National News
Catholic leaders decry additional federal execution measures
A move by the Department of Justice to expand how it carries out federal death sentences -- to include electrocution, gas or firing squads along with lethal injections --was sharply criticized by Catholic anti-death penalty activists.
Priest with Philly roots marks 100th birthday in Virginia
Father John Van de Paer, who served Black Catholics for 43 years as pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in South Philadelphia, welcomed a line of cars with young and old wishing him happy birthday, including some from Philadelphia.
Pope appoints Washington auxiliary bishop to head Buffalo Diocese
Bishop Michael Fisher, 62, is the Washington Archdiocese's vicar for clergy. He will be installed Jan. 15 as head of the Buffalo Diocese, which has been rocked by the clergy sexual abuse scandal and forced into bankruptcy this year.
Court dubious of Trump’s plan to exclude immigrants in census
Justice Amy Coney Barrett told the lawyer representing the Trump administration position that "the historical evidence and long-standing practice really cuts against your position."
Black Catholics express joy at elevation of first African American cardinal
The elevation of Cardinal Wilton Gregory "says that the faith, the contributions, the experience of Black Catholics truly do matter," said one leader, echoing the voices of many in the Washington area.
Court says N.Y. limits on houses of worship restrict religious freedom
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court lifted the pandemic restrictions on congregation sizes at houses of worship imposed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, siding with the Diocese of Brooklyn and two Jewish synagogues.
Advent during pandemic can be time to draw closer to Jesus
The global pandemic and new limits on daily activities present a special time for a renewal of faith and a deeper appreciation for Jesus in daily life, bishops across the country said in Advent messages.
Food banks do their best to help families have a hearty Thanksgiving meal
Catholic Charities in a New Jersey diocese has partnered with a foodbank to assist the 500% surge of people seeking food assistance in the weeks leading to Thanksgiving.
Catholics see plenty to be grateful for on Thanksgiving even amid pandemic
Like much of 2020, the pandemic is bringing uncertainty and even grief to Thanksgiving social gatherings. Some Catholics are simplifying family traditions as they count their blessings.
Lawsuit says Buffalo Diocese, bishops covered up failures on abuse
New York State's attorney general sued the diocese and three former bishops Nov. 23 alleging a decades-long cover-up of how the diocese failed to deal with priests accused of alleged sexual abuse.