News
Pope on Palm Sunday: Life, measured by love, is meant to serve others
With a small procession down the empty central nave of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis began Holy Week without the presence of the faithful due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Holy Week: Days of prayer in a time of pandemic suffering
The absence of public Masses during the solemn days of next week "is a heartbreak that you can’t get around,” said Father Dennis Gill, who suggests ways Catholics can have a deep spiritual communion this Easter.
Ministry receives surprise $30K, but still faces challenges during pandemic
St. John's Hospice, which serves men experiencing homelessness, received major help from the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. But the need for support is rising.
National moment of prayer coming on Good Friday
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, invites U.S. Catholics to join him next Friday, April 10, to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart at noon.
Court allows Texas ban on abortion for time being
A federal appeals court March 31 allowed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's temporary block on unnecessary medical procedures, including abortion, to remain. Pennsylvania's ban excludes abortion.
It will be a palmless Sunday at most U.S. parishes
Most orders for palms have already arrived at parishes, and since they will not be distributed now for fear of spreading the coronavirus, they must be kept dry for the future, said a liturgist.
Coronavirus draws prayers to saints who cared for plague victims
From St. Aloysius Gonzaga to St. Roch to St. Rosalia, saints living and serving others in times of plague offer inspiration to U.S. Catholics today in several parishes.
Asian cardinal says Communist Party to blame for covering up COVID-19
Cardinal Bo of Myanmar called the Chinese Communist Party "morally culpable" for initially covering up the full dangers of the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China.
School nurses, crafters donate masks to clinicians in need
Professional faces masks, gloves and some hand sanitizer were sitting unused in closed Catholic schools in Virginia. Together with handmade masks, the equipment is welcome at health facilities.
Pope moves Good Friday collection for Holy Land to September
With Holy Week celebrations closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis postponed the traditional collection in churches worldwide to Sept. 13.