National News
Utah teacher apologizes for telling boy to wash off cross of ashes
On Ash Wednesday a fourth-grade student at a school in Bountiful, Utah, was told by his teacher to remove the ash cross he had received at church that morning. "I had no idea it was a religious symbol," the teacher said.
Music, faith intertwined for retired violinist now in ministry as deacon
Violinist David Bartolowits played with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for 35 years then became the director of catechesis at St. John the Evangelist Parish in 2017 and was ordained a deacon for the Indianapolis Archdiocese that same year.
CRS, humanitarian agencies urge Congress to protect international aid
A senior Catholic Relief Services official called for at least $60 billion in foreign humanitarian and development aid in fiscal year 2020 spending during testimony March 12 to the House Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.
Arkansas Senate passes bill to ban abortion after 18th week of pregnancy
The measure, approved in a 28-6 vote, does include exceptions in medical emergencies to save the life of the mother and in cases of rape or incest.
Minnesota priests gather to listen, reflect on church’s sex abuse crisis
About 80 priests listened to presentations from a clergy abuse survivor and his mother. Both shared how the experience affected their Catholic faith and suggested ways priests can better help other survivors.
CLINIC says South Sudan TPS extension should have included new arrivals
DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced the TPS extension would cover only the 84 South Sudan refugees who currently benefit from the program and have been in the United States since Jan. 25, 2016.
Pittsburgh bishop details action plan in ‘The Church Healing’ pastoral
Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik has released a five-point action plan in his pastoral letter, "The Church Healing," responding to what he heard from Catholics and non-Catholics in the diocese during listening sessions.
Possibility Maryland will legalize assisted suicide adds urgency to march
Hundreds turned out to make their presence felt in the streets of the state capital for the Maryland March for Life, in its 40th year and in the midst of a politicized climate in general and in particular, a heated Maryland General Assembly session.
Church probe results in restricted ministry for former W. Virginia bishop
A five-month investigation by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, as part of a new policy, looked into multiple allegations of sexual harassment of adults and financial improprieties by retired Bishop Michael J. Bransfield.
New York court rules prelate’s remains should be transferred to Peoria
Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria announced "with great joy" March 5 that the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division ruled 5-0 that the remains of Archbishop Fulton Sheen should be transferred from New York to the Peoria Diocese.