Bishop Robert Finn and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., which he heads, entered pleas of not guilty to misdemeanour charges of failure to report child abuse.

The greatest challenge faced by Catholic health care workers is growing secularism, said Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez.

God will always guide, protect and nourish those intent on following him, Pope Benedict said.

Condemning an attack on unarmed Christians in Egypt, Pope Benedict said that during the country's transition to democracy, all of its citizens and institutions must work to guarantee the rights of minorities.

A man hangs from a cross during a protest against corruption in downtown Rio de Janeiro Sept. 20.

Gabriella Lagace has wanted to attend a youth rally since she was a child. Now that she has finally attended one, Lagace will be urging her friends to go to one too.

"It's such an amazing experience," said Lagace, a Grade 10 student from Assumption School in Cold Lake.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict announced a special Year of Faith to help Catholics appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others.

The pope said the Year of Faith would give "renewed energy to the mission of the whole Church to lead men and women out of the desert they often are in and toward the place of life: friendship with Christ who gives us fullness of life."

LACOMBE – Father Michael Blanch was know as a humble priest and an advocate for social justice

More than that, he was a beloved shepherd and friend to many – a gentle soul who spent long hours talking and listening to his flock.

Jeannette Helmig remembers the days of open spaces around St. Edmund Church.

"When we moved out here, we were on acreages," recalled Helmig, a parishioner for 72 years. "We used to raise chickens a block away from here."

EDMONTON - Graduates of Newman Theological College were called to put their faith to work promoting the quality of life, the "seamless garment" of justice and the integrity of creation.

Joan Carr, superintendent of Edmonton Catholic Schools, said Catholic education prepares students "to live with, even embrace, the paradoxes of life."