Church insists that there is something greater than economics.  A "meta-economic order," one which is moral, exists outside of the market.  Merchants do ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara budget looking good

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

U.S.

'Terrorist threats' by Muslims to U.S. appear exaggerated, study says

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Radicalized Muslim Americans who are inspired to commit acts of terror against the U.S. appears to have been exaggerated. According to a new study on domestic terrorism released this week, the ...

EUROPE

Greek's political leaders fail on austerity measures

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos has gone to Brussels to meet eurozone counterparts, in spite of the nation's political leaders failing to agree on a package of austerity measures on ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Doctrine: Unions and the Common Good

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

Properly ordered, such association of workers can contribute to the good of the worker and contribute to the common good as a whole by independently and responsibly ...

TV

Popular TV series 'House' to end after current season

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Popular medical TV "House" has decided to say goodbye. Dr. Gregory House is done. The producers have announced that the show will end after its current - and eighth season.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

49 states accept $25 billion foreclosure-abuse settlement

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Forty-nine states have accepted a $25 billion foreclosure-abuse settlement with the five largest mortgage lenders. While coming as welcome news to many, primarily those "underwater" in their ...

LOCAL NEWS

Skating film premiers in SB

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

If you walk down State Street, you will see countless teenagers and young adults zip past you on their skateboards. The sport has grown extremely popular in the last few years and has become an icon ...

U.S.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation Backs Down to Planned Parenthood Bullying

by Deacon Keith Fournier

I have long contended there is a connection between abortion on demand and the increase of bullying. Planned Parenthood has proven this point. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has backed ...

ASIA PACIFIC

China unlikely to join embargo against Iranian oil

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

According to various analysts, China is highly unlikely to join the West in an oil embargo penalizing Iran for its nuclear program. China has practiced a non-interfering foreign policy for the ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Nation's leading breast-cancer charity halts partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the nation's leading breast-cancer charity has halted its partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates. The change will mean a cutoff of hundreds of thousands of ...

MUSIC

'Soul Train's' Don Cornelius commits suicide with self-inflicted gunshot wound

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Don Cornelius, the creator and host of the long-running TV dance show "Soul Train," apparently committed suicide by way of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Cornelius, 75 was discovered at ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

From bust to billions: Chrysler bounces back

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A federal bailout, a bankruptcy and a takeover by Italian car maker Fiat . but times change, and every cloud has a silver lining, as they say. Venerable U.S. car maker Chrysler Group has reported ...

U.S.

Cardinal Daniel N DiNardo: Young People are the Hope of the Pro-life Movement

by Michelle Bauman

Cardinal DiNardo, who serves as chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, was the principal celebrant and homilist at the opening Mass, which was followed by confessions, a ...

MIDDLE EAST

European Union imposes tough new sanctions on Iran

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

European Union Nations are enforcing an embargo against Iran as part of sanctions over its disputed nuclear program. The sanctions follow financial punishments signed into law by the U.S. on ...

LIVING FAITH

Congregation for the Clergy: The Call to Conversion is for Every Christian

by Congregation for the Clergy

Unlike Jonah, the four fishermen called to become apostles in the Gospel respond quickly to the call of Jesus.  But like Jonah, they too are called to trust the Lord to accomplish what, at ...

LIVING FAITH

Nurse reveals the top five regrets people have on their death beds

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

When one is faced with imminent death, there are always the expected regrets as to how one has lived life. Nurse Bronnie Ware, who has worked many years in palliative care, has composed a list of ...

CELEBRITY

Celebrity chef Paula Deen comes out of the diabetic closet

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Southern celebrity chef Paula Deen has come out of the closet as a type 2 diabetic, after being diagnosed with the condition for three years. Appearing on the Today Show, Deen wished to address ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

GM back on top in global sales

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

General Motors is back on top, less than three years after declaring bankruptcy. With sales for 2011 totaling 9.03 million, GM is once again the world's number one automaker. Chevrolet, its ...

AMERICAS

Peace brings no prosperity to El Salvador

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Central American nation of El Salvador remains mired in poverty. Rates of violence there remain high. It appears that peace did not bring prosperity here, as the country's academic and ...

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Catholic Social Teaching: The Family, Gift and Sanctuary of Life

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

Every child born to a family is a gift and a benefit not only to his or her mother, father, brothers or sisters, but also to the entire community into which he ...

