Zoe Ryan is an NCR staff writer. Her email address is zryan@ncronline.org.

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St. John's Pottery supports artists, stewardship in Benedictine style

The St. John's University-based studio follows its founding vision: digging its own clay, having environmental reviews, teaching apprentices, and sharing its philosophy of eco-mutualism.

Supreme Court declines Ala. immigration case

The Supreme Court will not consider a case involving the harboring provision in Alabama's immigration law.

In 2011, Alabama passed an immigration enforcement law that, among other things, made it illegal to harbor people not authorized to live in the United States. The United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld injunctions against the provision in August 2012, saying it infringed on federal law, according to Reuters.

Ignatian Solidarity Network to honor Prejean

The Ignatian Solidarity Network will honor St. Joseph Sr. Helen Prejean with the “Robert M. Holstein: Faith that Does Justice Award” May 7 in New Orleans. Prejean is known for her work advocating against the death penalty.

Franciscan sister dedicated her life to teaching, health care

Sr. M. Patrice Kerin, a Franciscan sister in Sylvania, Ohio, who served as general superior and established the health care system Franciscan Services Corporation, died April 7 after a brief illness. She was 86.

Kerin was a good debater and listener, someone who helped people discover solutions instead of giving orders herself, friends said. She exhibited Franciscan values and Irish hospitality, they said.

"She had just a wonderful way of giving you the reverence that you were the only person that was important to her at that time," Franciscan Sr. Rachel Nijakowski said.