News
Biden repeats call for unity, says faith can show way forward in dark times
For many in the nation, this is a dark time because of job loss, hunger, evictions, sickness and death because of COVID-19, "so where do we turn? Faith" President Joe Biden said, addressing the National Prayer Breakfast in a virtual event Feb. 4.
Virginia General Assembly votes to ban death penalty; governor supports move
Both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate have now passed bills that, along with the governor's signature expected this spring, Virginia would become the first Southern state to outlaw capital punishment.
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.