National News
After 11 months, what is there left to give up this Lent?
The age-old question "What are you giving up for Lent?" has new meaning this year. On the heels of the coronavirus and many challenges, many believe this Lent should be a time for deep reflection.
Like Amazon, students should deliver the good news fast, bishop says at SEEK21
"Are we presenting in our message the true image of God? Are we delivering the good news of a God of love?" That was the message of a homily at a global conference attended by small groups totaling 27,000 participants.
Judge stops pandemic capacity limits placed on New York synagogues
A federal judge in Brooklyn, an area with high rates of COVID-19 infections, permanently blocked capacity limits at Orthodox synagogues and all houses of worship in the state.
CUA students object to pro-life speaker, call her comments ‘hate speech’
Abby Johnson, who spoke via Zoom at the Catholic University of America Feb. 9, had been opposed by the campus pro-life group over comments she'd made on race and her being at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6.
Catholic leaders urge TPS for Central Americans, aid for storm-ravaged nations
Two U.S. bishops' committee chairmen and the head of Catholics Relief Services asked the Biden administration to grant Temporary Protected Status to foreign nationals from Central America in the U.S.
Bill would block federal taxpayer funding of abortion
New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith has introduced a bill that would make the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion, permanent. A majority of Americans oppose such funding, according to a new poll.
World Marriage Day to be celebrated this year on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day
National Marriage Week, which began Feb. 7, highlights how married couples live their wedding promises daily, "particularly as many couples and families have spent more time at home together this year."
Kansas bishop steps aside as abuse allegation is investigated
Under recent Vatican reforms, the bishop of Dodge City is deferring to the metropolitan, Archbishop Naumann in Kansas City, for a church investigation while a civil probe continues.
SEEK21 speakers share own faith experiences, say Christ has all the answers
The annual national conference of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students drew over 27,000 participants for its virtual events Feb. 4-7 and included college students, missionaries, parishioners, young adults, clergy, religious and others.
To overcome economic disparities, turn to papal encyclicals, panelists say
A trio of speakers on economic disparities in light of the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and poverty pointed to Pope Francis' calls for greater solidarity and sharing the goods produced from the earth rather than competing for limited resources.