National News

Go slow in reopening from pandemic, business leaders advise

Small businesses will need time to ramp up after restrictions are lifted, while larger employers must prepare to accommodate large numbers of people while social distancing. Care for people was the leaders' top concern.

Dioceses reviewing best, safest options for return of public Masses

Across the United States parishioners eager to return to attending Mass in person with friends are beginning to hear about plans to slowly bring back at least a minimal semblance of parish life.

Watch prayers today for consecration of U.S. to Mary

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles will lead a special liturgy Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. to renew the consecration of the United States to the care of Mary -- watch it online.

Young adults focus on priorities, needs of others during pandemic

Three Catholics under 40 reflected on the impact of the coronavirus and saw a return to the basics of cultivating personal relationships and reaching out to others -- in person, not online.

Higher death rates among poor cause for alarm, sister says

Black and Latino people affected by COVID-19 are dying at higher rates than others, and a religious sister and expert on racism finds the lack of response by the church "baffling."

Catholic leaders press Trump to support aid to schools during pandemic

On a call with the president April 26, Catholic leaders pressed for federal aid to prop up Catholic schools not only to retain employees but also to face the loss of tuition from families suffering layoffs.

Families to suffer most from immigration restrictions, bishops say

President Donald Trump's April 22 order to restrict immigration during the pandemic could "fuel polarization and animosity" said top U.S. bishops and other Catholic leaders.

Church entities receiving SBA loans to retain staff in pandemic’s fallout

Diocesan financial managers, while grateful for short-term federal payroll assistance, are turning their attention to the long-term impact of the deepening economic recession on church operations.

Dioceses scramble to feed the poor at their door

From one end of the country to the other, dioceses and Catholic charitable agencies are coming up with ingenious solutions to meet growing hunger in their communities.

Religious education continues in different format during pandemic

Creative ways to stay connected with PREP students and their families are emerging to help the students continue to grow in faith during this time of isolation.