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Published: October 14, 2015

Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's Oct. 10 issue. Some of the stories and columns in Arkansas Catholic appear only in the print and complete digital editions. To read what you're missing, subscribe today.

Synod on families: A year for discernment, debate

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis planned two gatherings of the Synod of Bishops to focus on the family and urged participants to use the year between the assemblies as a time for “true spiritual discernment” with both study and prayer.

House passes measure to allow states to defund Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The House Sept. 29 passed the Women’s Health and Public Safety Act to give states the authority to defund Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood ruling limited, governor says

Arkansas cannot cut off funding to Planned Parenthood as Gov. Asa Hutchinson had originally ordered. U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker issued the preliminary injunction Oct. 2 and said her order remains in effect indefinitely.

Oregon gunman first asked his victims if they were Christian

PORTLAND, Ore. -- St. Joseph Parish in Roseburg hosted an emotional Mass the evening of Oct. 1 for nine people who died in a shooting that morning at Umpqua Community College. Auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith traveled from Portland for the liturgy.

Vatican says pope’s meeting with Kentucky clerk not endorsement

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis’ meeting with Kim Davis, the county clerk from Kentucky who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses, does not equate support for her “position,” the Vatican spokesman said after discussing the issue personally with the pope.

American saints and would-be saints inspiring

Yet another book on saints. These saints are different, however — not necessarily a typical list. (Book review)

For Catholics, the papal style is new but the song remains the same

Pope Francis’ inaugural visit to the United States is now history -- in more ways than one. Moving with the tranquil affability that has become his trademark, our beloved papa traversed the halls of Washington power and a Harlem elementary school; dined with the homeless and fed the spirit of millions. (Columns)

An assault rifle ban is a morally sound decision

Chris Harper-Mercer walked into classrooms at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., last week and killed nine people and wounded nine. Before he shot them he asked them to identify their religion. He was carrying with him several guns, including an AR-type assault rifle. (Editorial)