National News
A week after being hit by Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico begs for help
UPDATED - Catholic Church groups have mobilized to send help. Some organizations, however, have reported problems mobilizing the aid out of airports and into the places and people who need them.
Couple were touched by love when they opened hearts to adoption
As the church in the U.S. begins Respect Life Month in October, Jenni and Joe Amschler tell the story of their pro-life adoption journey with an agency that works with women in unexpected pregnancies who seek loving families for their babies rather than abortion.
Share the Journey campaign urges Catholics to connect with migrants
A prayer here, a share on social media there, even a get-to-know-others potluck meal. Supporting refugees and migrants can take many forms, and Pope Francis is hoping Catholics will act to encounter people on the move.
Priests must understand own weaknesses to really help flock, says bishop
Bishop Kicanas said that the late-Chicago Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, falsely accused of sexual abuse of a minor seminarian, used that humiliation to grow spiritually and rely on God as never before.
Catholic Charities USA, Knights among agencies sending aid to Puerto Rico
When Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 20, its 155-mph winds knocked out electricity to the entire island, leaving its 3.4 million people in the dark. As of Sept. 27, most of the island remained without power. The situation could last up to six months, officials said.
Message of Fatima as important today as 100 years ago, says bishop
Leading a pilgrimage of 2,000 faithful from his Connecticut diocese, Bishop Frank Caggiano blessed a new outdoor Marian shrine at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Catholic groups decry end of special immigration status for Sudan
The administration said that on Nov. 2, 2018, it would end what's known as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Sudanese nationals who are now protected from deportation and have a work permit under that program.
NCEA leader visits Catholic schools damaged by Hurricane Harvey
The Texas town where Hurricane Harvey first made landfall and harsh winds tore apart buidlings is still regrouping more than one month after the storm.
Bishops’ requests on repeal bill go for naught as effort collapses
UPDATED - The U.S. bishops' effort urging senators to protect the poor and amend the Graham-Cassidy bill, meant to replace the Affordable Care Act, may be a moot subject as opposition to the bill stiffened amid frantic rewriting to get critical senators' votes.
Supreme Court cancels travel ban hearing as new restrictions announced
The U.S. Supreme Court Sept. 25 canceled an upcoming hearing on the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's travel ban after government officials unveiled the night before a new expanded version of the travel prohibitions.