National News
For converts to Catholicism, RCIA is now ‘OCIA’: What’s behind name change?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which the church brings in new converts and educates catechumens and candidates, has been a staple in Catholic life and lingo for years.
Pastor reflects on 10th anniversary of Sandy Hook school shooting
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, there was an outpouring of generosity from all over the world. "We were overwhelmed with things people sent us, from ornaments and prayer chains to cards and donations," Msgr. Weiss said.
TV show about the Crusades premiers at Utah Catholic parish
The crusading King Richard the Lionheart came to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Park City, Nov. 18, when "Knights of the Cross" premiered in the parish's gymnasium.
USCCB committee decries rising antisemitism in U.S.
Saying they are outraged by growing "antisemitic rhetoric" across the country, members of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs urged Christians to decry hate-filled statements and violence aimed at Jewish individuals, homes and institutions.
Retired Bishop Swain of Sioux Falls, S.D., dies; headed diocese 2006-2019
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Dec. 3 at the cathedral with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis presiding.
Young people tell bishops of their desire to grow in faith, in the church
About 325 ministry leaders, young adults and bishops came together for the "Journeying Together" process.
Catholics urged to focus on Holy Family, the Eucharist during Advent
In the Diocese of Nashville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding has asked Catholics to focus on the Holy Family this Advent.
Washington Archdiocese’s pro-life Mass in January to have more local focus
In one change, the archdiocese has canceled its long-running arena-size Youth Rally and Mass for Life to instead host a smaller Youth Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Life Jan. 20.
Annual National Prayer Vigil for Life will take place in Washington Jan. 19-20
Scheduled for Jan. 19-20 at the national shrine, the vigil has always coincided with the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of 1973 decision of the court's Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The 2023 March for Life is Jan. 20.
Papal nuncio urges U.S. bishops to stay true to church’s mission
In his Nov. 15 address to the U.S. bishops at their annual fall assembly in Baltimore, the papal nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, emphasized the need to remain focused on the church's missionary role of spreading the Gospel message.