National News
All parishioners urged to bring new people into church
Bringing new people into the Catholic Church and praying with them is the responsibility of the whole parish community, not only the pastor or the parish's RCIA ministry, a top liturgy leader said.
Victim-survivor says ‘ripple effects’ of clergy sex abuse ‘go on and on’
More than 60 survivors of abuse in Minnesota met with church officials, an archbishop and civil county officials at a conference for listening to people describe the hurt, and the healing, that lasts for years.
After struggle to cope, abuse survivor finds ‘healing in heart of church’
A Minnesota woman confided her childhood abuse to a priest and then was abused again, but through years of speaking with pastors and a bishop, she has returned to Mass and the sacraments regularly.
Devotion to Holy Face of Jesus rising on home visits, phone app
The image is "not the happy thumbs-up Jesus," but Ian Snyder of Nebraska felt drawn to it, and he and his wife hosted it and prayed a nine-day novena to consecrate their home and family.
Independent immigration court sought for 1 million-case backlog
Judges and attorneys from around the country say disarray in the courts is leading to a lack of due process for asylum-seekers and others. One lawmaker supports separating immigration court from the Justice Department.
Administration imposes travel restrictions on six African, Asian countries
In a Jan. 31 decision denounced by faith-based groups and immigration advocates, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan and Myanmar were added to a list of nations that "failed to meet minimum security requirements" for U.S. travel visas.
Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., considering bankruptcy filing
Citing consequences from the abuse scandal, a financial statement lists a $5 million loss for fiscal year 2019. Albany Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, temporarily leading the diocese, said in a Jan. 30 statement that Chapter 11 is being considered.
Arizona marchers calling for end to abortion, show support for moms
Pro-life advocates staged some 60 demonstrations in January throughout the southwestern state, with speaker Abby Johnson calling for a "transformational" movement during a Jan. 18 rally in Phoenix.
Knights of Columbus unveils initiation ceremony that will be public
After 142 years, family, friends and fellow parishioners will have a chance to witness how the fraternal organization receives new members, in an effort to highlight the order's core principles and help Catholic men become disciples.
Pastor apologizes for words ‘hurtful to Muslims’ in homily
A Minnesota priest has apologized for remarks he made about Muslim immigration and Islam being "the greatest threat in the world." His archbishop reiterated Catholic teaching of esteem for Muslims.