National News
California bishops say church must care for those with mental illness
California's Catholic bishops issued a pastoral letter outlining ways the church could do a better job of serving those who struggle with mental illness, stressing that it is an "essential part of the pastoral care of the church."
Iowa Catholic parishes gift artwork to mosque as a sign of friendship
Artist Donna Slade had never set foot in a mosque before beginning work on the intricate calligraphy in Arabic that now decorates the arch above the central point in the worship space at the Tri-State Islamic Center.
Catholic Charities USA leader: Accompanying migrants is the Gospel way
Dominican Sister Donna Markham, the head of Catholic Charities USA, is saddened that many Catholics have "become acclimated" to national resentment over migrants.
Catholic Communications Campaign aids efforts in U.S., around the world
This year's national collection was to occur May 13, World Communications Day. Not all dioceses hold the collection then. Some combine it with another collection, while others simply send a donation.
Nebraska priest’s spring blessings reap harvest of faith among farmers
For the past five years each spring and fall, Father Andrew Sohm has traveled the highways, two-lane and dirt roads to farms near the parishes he pastors, St. Peter in Newcastle and St. Joseph in Ponca.
New York bill would help parents who experience early miscarriage
The proposed legislation would require hospitals to advise parents of their right to a fetal death report and burial permit for infants lost before the twentieth week of pregnancy.
Speaker Paul Ryan gives House chaplain his job back
Jesuit Father Patrick Conroy, chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives who said he had been forced to resign, was reinstated to his post May 3. The speaker, a Catholic, wanted to avoid "a protracted fight over such an important post."
Tax policy fights eating away at church exemptions
For generations, religious organizations in the United States have been largely exempt from paying taxes. But whether through lawsuits or regulations, those tax protections are beginning to fall.
Listening is key to bishops’ committee against racism, says new chair
Bishop Shelton Fabre, an African-American bishop in Louisiana, will continue Catholic listening sessions. The "national conversation on race" was set up by his predecessor Bishop George Murry, who is battling leukemia.
Trump signs order to give faith groups stronger voice in government
A White House document posted online after the order was signed said its purpose was to ensure that faith-based and community organizations "have strong advocates" in the White House and the federal government.