The U.S. bishops again urged senators to place Hyde Amendment language into proposed health care reform legislation, a step that would align the legislation with policies now governing all other federal health programs and the just-passed Consolidated Appropriations Act.

In a parable, Jesus tells us that when seed falls on rich soil, it produces fruit, a hundred, or sixty, or thirty fold. (cf. Matthew 13:8) The seeds, of course, are those who hear the word of God, understand it and act in response. Fertile soil and growing seeds are fitting images for