National News
Urgency in pandemic response can apply to addressing climate change
The world's response to the coronavirus pandemic is a lesson on the importance of unifying in response to crises, including climate change, Catholic and evangelical clergy agreed during an online discussion.
At Catholic colleges, no pomp but a lot of circumstance this year
Graduation ceremonies this month have moved from arenas to the now ubiquitous teleconference formats, with graduates linking to these ceremonies from their homes with families and friends.
Bishops urge ‘robust response’ on virus for nation’s indigenous peoples
Three U.S. bishops said May 13 they are "heartbroken" that Native Americans in the U.S. "greatly suffer from the COVID-19 epidemic" and at higher rates than other communities.
As parishes reopen, anxieties mix with spiritual needs
The churches will look the same but social-distancing changes will cause some parishioners to be anxious or resentful, depending on how one views the measures advised by officials, says a Catholic counselor.
Court examines if religious schools exempt from discrimination laws
In oral arguments May 11, the Supreme Court examined, and seemed divided about, laws governing church and state in its look at two California Catholic schoolteacher firings and a "ministerial exception."
Catholic educators wonder how to restart next school year
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and it is possible that many schools will begin in the fall through remote learning only -- a prospect that educators say they hope to avoid.
Chicago prison ministry helps newly released people with basic needs
When Illinois began releasing inmates from state prisons to reduce populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff from Kolbe House, the Chicago Archdiocese's prison ministry, stepped up to help.
Minnesota bishop assembles priest team for anointing COVID-19 patients
With local hospitals tightening restrictions for visiting patients with COVID-19, a team of 30 young priests volunteered to pull back from parish ministry to anoint the critically ill.
Our Lady of America apparitions not supernatural, bishops say
A group of U.S. bishops, led by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, concerned the alleged apparitions of Mary to a religious sister in the Midwest reported between 1956 and 1959.
Dioceses help parishes find revenue amid pandemic’s financial crunch
With Sunday Mass offertory collections virtually nonexistent during the coronavirus pandemic, dioceses are helping their parishes keep one crisis from becoming a second crisis.