National News
Lifting dispensation is not enough to get Catholics back to in-person Mass
Merely obligating people to return to Sunday Mass as the coronavirus pandemic eases won't bring them back to church, say pastoral experts. Dioceses and parishes are actively working to invite people back, and not just waiting for them.
Installation of Wilmington’s new bishop begins ‘new era’ for diocese
More than 900 people witnessed the July 13 ordination of Bishop William Koenig as the new shepherd of the Diocese of Wilmington, which serves all of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. The episcopal ordination was the first in the diocese since 1897.
Oregon Catholic’s single-minded focus is on competing in Olympic marathon
Galen Rupp is ready for the long haul at the Tokyo games, and draws strength from praying as he runs r
U.S. bishops again urge House members to restore Hyde to spending bill
The current text of the legislation is "effectively mandating health care professionals to participate in abortion, and forcing American citizens to pay for abortion with their tax dollars," said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas.
Abuse allegation against retired Buffalo auxiliary under investigation
Denying he had ever abused any adults or minors, Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Grosz voluntarily agreed to step aside from active ministry pending a thorough investigation under new guidelines set forth by Pope Francis in 2019.
Minnesota gymnast headed to Olympics relies on hard work, trust in God
Grace McCallum will bring her rosary, a keepsake cross and her faith to Tokyo this month as she goes for the gold with the U.S. gymnastics team.
Court sides with church, archdiocese in lawsuits filed by music director
A federal appeals court dismissed the case against the Chicago Archdiocese and one of its parishes, ruling that both had the right to the "ministerial exemption" that protects religious organizations from discrimination lawsuits by employees.
ICE announces reversal of policy of detaining pregnant, nursing migrants
The July announcement includes women who have given birth within a year "in recognition of the time needed for infant development and parental bonding."
Religion census uses data gathered from 500,000 people in seven-year period
A new report from the Public Religion Research Institute found "substantial cultural and political divides "between white Christians and Christians of color," while the number of religiously unaffiliated grows.
Virginia man rows to raise awareness, funds for Alzheimer’s caregivers
During a 24-hour, 176-mile rowing session, John Musser deepened his faith and "took a swing" at the disease that's claimed a number of his loved ones, including his own wife.