Debate, vote on eucharistic document will top U.S. bishops’ agenda

The impetus for the document and a planned eucharistic revival is to increase Catholics' understanding of the Eucharist. A 2019 Pew study showed just 30% of Catholics have "a proper understanding of Christ's presence in the Eucharist."

Former pastor of Downingtown parish sentenced for theft

Msgr. Joseph McCloone pleaded guilty in a Chester County court to two charges of mismanaging parish money. Under terms of his five years' probation, he must repay more than $30,000.

Dioceses dispute AP report on pandemic federal funding

U.S. dioceses are crying foul over an investigative report on coronavirus relief funding they say grossly mischaracterized the Catholic Church's finances, leaving the crass impression the church used the 2020 CARES Act to hoard cash.

Judge says abuse victims’ attorney can question retired Rochester bishop

In a Feb. 11 ruling, a federal bankruptcy court ruled that retired Bishop Matthew H. Clark of Rochester can be required to answer questions about his knowledge of sexual abuse during the time he headed the diocese.

Stop the assault of climate change, by all means necessary

As outlined at a recent Vatican summit on decarbonizing the global economy to mitigate climate change, it will take more than individual effort but sustained corporate investment, argues Carolyn Woo.

Abuse crisis, leadership failure seen having impact on church giving

A Villanova University director and numerous lay Catholic experts and bishops identified soaring costs and reduced giving by Catholic faithful because of the clergy sexual abuse crisis and responses to it.

Former Downingtown pastor charged with theft of parish finances

Msgr. Joseph McLoone was arrested Aug. 21 in Chester County for misappropriating almost $100,000 from an off-the-books account at St. Joseph Parish. He has been on leave since resigning as pastor last year.

Philadelphia Archdiocese names Marc Fisher new CFO

Fisher, 46, will become the chief financial officer July 1. Currently the director of the archdiocesan office that assists parishes and schools with accounting, he led implementation of new financial control policies.

If a church is too far, is confession by phone OK?

Father Ken Doyle explains that although using apps and other digital tools are a good way to examine one's conscience, sacramental confession and absolution always require a priest physically present.

Bishops OK budget for 2018, hiking diocesan assessment for 2019

Last year the bishops voted down an increase in the assessment from US dioceses to the national conference. As a result the "tight, balanced budget" cuts programs, travel and building maintenance, and curtails wages "below market value for the D.C. area."