National News
Indiana diocese issues list of priests, deacons with credible allegations
The Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese's release of the names of priests and deacons credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor "is an appropriate step and part of a commitment to openness and transparency by the church in this area."
N.Y. Archdiocese names judge as independent reviewer on abuse protocols
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan has named a former federal judge to study archdiocesan policies and procedures with respect to sexual abuse by clergy and recommend enhancements directly to the cardinal.
U.S. attorney general’s new legal directive may speed up deportations
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a decision Sept. 18 curtailing the powers of U.S. immigration judges in deportation proceedings, a move that may make it easier for the Trump administration to deport migrants.
Good news: poverty on decline; Bad news: needs remain great
The poverty rate dropped in 2017 to 12.3 percent, and median family incomes rose to nearly $61,400. But Catholic Charities agencies are seeing a growing income gap as low-wage earners are priced out of high-end housing.
Church plans third-party abuse reporting system, bishops’ code of conduct
A U.S. bishops' committee outlined actions to address the abuse crisis, calling for a new system for reporting claims against bishops and policies for restrictions on bishops removed for abusing minors or adults.
Minnesota school’s welcome of Karen children answers parents’ prayers
Karen families, members of an ethnic community in Myanmar, were displaced by civil unrest and lived in refugee camps in neighboring Thailand. Forty-six Karen children in kindergarten through eighth grade are enrolled at St. Jerome this year.
Attending Mass on Sunday night becoming new tradition for many Catholics
The evening Mass is beneficial for families who want a chance to sleep in on Sunday or have weekend obligations that may keep them from attending morning Mass.
Young Catholics discuss way forward for church in light of abuse crisis
Four young Catholic professionals discussed the church's abuse crisis and the way forward at the gathering hosted by Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.
Real peace requires sincere dialogue, hard work, Colombian prelate says
Peace is a gift from God and not an imposition, a Colombian archbishop told those gathered for a Sept. 17 prayer service on the eve of the opening of the 73rd session of the U.N. General Assembly.
Mercy sisters’ home provides refuge during Florence
Holy Angels, a home in Belmont for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, lived up to its reputation of hospitality, sheltering a group of medically fragile North Carolinians fleeing from Tropical Storm Florence.