National News
Events around U.S. mark court’s decision legalizing abortion
The surge in COVID-19 cases is hardly affecting plans for local rallies ahead of the Jan. 21 March for Life in Washington on the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Pope, cardinal pray for victims of Bronx fire that killed 17
Pope Francis and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan offered condolences to families of those killed, including eight children, in a Jan. 9 apartment building blaze.
Supreme Court appears unconvinced of employer vaccine-or-test rule
During oral arguments, the majority of justices questioned the Biden administration's mandate that large businesses require employees' proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test results.
Displaced Kentucky parishioners attend Masses in makeshift church
Resurrection Church was among the buildings lost to the historic tornadoes that hit western Kentucky in December. Christmas Masses were held in a 25-foot metal outbuilding.
Mask mandates return to dioceses as omicron variant surges
Requirements to wear a face mask are in place in the archdioceses of Miami and Boston and all dioceses in New York. In numerous other dioceses, bishops strongly encouraged parishioners to wear masks.
Priest continues to counsel police one year after Capitol insurrection
Msgr. Salvatore A. Criscuolo, chaplain for the Washington police, sees the physical pain and mental stress among officers who fought with fellow Americans bent on blocking the peaceful transition of the presidency.
Mother Seton shrine expanding awareness of U.S. saint
The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland this year plans a series of essays, retreats and a prayer program for those who seek "a friend in heaven."
Safety upgrades unveiled for ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy
Biden administration officials announced transportation and legal help for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. who are being forced to stay in Mexico under a Trump-era policy.
Catholic colleges respond to omicron with online classes
Much of January has become a back-to-virtual learning experience at many colleges and universities in response to the current spike in COVID-19 cases across the U.S.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory tests positive for COVID-19
The archbishop of Washington was fully vaccinated and boosted, and shows no symptoms. "Overall I feel quite well," he said Jan. 3, urging everyone to remain cautious and get vaccinated.