National News
At start of Minneapolis trial, Catholics pray for peace, fear unrest
A parish church only blocks from the site of the trial for the former police officer charged with murdering George Floyd gathers for daily prayer and is ready to board its windows if necessary.
New Staten Island Ferry boat to be named for Dorothy Day
By 2022 a new vessel of the ferry, which Day took on trips between lower Manhattan and Staten Island, will her bear her name. Her cause for sainthood is progressing.
Birmingham Diocese helping 60 families after spring tornadoes
Catholic Charities is working with dozens of Hispanic families whose homes were destroyed with most possessions and clothing lost, and language presenting a barrier to relief aid.
Concerns over Christian persecution growing, poll finds
While 57% of U.S. Catholics believed persecution is "very severe" and is worst in China, North Korea and Pakistan, fewer knew that being a Christian in North Korea can carry the death penalty.
Catholic colleges caring for students’ pandemic-stressed mental health
Students describe "dark times" of isolation and depression, so schools offered mental health days featuring fun activities and asked teachers not to give assignments due the next day.
Equality Act ‘overly broad,’ threatens religious liberty, speakers say
Experts in law, religious freedom and pro-life concerns said the bill on sexual orientation and gender identity is too vague and would discriminate against people of faith.
Va. governor signs death penalty repeal at execution site
While standing outside the prison that housed Virginia's execution chamber where 101 people have been executed since 1991, Gov. Ralph Northam signed a law abolishing the death penalty in the state March 24.
Colorado cop recalled as ‘man of character,’ ‘loving father’
Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, 51, was the first to arrive at the scene of a mass shooting at grocery store March 22 and the first of 10 to be killed there. His family and friends cited the Catholic faith of the husband and father of seven children.
Easter church attendance likely to lag from pre-pandemic levels
There were no "packed churches" last Easter and there won't be this year either, according to a new Pew survey. About a third of all U.S. Christians said they will go to church this Easter.
Catholic leaders speak out against violence targeting Asian Americans
After a shooting in Atlanta March 16, vigils took place around the country remembering the victims and calling for an end to a growing wave of anti-Asian racism, violence and trauma.