National News
Immigrant advocates from faith organizations hail TPS extension for Yemen
Yemenis in the U.S. will now have protected status through March 3, 2023 due to "worsening humanitarian and economic conditions" in their homeland, the Department of Homeland Security announced July 6.
Citing canon law norms, La Crosse, Wis., bishop removes ‘divisive’ pastor
On July 9, Bishop William P. Callahan removed Father James Altman, who has stirred controversy for criticizing Catholic Democrats from the pulpit over the political party's support for legal abortion.
N.J. cardinal asks Catholics to sign petition to Congress on Hyde Amendment
Taxpayer-funded abortion "represents a failure to recognize the sanctity of human life," said Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark to parishioners, seeking their help to retain the long-standing bipartisan prohibition in the federal budget.
Guaras truly lived ‘bond of love’ that is family life, says Florida pastor
Father Juan Sosa, pastor of the Catholic church that is close to the now-demolished condominium in Surfside, laid to rest a family of four killed in the building's collapse.
Pew: Catholic homilies mention election, racism less than Protestant ones
Overall, 67% of churches shared at least one sermon about the election last fall, but just 41% of Catholic churches did. And just 32% of Catholics heard a sermon mentioning racism, while 44% of Protestant Christians did.
Institute aims to overcome challenges to effective catechesis
The new Institute for the Catechism will enable publishers of catechetical content to work with the U.S. bishops to address modern challenges to catechesis and provide yearly, in-person training for diocesan catechists.
Haitian Catholics in Miami react to assassination of president
Quiet and shock prevail in Florida's Little Haiti following the July 7 assassination of the island nation's embattled president, Jovenel Moïse.
Supreme Court will take up religious schools case
In its next term the court will hear from parents in Maine who want to use a state tuition program for religious schools. The justices will not take up a challenge to Washington state's anti-discrimination law from a florist who refused to serve a same-sex wedding.
N.C. basilica restores Christ statue after it’s covered with paint
Vandals defaced the long-revered statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus outside St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, North Carolina over the July 3-4 weekend. It was doused with gallons of red paint but quickly restored by parish staff.
Gomez: On July 4, let’s also honor missionaries’ role in nation’s founding
Through their service, sacrifice and imperfections, those who brought the Gospel here offer "a deeper perspective" on race and group identity, while highlighting the work yet to be done, said Archbishop José H. Gomez.