News
Priest hears drive-through confessions in church parking lot
Cars have become confessionals at one Maryland parish, where a seminarian directs cars one by one to the pastor. If people want anonymous confession, the priest dons a blindfold.
Easter at home is an ‘opportunity for faith,’ Vatican official says
Catholics can turn the tragic situation of the pandemic into an experience of faith and hope at Easter even without church rites, said an Italian cardinal. It is a call "to create a beautiful network" of communication with loved ones.
Latin Americans cancel Mass amid pandemic
As a Bolivian woman with coronavirus was turned away from hospitals, an archbishop rejected "this climate of uncertainty and fear." Many countries in Latin America were canceling public Masses or limiting attendance.
Following virus recommendations, national shrine closes
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington has closed its doors to the public to minimize the spread of COVID-19," the disease caused by the coronavirus. The Sunday noon Mass will be streamed live.
Pandemic can be time to rediscover love, kindness, pope says
People must use this time to rediscover the importance of small, concrete gestures of affection toward others, Pope Francis said. As fatalities rise, "Consolation must now be everyone's commitment," he added.
Confession by phone could be right in some situations
A parish priest and canon lawyer in Italy is not looking for "a change in the sacramental practice, but to respond to a new situation" of isolation due to coronavirus.
Local Knights of Columbus cancel meetings, ramp up prayers
The Philadelphia Chapter of the Catholic fraternal organization strongly recommends that its member councils suspend all meetings until the coronavirus has ebbed -- and to “pray for those who are really suffering."
Fairless Hills parishioners get check up with saints in Lent
St. Frances Cabrini Parish hosted a talk March 12 focusing on the healthy wisdom of the saints in Lent and Catholics' missionary call to know Jesus, then evangelize to the world.
With plenty of food aid, group needs volunteers to deliver
Caring for Friends, based in Northeast Philadelphia, has an urgent need for young volunteers to package meals and bring them to the elderly, the homeless and children in need at this time of crisis.
Homeless outreach working to keep clients, staff safe during coronavirus
As health protocols change rapidly, St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia finds new ways to "to take of care of brothers in need," said director David Stier.