National News
Use of Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines is morally acceptable, say bishops
While confusion has arisen over "the moral permissibility" of using the vaccines it is not "immoral to be vaccinated with them," the chairmen of the U.S. bishops' doctrine and pro-life committees said Nov. 23.
Catholic dioceses cope with new limits as virus soars in U.S., Canada
The number of COVID-19 cases is rising dramatically in the U.S., Canada and around the world. Government officials have returned to stricter lockdowns, and are urging families to reconsider holiday celebrations.
Black Catholics celebrate their heritage, take active role in the church
This month Black Catholics describe their struggles "to fight to be Catholic" in the face of racism by relying on the image of God who protects and saves, which is part of the fabric of Black Catholicism, said one permanent deacon.
Maryknoll lay missioner continues work of ‘martyred’ U.S. Catholic women
The inspiration of missionaries moved Melissa Altman to relocate with her husband and two young children from rural New York to rural El Salvador, where "we're happy, our kids are happy ... we feel fulfilled in what we're doing here."
Mom offers prayerful way to deal with kids’ bad behavior
A Wisconsin mother collected the pages she had her kids write when they misbehaved and published "The Timeout Papers," which helps parents gently "guide others to the right path."
Mass. bishops urge state Senate to reject abortion expansion
The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts called out a budget amendment that would allow girls as young as 16 to get an abortion with the consent of a guardian or a court.
U.S. bishops urge Trump, Barr to stop upcoming federal executions
Two key archbishops called for a halt to the pace for 10 federal executions in 2020, more than double the record of four in 1938. The halt is "not 'soft on crime'; rather, it is strong on the dignity of life."
Limits on indoor worship aimed at gatherings, not religion, state says
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's order limiting the size of a congregation does not target religious beliefs but addresses the "super-spreader potential" for COVID-19, to which the Brooklyn Diocese objects.
U.S. priests’ association among faith groups divesting from fossil fuels
The priests' group is one of 42 Catholic and five other faith institutions in 21 countries joining the Global Catholic Climate Movement's campaign that to divest from carbon-based energy.
Hope can overcome the most painful experiences, Msgr. Bransfield tells USCCB
Philadelphia priest Msgr. Brian Bransfield ended his term as general secretary of the USCCB Nov. 17 and painted a parallel for the bishops with the lessons of Father Steve Dougherty, his childhood pastor and priest friend.