National News
Catholic church in New Orleans is emergency shelter during Hurricane Ida
St. Francis Xavier opened its doors to 34 local residents, despite losing its own electrical power during the devastating storm,
Catholic Charities CEO fears impact of expected rental evictions
A national eviction moratorium that protected millions of Americans who have fallen behind on rent payments is unconstitutional, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled. Diocesan Catholic Charities agencies may see more people seeking assistance.
Aid group fears for 400 employees in Afghanistan
Roots of Peace, based near San Francisco, has helped Afghans to plant over 5 million trees, created 100,000 jobs and facilitated exports of fruits, nuts and spices to new markets.
As Afghanistan convulses, Catholic groups help refugees in U.S.
Even after a deadly terrorist attack at the Kabul airport Aug. 26, thousands of Afghan refugees continue to flee the country. Catholics are encouraged to help resettle them in the U.S. because "this is what our church does."
Vaccine mandates prompt bishops to discern appropriate action
The rise in coronavirus vaccine mandates around the country, including in Catholic communities, has prompted interest in a vaccine exemption letter. Dioceses have come down on both sides of the religious exemption question.
After historic Tennessee floods, parish support is ‘phenomenal’
"Within just 10 to 30 minutes, people went from dry floors to having to climb in their attics," said an official of the Aug. 20-21 record rainfall. Aid given by one parish was called "an absolute godsend."
Laypeople join religious order in ‘ministry of presence’ for terminally ill
For over 100 years in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Sisters Servants of Mary have kept overnight vigil with the terminally ill in their homes. Now five laypeople have joined the ministry in accord with the Gospel of Matthew: "I was ill and you cared for me."
Court ruling upholding Texas abortion law called ‘long-awaited victory’
The 2017 law effectively bans a common second-trimester abortion procedure called a D&E for "dilation and evacuation" by physicians. Texas uses the terminology "dismemberment abortion." The case is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
High court orders Biden administration to restore ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy
The U.S. Supreme Court late Aug. 24 said a Trump-era immigration policy requiring asylum-seekers to be returned to Mexico and await adjudication of their cases -- despite dangerous and inhumane conditions there -- must be restored.
Archbishop says SNAP increase helps people meet ‘essential human needs’
The U.S. bishops hailed a recalculation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Biden administration's 25% increase in the benefit for those in need -- the largest single increase in the program's history.