National News
USCCB president explains how planned discussion on Eucharist was set
The U.S. bishops have engaged in an unprecedented and increasingly public debate about Catholic politicians who support keeping abortion legal and whether they should be denied Communion.
Prayers for healing, justice mark ‘painful’ anniversary of Floyd’s death
George Floyd's death while in police custody a year ago left "a hole in the hearts of his family and friends" and "a hole in the fabric of our society," said an official with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd May 25.
Controversial priest says bishop asked him to resign, but he won’t
Father James Altman of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who has said Catholics cannot be members of the Democratic Party, told Massgoers that Bishop William Callahan has asked him to resign because he is "divisive" and "ineffective."
Congress mulls boycott of Olympics over China’s human rights record
A congressional panel weighed finding an alternate city or boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, objecting to China's long-standing human rights abuses. Two administrations have termed its treatment of Muslims genocide.
Texas governor signs ‘heartbeat’ abortion law
The measure bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, as early as six weeks of pregnancy. One of the nation's strictest abortion laws has no exception for rape or incest.
Federal money will help Catholic schools’ virtual learners
The FCC established the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program this month, through which nonpublic schools may apply for grants to outfit millions of students with computers and internet connectivity.
Mercy sisters join other women religious in helping at the border
One of several sisters volunteering to care for migrants said, "we can all disagree with policy but when you stare in the face of people, flesh and blood, love is the only answer."
Franciscan leaders urge ‘boldness’ by U.S. to end violence in Holy Land
The Franciscan order's six U.S. provincials called on President Joe Biden to "use the moral strength of the U.S." and support a sustainable solution to the deadly violence in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Seminarian killed in accident is recalled as ‘prayerful and loving’
Ngu Quoc Tran, 29, known as Peter by friends, was killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking on Manhattan's East Side. The loss was "immense" for the New Jersey diocese for which he was preparing to serve.
South Carolina death penalty now includes electric chair, firing squad
The new law to restart executions after 10 years "stands in stark contrast to powerful efforts elsewhere to abolish the death penalty," said a Catholic death penalty opponent.