National News
New Orleans SNAP leader praises archbishop for initiatives on abuse
The new response by the New Orleans Archdiocese to clerical sexual abuse was the fruit of dialogue by the archbishop and the head of the local chapter of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
Poorer parishes, dioceses take a bigger hit from pandemic
Hardest hit -- though eased by the Paycheck Protection Program -- were Catholic communities in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. Initially parish collections nationwide fell up to 60%, and have since settled in the 15%-30% range.
Parishes should plan now how to welcome back parishioners
"You can't be thinking, 'What will we do after the pandemic?' You have to be doing it now," said a Dominican sister, among other Catholic leaders. "People have to be creative, innovating."
Initiative aims to help 1,000 poorest parishes in U.S.
Catholic Extension is seeking 1,000 faith communities to raise a minimum of $1,000 each during Lent to help the 1,000 poorest parishes in the country that are serving the poor.
S.C. governor signs abortion bill, says right to life is ‘fundamental’
A new state law prohibits an abortion if a doctor detects a fetal heartbeat after a required test. A woman who receives an abortion in violation of the law could sue for $10,000 in damages.
Greensburg’s new bishop is first native son to head the Pa. diocese
Archbishop Nelson Pérez was the principal consecrator of Bishop Larry Kulick, a parish priest and now the sixth bishop of the diocese that covers four counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Church leaps into response to severe weather as Lent begins
The lack of electricity due to Arctic-like conditions in the southern Plains led parishes in the region to cancel Ash Wednesday Masses and the distribution of ashes for the first time in memory.
Winter storm’s grip doesn’t stop ministries, outreach in Dallas Diocese
Catholic Charities agencies and parishes were continuing to care for the elderly, at-risk children and homeless people during the storm that caused widespread power outages and numerous cancellations.
Biden’s immigration plan begins long journey through Congress
Though pundits say the bill has little chance of becoming law, it shifts the debate by targeting aid to Central America and its corruption that causes people to migrate to the U.S.
Word change in Mass prayer takes effect on Ash Wednesday
Last May the Vatican informed the U.S. bishops that translated wording in a concluding prayer was incorrect. "One God, for ever and ever" will now read "God, for ever and ever."