National News
How does a hymn’s doctrine sound?
The U.S. bishops' doctrine committee identified concern over lyrics of Catholic hymns, including the treatment of the Eucharist. It warned that "a steady diet" of doctrinally deficient hymns "would erode Catholic sensibility."
Post-McCarrick report dialogue zeroes in on ‘hyperclerical culture’
One month to the day that the Vatican released its report on since-laicized cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a panel of academics took a close look at the conditions that allowed McCarrick's sexual misconduct to go unchecked and victims not believed.
Getting COVID-19 vaccine is ‘act of charity’ for common good, bishops say
The "gravity" of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and "the lack of alternative vaccines" are reasons to accept the approved vaccines, the chairmen of the U.S. bishops' doctrine and pro-life committees said. Getting vaccinated is part of Catholics' moral responsibility.
Mass offered for healing of Native Americans hurt by ‘historical trauma’
A priest who leads efforts to serve Native Americans called for a new and inculturated evangelization to counter their "grim circumstances" today, stemming from 150 years of genocidal policies and racism.
Biden’s HHS pick praised for backing ACA, criticized on abortion
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, tapped to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has stirred the partisan fires President-elect Joe Biden says he hopes to quell.
#iGiveCatholic Giving Day breaks record on fundraising
The sixth annual nationwide Catholic fundraising day Dec. 1 raised nearly $13 million from more than 48,000 donors to meet needs that "are especially acute during this time of global suffering."
Michigan project to replicate Padre Pio’s famed hospital in Italy is underway
Today only an outdoor grotto with a mural of St. Pio sits on a 40-acre plot, but in coming years there will be a hospital, chapel, Catholic medical school and center for brain-injured people.
Jupiter, Saturn to put on ‘Christmas Star’ show at winter solstice
The Great Conjunction of 2020 will yield an expected spectacular astronomical sight involving the two planets unseen in nearly eight centuries. The "Star of Bethlehem" points to the birth of Jesus.
Virus halts Guadalupe processions, but not other ways to safely celebrate feast
The annual huge procession swirling through downtown Houston in honor of the Dec. 12 feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been canceled because of the pandemic, organizers said.
Trump, Barr urged to stop federal executions, recall God’s mercy during Advent
Federal executions are at odds with Advent as a season "of anticipated redemption" and must be stopped, said the chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' domestic policy and pro-life committees.