National News
Makers of altar wine, hosts suffer economic hit due to pandemic
Religious orders that bake altar bread, including the Poor Clare sisters in Langhorne, are seeing a dramatic drop off in sales. Hardest hit are sacramental wineries since Communion under both species is suspended.
Federal funds barred from research projects using fetal tissue
The U.S. bishops' pro-life chairman praised the National Institutes of Health for its decision to withhold funds from most research proposals that involved the use of fetal tissue.
Toledo diocesan priest arrested on sex trafficking charges
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo placed Father Michael Zacharias, 53, on administrative leave after multiple charges were announced by the FBI Aug. 18.
Bishop Bransfield repays diocese, publicly apologizes to W.Va. Catholics
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield repaid $441,000 in expenses he ran up as former head of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. His letter of apology defended those transactions.
Notre Dame suspends in-person classes after coronavirus increase
The university is suspending its in-person classes for undergraduates for two weeks after a rise in COVID-19 cases, primarily seniors living off-campus.
Redemptorist priest with Phila. ties ordained bishop in Baltimore
Newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, who formerly led Hispanic Catholic ministry in Philadelphia, sat in the chair used by Bishop John Neumann before he came to Philadelphia.
Storm in Iowa caused $4 billion in damages
The derecho storm that ravaged Iowa Aug. 10 caused a disaster in 16 counties, where from cities to farms, people still seek shelter, food, and power. The governor requested emergency federal aid.
Foundation prize is ‘validation’ of all Homeboy Industries does, says priest
The $2.5 million Hilton Foundation prize will help Jesuit Father Gregory Boyle continue his work among former gang members to "create a community of kinship and healing in Los Angeles."
Nebraska governor signs bill that bans dismemberment abortions
Saying Nebraska is "a pro-life state," Gov. Pete Ricketts Aug. 15 signed into law a ban on a second-trimester abortion procedure that he said stops a "horrific procedure."
Letter: Democrats must make room for pro-lifers
About 100 current and former Democratic lawmakers urged the Democratic Party "to moderate its official position on abortion," saying party leaders support abortion policies "radically out of line with public opinion."