National News
High court for now rejects religious school’s challenge to pandemic limits
The Supreme Court Dec. 17 rejected an appeal from a Kentucky Christian school to be exempt from state orders to stop in-person classes because the pandemic restrictions were expiring in the new year and most of the state's schools were about to close for the holidays.
Sisters, volunteers see no end to need for food amid pandemic
The experience of one New York City food pantry run by the Sisters of St. Joseph is emblematic of others in the U.S.: New faces come to the food lines every week, many are young people out of work and many are coming from all over the area.
Administrator of Greensburg, Pa., named to head the diocese
Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Larry J. Kulick, diocesan administrator, to head the diocese as bishop. He has led the diocese since Bishop Edward Malesic was installed Sept. 14 to head the Diocese of Cleveland.
HHS acts on violations of conscience protection in California, Vermont
The U.S. bishops commended the Department of Health and Human Services for taking "corrective action" against a Vermont medical center and the state of California regarding abortion.
Death penalty hits historic low ‘despite federal execution spree’
Seventeen people were executed in 2020, down from 22 in 2019. This year, more prisoners died of COVID-19 than were executed. Federal executions resumed in July after a 17-year hiatus.
Miami archbishop gets COVID-19 vaccine to show it’s safe, ethical
Although he's not a big fan of needles, Archbishop Thomas Wenski winced as he received a COVID-19 vaccination to show it is a public good and morally acceptable for Catholics.
Supreme Court rules against 2 states on pandemic worship restrictions
Once again siding with houses of worship, the high court ordered lower federal courts in Colorado and New Jersey Dec. 15 to reexamine state-imposed indoor worship restrictions.
O quiet night: Christmas carols likely a COVID casualty at Masses
Due to the pandemic, safety accommodations at churches across the country have included removing hymnals from pews, sidelining choirs and discouraging congregational singing.
California priest wins in court fight against pandemic limits on churches
A state judge issued a preliminary injunction, pending a full trial, of restrictions on churches and not many businesses including home improvement stores and hair salons.
New York pastor steps down after church’s security guard alleges assault
Father George Rutler has stepped aside from his Manhattan parish after the guard alleged the priest sexually assaulted her in his office after he was watching pornography, which he denies.