National News
Group puts push for racial justice in focus for Lent
The Catholic social justice lobby Network issued a Lenten study guide last year, "Recommit to Racial Justice." Its reflections have become wildly poplar, even among non-Catholics.
Bishops applaud administration’s support for school choice proposal
Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald of Philadelphia and Bishop Michael Barber of Oakland hoped to "one day see the opportunity for all families to have the freedom to select a school according to their conscience."
Neighbors say rosary together, build community of prayer
Erin Joerger never expected this invitation from a neighbor: "We're going to watch the Super Bowl and pray the rosary before. Come over." She did, and learned up to 39 people come to the home Sunday nights for prayer and conversation.
Trump tears into Democrats at prayer breakfast amid calls for unity
Event speaker Arthur Brooks, an economist and Catholic convert, urged that people act with "moral courage" to overcome "the crisis of contempt and polarization tearing our society apart."
Buffalo Diocese to close seminary, citing high costs, low enrollment
Christ the King Seminary, operating at 10% of capacity with 26 seminarians and losing $500,000 per year for a decade, will close this June. A committee is considering a usage for the 132-acre campus.
Minnesota archbishop deepening probe into Crookston bishop
The Vatican has authorized Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis to further investigate claims that Bishop Michael Hoeppner interfered with an investigation of clerical sexual misconduct.
Trump highlights pro-life, school choice issues in State of the Union
The president called on Congress to ban late term-abortion immediately, asked for $50 million to fund neonatal research and proposed a federal school choice program akin to Pa.'s tuition tax credit programs.
Homeless advocate Sister Mary Scullion attends State of the Union
The head of Project HOME, which helps homeless people in Philadelphia, attended President Trump's Feb. 4 address. She hoped to draw attention to homelessness and inspire federal aid to alleviate it.
Father Martin urges Catholic college leaders to respect LGBT students
Jesuit Father James Martin told 400 Catholic university presidents and officials Feb. 2 that Catholics and specifically Catholic colleges should welcome members of the LGBT community and treat them with sensitivity.
Daily prayer is key to Catholics remaining active, says speaker
A speaker at a major liturgical conference in Arizona called for a new model of catechizing to stop the exodus of young Catholics. "This is not a crisis of catechesis. It's a crisis of Spirit," he said.