Kevin J. Jones

Kevin J. Jones

Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.

Articles by Kevin J. Jones

Violence subsides in Central African capital, but what next?

Oct 14, 2014 / 17:18 pm

Violence has subsided in the Central African Republic’s capital of Bangui after a week of conflict, but the lack of security and an ineffective justice system are enduring problems, a relief worker in the country has said.  

To Archbishop Kurtz, synod a confidence boost for married couples

Oct 12, 2014 / 15:02 pm

The Synod on the Family is an opportunity to assure married couples they can succeed at marriage despite the many challenges facing them, according to Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville.

As violence ravages homeland, Nigerian bishop hopes in synod

Oct 8, 2014 / 15:46 pm

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, Nigeria, has high hopes for the outcome of the current bishops’ synod, noting the contributions of the African Church despite extreme violence and other local struggles.  

Calif. abortion mandate deemed a 'flagrant violation' of civil rights

Oct 3, 2014 / 15:30 pm

The California government “directly targeted” two Catholic universities and violated federally guaranteed civil rights by ordering their health insurance plans to cover abortions, the California Catholic Conference has charged.  

Don't let 'Faithful America' group silence Catholics, critic warns

Oct 2, 2014 / 23:04 pm

Internet activism sites like Faithful America, which has targeted Catholic bishops and other institutions in social media campaigns, show the need for Catholics to become media savvy and courageous in speaking out, one observer has said.

Bishop Finn's spokesman confirms Vatican visitation

Sep 30, 2014 / 13:59 pm

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has confirmed that an archbishop has held a visitation on behalf of the Vatican and met with Bishop Robert Finn, but cannot talk about the reasons for the visit.

Blessed Opus Dei bishop 'knew how to serve'

Sep 26, 2014 / 17:02 pm

Ahead of the Sept. 27 beatification of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, the current head of Opus Dei recalled his predecessor as a man who was “totally available” to others and saw the importance of the laity to the Church.

Next Chicago archbishop aims to nourish faith

Sep 20, 2014 / 09:35 am

Chicago’s Archbishop-designate Blase Cupich introduced himself to his new city on Saturday, downplaying political interpretations of his appointment and stressing the need to be attentive to God’s voice.

Meeting of Families document offers global perspective

Sep 16, 2014 / 03:31 am

The preparatory catechesis document for the 2015 World Meeting of Families is a “wonderful” work that addresses Catholic family issues from a global context, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia said.  

Catholic League withdraws from St. Patrick's Day Parade

Sep 15, 2014 / 16:39 pm

Controversy over the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade continues as the Catholic League has withdrawn its delegation, charging that parade organizers have not fulfilled a promise to include a pro-life Catholic group.  

No scandal here: How the 20 couples married by Pope Francis were legit

Sep 15, 2014 / 16:05 pm

Pope Francis’ witnessing of marriages between Catholics who cohabited or who have had annulments is not a change, but is part of the Church’s effort to bring people to Jesus Christ, said two experts on Christian marriage.  

Family finds hope in priestly ordination of dying seminarian

Sep 10, 2014 / 16:01 pm

Family members of a priest who died of cancer just two days after his ordination say that his brief priesthood was an incredible blessing, for which they are grateful.    

Child protection is 'gospel priority' for Church, Pope Francis

Sep 10, 2014 / 15:28 pm

The protection of minors from sexual abuse is a number one priority for Pope Francis, says the new secretary of a papal commission to protect minors, who believes that the global Church can play a leading role against abuse.  

Concerns, confusion swirl over LGBT group in St. Patrick's parade

Sep 5, 2014 / 10:48 am

A spokesman for the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade said the inclusion of an LGBT activist group in the traditionally Catholic parade was a “gesture of goodwill,” though concerns have been raised that some outside groups aim to remove the event’s Catholic character.  

Reform of LCWR hardly a 'nunquisition'

Sep 4, 2014 / 16:54 pm

The Vatican's investigation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is not a ‘nunquisition,’ as one Time magazine writer has said, but an effort to renew the Church, according to a senior fellow with The Catholic Association.

Benedict XVI meets with advocates of Traditional Latin Mass

Sep 4, 2014 / 01:01 am

Benedict XVI met with two leaders involved in promoting the Traditional Latin Mass, or the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, on Monday afternoon.

Cardinal Pell to celebrate Mass for new English school

Sep 2, 2014 / 23:00 pm

The School of the Annunciation, which prepares students for the new evangelization in England and Wales, will mark its official foundation on Sept. 8 with Mass celebrated by Australia’s Cardinal George Pell.

PBS raked over decision to air late-term abortion film

Aug 30, 2014 / 13:35 pm

Pro-life advocates have strongly objected to PBS' decision broadcast the documentary “After Tiller,” saying it wrongly downplays the “gravely unjust” and deadly nature of abortion.  

Successful Okla. lawsuit could stop future black masses

Aug 28, 2014 / 15:49 pm

A lawyer who helped recover a stolen Host that organizers of an Oklahoma City black mass intended to desecrate said that the Church’s legal victory could have far-reaching effects.

Outcry flares over Calif. abortion push in Catholic colleges

Aug 26, 2014 / 14:02 pm

Amid backlash from religious liberty and education advocates, Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown's administration has ordered abortion coverage in health insurance plans for two Catholic universities.