National News
Need for food grows in one of America’s wealthiest counties
The Catholic Charities Family Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, used to give food to about 150 people each week. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit in mid-March, that many are coming each day, three days a week.
Federal relief leaves out DACA students
Students enrolled under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, brought to the U.S. illegally as children, do not qualify for emergency aid, U.S. Education Department officials said April 21.
Bishops of U.S., Canada will consecrate nations to Mary May 1
The two nations will be consecrated to the care of the Blessed Mother under the title "Mary, Mother of the Church." In the U.S., Archbishop Jose Gomez will lead the prayers at 3 p.m. Friday, May 1.
As Earth Day turns 50, ‘humanity is at critical crossroad,’ say activists
The Washington-based Catholic Climate Covenant is offering a free, one-hour educational program marking the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day and five years since Pope Francis' letter "Laudato Si'."
Franciscan University to pay tuition costs for new students in fall
In response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university in Steubenville will waive tuition for new undergraduate students. "We think it's the right thing to do," said its president.
Prepare now for post-pandemic ministry, church professionals urge
Parish management and ministry professionals say now is the time for parishes and dioceses to creatively keep the faithful engaged and make long-term strategic decisions after the coronavirus hibernation ends.
Shutdown of religious services in pandemic prompts varied responses
While legal experts maintain that government may close churches for public health, civic officials and the Catholic community remain divided. "No constitutional rights are truly absolute," said one law professor.
Successful Catholic app helps people cope in pandemic
Arising from intense stress and a deep need for prayer, the founder of the Hallow app and his team recently launched features related to the coronavirus for the many people who must stay at home during this time.
Catholic school uniform company now making, donating face masks
Dennis Uniform of Portland, Ore. is responding to the growing COVID-19 pandemic by using its plaid cloth on hand and ample sewing machines to make masks, akin to its similar efforts during World War II.
Pandemic magnifies women’s ‘Nuns and Nones’ dialogue
The conversation between young women and elderly religious sisters has intensified as the coronavirus has revealed systemic injustice, a longing for community and more time for contemplation.