News

Dioceses dispute AP report on pandemic federal funding

U.S. dioceses are crying foul over an investigative report on coronavirus relief funding they say grossly mischaracterized the Catholic Church's finances, leaving the crass impression the church used the 2020 CARES Act to hoard cash.

‘Souper Bowl’ tackles hunger amid soaring demand for aid

Football fans are urged to donate one dollar (about the cost of a can of soup) to help area food pantries, including those stocked by archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services.

School’s parent guide aims to help with transition to distance learning

Before parents realized they might benefit from help with the transition to distance learning, one Minnesota school did so first, and developed a 17-page PDF, "K-6 Parent Resource Guide."

Russian Catholic urges nation’s bishops to speak out on massive arrests

The Moscow archdiocese would not comment on "political matters" as mass arrests and beatings of protesters continued. Younger Catholics relying on Catholic social teaching are "becoming more active, as the persecution starts to affect them."

Online ‘marathon’ planned for day of prayer against trafficking

An online event on Feb. 8, feast of St. Josephine Bakhita who had been sold into slavery as a child, will pray for an economy free of exploited, trafficked persons.

World must realize common humanity or fall apart, pope says

The world must begin to realize its shared humanity in order to live peacefully, otherwise it risks endless conflicts, Pope Francis said among world leaders. "Today, there is no time for indifference."

Caritas: Access to vaccine not as equitable as it should be

The global Catholic charities agency called on world leaders to set aside seeking returns on their investments in the COVID-19 vaccine and instead focus on its equitable distribution, especially in poor countries.

St. Joseph Sisters’ retreat in Cape May Point to close permanently

Loss of programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of St. Mary's by-the-Sea Retreat House, operating at its beachside location for more than a century.

Pastor examines Father Augustus Tolton, Black Catholic experience

In a Feb. 10 online presentation, Father Stephen Thorne of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Philadelphia will explore the life of the first African American priest ordained in the U.S., while tracing new opportunities for church renewal.

Institute in San Francisco launches ‘Year for the Homeless’

The Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship is calling people to prayer, commissioning a special requiem Mass and holding fundraisers via Zoom to help the homeless.