News
Communion statement aims to ‘retrieve and revive’ understanding
The U.S. bishops' document titled "The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church," approved Nov. 17 does not call out Catholic political leaders, but does point out the seriousness of the sacrament.
East European churches struggle with COVID-19 upsurge
Church leaders in Europe are urging citizens in countries with low vaccination rates to cooperate with health campaigns. Fatalities are up 10% across the continent due to the delta variant of the coronavirus.
New norms address exposition of Eucharist, benediction
The U.S. bishops Nov. 17 approved a fresh version of ritual texts dealing with the distribution and reception of Communion outside Mass. They were last issued in 1976, with little direction for benediction.
With vote, sainthood causes for three U.S. laypeople advance
Three Americans who lived in the 20th century, including a young girl, received approval for their process toward sainthood by the U.S. bishops. Their diverse lives read as portraits of holiness and devotion.
Review of charter for protecting youth to start 3 years early
An update on the U.S. bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" will not wait until 2025 as planned, to include recent norms on penalties for bishops mishandling sexual abuse cases.
Bishops OK updated RCIA norms, now called OCIA
In their fall meeting the bishops approved revised English and Spanish editions of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, and addressed the situation of baptized Christians entering the Catholic Church in the U.S.
West Catholic alum gifts school with $2.7 million endowment
Bernie Rondolone, a 1965 graduate of the venerable high school, is applying lessons he learned there by creating a scholarship fund that will allow dozens of students to attend for free.
Climate talks: From hot air to action steps rooted in care
Catholic participants at the concluded U.N. Climate Change Conference noted disappointments but also some progress, and evidence that "Laudato Si" was "ahead of its time" in calling for "broad conversion."
Iraqi Christian leaders hope to continue building on pope’s March visit
Many Christians still feel the pain of persecution but Pope Francis' visit helped to inspire and recharge Iraq, which has struggled to regain a firm footing after years of conflict and sectarian violence.
St. Joseph reminds church to pay attention to the essential, pope says
During this time of global crisis, St. Joseph can offer people support, consolation and guidance because he is a man full of faith in God and his providence, Pope Francis said.