National News
Congress urged to help minorities in new pandemic relief bill
The needs of poor and minority communities that face greater health risks from pollution and economic disparities deserve to be addressed in a future federal pandemic relief package, Catholic advocates said.
Archbishop Perez urges closer look at COVID deaths of black people
The archbishop is among a group of four U.S. bishops calling for study of why infections and deaths among African Americans in some communities are reaching alarming levels.
Leaders urge Cardinal Dolan to step back from praise of Trump
A letter signed by 1,500 faith leaders blasted the New York archbishop's laudatory comments about President Donald Trump. The cardinal defended speaking with leaders of both political parties.
Phoenix Diocese cuts jobs, ends newspaper, citing revenue shortfall
In response to an anticipated $6 million deficit and ongoing shortages since the pandemic hit in March, the diocese announced it has cut 21 jobs and folded the monthly diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Sun.
Archdiocese of New Orleans files for bankruptcy
Citing mounting concerns over the financial impact of clergy sex abuse settlements and the coronavirus pandemic, the archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 reorganization.
Indiana priests bring ‘power of the sacraments’ to the dying during pandemic
Bringing Christ's presence to people dying of the coronavirus and peace for their loved ones is, for one Dominican priest, "why I'm a priest." A select group of priests is ministering to people in quarantine.
Report shows role of immigrants as essential workers in COVID fight
The 19.8 million immigrants working in grocery stores, cleaning jobs, health care and on farms in the U.S., both now and in the recovery, "deserve our support and thanks," said a new report's author.
Polls show faith is getting Americans through coronavirus crisis
Two polls show, with breakouts in religion and ethnicity, a stronger sense of faith as well as trust in public health officials and state governors, not the federal government.
Bishops around country consecrate U.S. to Mary amid COVID-19 pandemic
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, led a "Renewal of the Consecration of the United States of America to the Blessed Virgin Mary" liturgy May 1.
How much time on screens is too much for preschoolers?
Speaking in an online forum, longtime children's advocates suggested keeping the child's needs first and establishing a family media plan for "times of day when screens will be used and not used."