National News
Long-held ethical, moral principles must guide COVID-19 response
The coronavirus pandemic is creating fear over rationing limited resources for treating patients, but principles such as upholding a person's dignity can guide decision making, said the U.S. bishops.
National moment of prayer coming on Good Friday
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, invites U.S. Catholics to join him next Friday, April 10, to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart at noon.
Court allows Texas ban on abortion for time being
A federal appeals court March 31 allowed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's temporary block on unnecessary medical procedures, including abortion, to remain. Pennsylvania's ban excludes abortion.
It will be a palmless Sunday at most U.S. parishes
Most orders for palms have already arrived at parishes, and since they will not be distributed now for fear of spreading the coronavirus, they must be kept dry for the future, said a liturgist.
Coronavirus draws prayers to saints who cared for plague victims
From St. Aloysius Gonzaga to St. Roch to St. Rosalia, saints living and serving others in times of plague offer inspiration to U.S. Catholics today in several parishes.
School nurses, crafters donate masks to clinicians in need
Professional faces masks, gloves and some hand sanitizer were sitting unused in closed Catholic schools in Virginia. Together with handmade masks, the equipment is welcome at health facilities.
Catholic health care committed to ‘loving care’ of COVID-19 patients
The head of the Catholic Health Association warned against hospitals making universal "do not resuscitate" orders for affected patients, which "undermine our duty to treat patients as unique individuals."
Catholic community across U.S. praying live, on YouTube
The number of Masses, Stations of the Cross, meditations and other devotions being livestreamed by dioceses, parishes and other groups around country continues to grow -- see a list.
Cellphones can’t be used for sacraments, prelate advises
Administering the sacrament of reconciliation via cellphone is impermissible under church teaching, said a top U.S. bishop on matters of worship. Its use threatens the secrecy of confession.
Finding workarounds for virus restrictions, Catholic agencies keep on serving
Outreach has become "shoutreach" as Catholic social service agencies in the U.S. are getting creative to continue to meet people's needs even with near-universal bans on group gatherings.