National News
Arizona priest found to perform invalid baptisms
Father Andres Arango of the Phoenix Diocese, where he has served since 2005, said "we" not "I" in the formula for baptism, invalidating the sacrament. He resigned as pastor.
U.S. Ukrainian Catholic bishops urge prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine
As fears of a full-scale Russian military attack on Ukraine mount, the bishops urged supplications "for peace and the conversion of the hearts of those who preach violence and escalate war.”
Groups sue to get info on Catholic agencies helping migrants
CatholicVote, a political advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit to learn if the Biden administration is working with church-affiliated groups and a religious sister to aid "a record surge in illegal immigration."
Bill supporting pregnant workers coming to Senate vote
The strongly bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would require businesses to provide "reasonable accommodations" in workplace conditions for the health and safety of working women. Sen. Bob Casey of Pa. is sponsoring the bill.
Diocese’s ‘58,000 Cups of Coffee’ initiative fuels synod conversations
A comment that "synodality starts with coffee" led a planner with the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa to brew a down-home way to invite people to a synod discussion.
Louisville archbishop retires; Black bishop named successor
UPDATED -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, and appointed as his successor Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, 58.
Biden urges a return to political civility
President Joe Biden, addressing the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 3, called for Congressional colleagues to get to know one another. He told Sen. Mitch McConnell, "Thank you for being my friend."
State Catholic conferences support bills to restrict abortion
Twelve states already have "trigger ban" measures in place that would ban abortions if Roe is overturned, and four more states are considering them. Catholics are urged to advocate for them.
Tributes recall New York officer’s dedication, love of life
In emotional remarks at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the sister of slain Officer Wilbert Mora recalled her brother and his late partner, Officer Jason Rivera, but also decried the "violence and crime" taking the lives of police.
Most Americans want path to U.S. citizenship for migrants
While 44% of Americans surveyed by the Public Religion Research Institute said immigration was a "critical issue" in the U.S., 62% wanted a way for the undocumented to become citizens.