CELEBRITY

Celebrity chef Paula Deen comes out of the diabetic closet

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Southern celebrity chef Paula Deen has come out of the closet as a type 2 diabetic, after being diagnosed with the condition for three years. Appearing on the Today Show, Deen wished to address ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Americans making strides to whittle down credit card debt

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Americans have finally seen the light - that Mr. Credit Card is not necessarily your friend. On the whole, U.S. consumers whittled down credit card debt by 11 percent last year. In addition, ...

LOCAL NEWS

Local students hold third annual sports drive

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A group of Santa Barbara students are holding the city's Third Annual Sports Drive, a program to give new and gently used sports equipment to more than 750 kids in the Santa Barbara community. 

U.S.

Interview: Fr Dwight Longenecker On the Personal Ordinariates for Former Anglicans

by Catholic Online

What interests me is the possibility that in the future these new 'Anglican Catholic' churches might attract significant numbers of non-Anglican Protestants. I know from my experience of ...

U.S.

Honor Dr. King by Protecting the Human Rights of Children in the Womb

by Deacon Keith Fournier

Dr. King was unjustly imprisoned at the time of the writing of his Letter from a Birmingham Jail for defending fundamental human rights. It was his Christian faith, as a follower of Jesus ...

ASIA PACIFIC

China shifts tactics to manage middle class

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In the past week, China has made headlines as the government announces its plans for the year to come. A major component of those plans is a strong emphasis on Chinese cultural production to ...

LIVING FAITH

Understanding Catholic Social Teaching: The Family and Its Economy of Love

by Andrew M. Greenwell, Esq.

In the economy of the family, profit is of no motive, and there is no such thing as Pareto efficiency; rather, love is at the heart of it all.  And love does not ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

In spite of high unemployment, many job positions left unfilled

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

With high unemployment rife across the United States, the logical conclusion would be those that are hiring have a wide pool from which to draw upon. That's not the case, as more than half of ...

LOCAL NEWS

Local firefighters qualify for water rescue team

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Santa Barbara now has a water rescue team. About 20 local firefighters have qualified to perform water rescues. That the city has not recently had such a team is a surprise considering the expanse of ...

U.S.

UPDATED: Former Episcopal Bishop Clarence Pope, Jr. Dead at 81

by Randy Sly

Clarence Pope, former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, gained the reputation over the years for being an orthodox Anglo-Catholic. He made the news in the 1994 and 1995 regarding his ...

ASIA PACIFIC

China generally pessimistic over New Year

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While many Asian nations save New Year's Day as their main holiday, China is greeting the year 2012 with a feeling of queasy anticipation coupled with apprehension. This year will mark very ...

LIVING FAITH

Fr Paul Schenck on the Feast of the Epiphany: What is Revealed to Us and What does it Mean?

by Fr. Paul CB Schenck

Each of us needs to be open to this wonderful gift of human life, of eternal life, by responding to God's love calling us to worship Him as single persons, the religious life, Holy Orders and Holy ...

MOVIES

'Devil Inside' rakes in millions, inspires audiences to boo and hiss at ending

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While most "found footage" horror films such as "Paranormal Activity" and "The Blair Witch Project" make the majority of their audiences scream with delight, this past weekend's "The Devil ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Indian stock market opens up to individual foreign investors

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

India is opening up its stock market to individual foreign investors for the first time. Previously, foreign investors were only allowed to invest in the Indian stock market via mutual funds or ...

U.S.

Suspect in fifty-plus West Hollywood arson fires arrested

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A suspect has been arrested in 53 arson fires that have recently plagued the West Hollywood area. The majority of the fire, which started on Thursday of last week - were restricted to vehicle fires. ...

U.S.

Welcoming Anglicans Home: Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter is Off and Running

by Randy Sly

In opening the press conference, Cardinal DiNardo underscored the historic nature of the events that are unfolding, saying, " The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter begins a new chapter ...

AFRICA

Islamic Jihad in Africa: Nigerian 'Boko Haram' Issues Ultimatum to Christians

by Deacon Keith Fournier

We reported on the horrible bombing outside of St Theresa's Catholic Church on Christmas Day. That evil act, perpetrated by a group of Islamic terrorists who ...

LIVING FAITH

Fr. Paul Schenck Reflects on the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God

by Fr. Paul Schenck

In order to win us back to himself, to "reclaim" us and restore us in love, God chose to become one of us, to know us up close and personal. He "descended" into our world - with us, beside us. Just ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

McDonald's fast food shows strong on stock market

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

It was a topsy-turvy year for the U.S. stock market - one in which a longtime fast-food institution took one of the top spots and one of America's most trusted banks began to sputter and fall.

