National News
Kansas man thanks every doctor, nurse, therapist who helped him beat COVID-19
In June Catholic parishioner John Rathbun began to sleep a lot then developed a cough -- signs that he'd contracted COVID-19. After 35 days in a hospital he finally returned home. Now he's grateful for "all the people who cared for me."
Minnesota Bankruptcy Court approves St. Cloud Diocese’s reorganization plan
The plan provides for a $22.5 million trust to compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse, consisting of insurance coverage settlements, property sales and contributions from parishes, plus a line of credit. It also outlines protocols for the protection of children.
Federal judge orders full restoration of DACA program
Catholic immigration advocates applauded a new ruling that said the Trump administration must fully restore the program that protects qualifying young adult immigrants from deportation. It was suspended this summer by the Department of Homeland Security.
Oblate priest, former principal, faces child porn charges
Oblate Father William McCandless, 56, principal at Salesianum School in Wilmington from 2005-2009, faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted on three federal charges.
As food insecurity rises, pantries work overtime to meet growing need
Nearly 26 million people said they did not have enough food -- the highest since the Great Depression -- this fall, a 30% increase in hunger since the start of the pandemic.
Colorado report names nine more priests accused of abusing minors decades ago
The report said 85% of the cases occurred some 40 years ago, and none among active clergy. Colorado's bishops suggested a "similar public review and reparations program" for all youth organizations.
‘Let my people worship,’ archbishop says after California church decision
The Supreme Court's Dec. 3 ruling means a lower court will likely stop the state's governor from prohibiting most indoor religious services, which was hailed by San Francisco's archbishop.
Panel: Dorothy Day’s focus on the neglected would resonate in COVID-19 era
A panel of top writers led a webinar with 2,000 registrants who reflected on Day, the journalist, social-justice activist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, on the 40th anniversary of her death.
Detroit ‘families of parishes’ plan moves ahead; Pittsburgh announces mergers
The Detroit Archdiocese will begin a new governance model for its 218 parishes next year in which groups of three to six parishes will share clergy, pastoral ministers and other parish staff.
Beatified teen inspires song from Long Island Catholic high school
Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teen beatified in October, is not only responsible for a medical miracle, he also has inspired a song by New York Catholic high school students featuring his own quotations.