News
EU Catholic leaders urge tougher policies to protect Arctic
Two European Catholic commissions warned that Arctic warming is intensifying competition over the region's resources and urged tougher policies to protect its biodiversity and Indigenous communities.
Two archdiocesan high schools to close in 2021
Citing declining enrollment and underutilized buildings, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Nov. 18 that John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School and Bishop McDevitt High School will close at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.
Homelessness outreach looking for help as COVID resurges
St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia is expecting "another influx of clients" amid a new season of coronavirus, colder weather and the holidays. Clothing, casseroles, checks "and prayers" are critically needed.
Vietnamese Catholics ‘bold, faithful’ gifts to church, say archbishops
At a Nov. 15 Mass, papal nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Nelson Pérez highlighted the rich, vibrant spirituality of the area's Vietnamese Catholic community.
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.
Bishops form group to address Biden policies, church teaching
The vice president of the U.S. bishops will lead a working group to address policies of President-elect Biden that may be in conflict with Catholic teaching and the bishops' priorities.
As 2nd hurricane hits Nicaragua: ‘It has been completely disastrous’
The Category 4 Hurricane Iota, the strongest storm of the 2020 season, caused flooding and further damaged buildings already wrecked by Hurricane Eta -- the second-strongest storm this year.
Bishops reauthorize anti-racism ad hoc committee for three more years
"We hope that, once we get beyond COVID, to pick up on listening sessions" regarding racism around the U.S., said committee chairman Shelton J. Fabre of Louisiana.
Bishops approve pandemic-influenced budget for 2021
The USCCB had started trimming expenses in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, even as its stock portfolio gyrated wildly. The bishops approved a balanced budget Nov. 16.
Women urge bishops to continue response to top issues
Two women who lead groups that advise the U.S. bishops encouraged them to continue holding dialogues on racism, reaching out to Catholics during the pandemic and informing them about efforts to prevent abuse in the church.