As of Dec. 6, the death toll was 36 and officials said that no additional bodies have been recovered.

Without the weeks I spent easing back into prayer, I would not be alive today.

They "pray, pray" that family members can get out of northern Iraq before a major Islamic State attack.

This bill discriminates against our African-American and Hispanic neighbors, sick seniors, the disabled, the uninsured and all who are vulnerable in our community, said Michael Scott, director of the D.C. Catholic Conference.

Mary is always shining in her window, watching over the street below. I have grown grateful for this rarefied presence, respectful and inclined toward pious feelings when I pass.

Pope Francis reminds us to challenge ourselves to each day give of ourselves and not to count the cost.