CELEBRITY

Movie star Cheetah the chimpanzee dies at 80

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

He was one of the few movies stars of the 1930s that made it into the 21st century - it must have been an awful lot of bananas! Cheetah the chimpanzee, the sidekick in the Tarzan movies of the early ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Is America becoming a nation of renters?

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

In an otherwise stagnant U.S. economy, some segments of the construction industry are enjoying a boom. In some areas, the construction of new apartment complexes has become commonplace. This ...

MUSIC

National Choir Appreciation Sunday Set for January 8, 2012

by Randy Sly

There are 32.5 million choir members in churches across America that volunter 8.5 billion hours every year. This event is designed to give this group of Christian servants an opportunity to hear ...

LIVING FAITH

Catholic Social Teaching: What is Really meant by Justice?

by Andrew Greenwell, Esq.

There is some urgency in getting back to the classical notions of justice built upon an authentic Christian anthropology because of the modern mindset of reducing or ...

AMERICAS

Mexican drug cartels use sophisticated radio system

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

A shadow communications system, utilizing sophisticated radio equipment powered by solar power has allowed the Mexican drug cartels to coordinate drug deliveries, facilitate kidnapping, extortion and ...

U.S.

Seeds of the Ordinariate, Part One: Our Lady of the Atonement, San Antonio

by Randy Sly

While we await the announcement of the new Ordinariate for the United States, let's take a look at a couple of the trailblazers who, as a part of the Pastoral Provision, established Anglican Use as a ...

LOCAL NEWS

Free ebooks from Santa Barbara Public Library

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The Santa Barbara Public Library System is now offering e-books. The books are compatible with Kindles, Nooks, iPads, iPhones, and most other e-reading devices. The books will be available 24-7, so ...

U.S.

Grand Master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and Great Communicator, Cardinal Foley Dies at 76

by Kevin J. Jones

In a message to Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles J. Chaput, the Pope prayed that Cardinal Foley's "lifelong commitment" to the Church's presence in the media will inspire others to take up an ...

MIDDLE EAST

Major Middle Eastern cities starting to run dry of water

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

At least two Middle Eastern capital cities are at serious risk of running dry within the next 5 to 10 years. Cairo, Egypt, and Sana'a, Yemen are suffering from chronic water shortages. They are not ...

LIVING FAITH

Our Lady of Guadalupe - She Who Crushes the Head of the Serpent

by Fr. James Farfaglia

The ancient temples of the Aztecs, interesting archeological sites of the past, have been replaced by the new temples of materialism, secularism and consumerism. On their altars the poor, the unborn ...

MOVIES

'New Year's Eve' knocks 'Twilight' from movie top spot

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

The star-studded comedy "New Year's Eve" knocked "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn Part I" from the top spot at the American box office in its debut week. Still, it was rather disappointing, ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Pope to Bankers: Promote Life, Solidarity, Subsidiarity and the Common Good

by Deacon Keith Fournier

In the midst of challenging economic times, Catholics have a vital role to play in bringing the values which humanize banking to the forefront. When a society fails to recognize that ...

LOCAL NEWS

Santa Barbara about to get three new landmarks

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Santa Barbara may get a few new landmarks following today's city council meeting. The council is set to vote on recognizing the Granada Tower State Street Facade, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, and the ...

U.S.

California Initiative Would Allow One Million Illegal Workers to Live Freely

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

While many states in America are passing tough immigration laws, California has introduced an initiative that would allow nearly one million undocumented immigrants could live and work openly. ...

EUROPE

Co-ops becoming increasingly popular in Eastern Europe

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Food co-ops are usually thought of being associated with leftists and the "hippie" movement. Such establishments gather up organically grown food for sale far below market prices, effectively ...

HEALTH

Measles outbreak in Western Europe has dire consequences

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There has been an especially virulent outbreak of measles in Western Europe. The outbreak has hit the nation of France especially hard, with six of the nine death attributable to the disease ...

MUSIC

A picture with Elvis is worth more than a thousand words

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

There's no mistaking the young Elvis, giving his trademark whiplash smile to the camera. A beautiful brunette, who just so happened to be Elvis' Tennessee sweetheart, likewise gives a radiant smile. ...

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Next-day mail delivery to become limited, USPS says

by Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

"This isn't a change we're happy about," Art Sackler, executive director of the National Postal Policy Council, a trade group for large mailers says. The U.S. Postal Service has announced an ...