News
Shutdown of religious services in pandemic prompts varied responses
While legal experts maintain that government may close churches for public health, civic officials and the Catholic community remain divided. "No constitutional rights are truly absolute," said one law professor.
Pope postpones World Meeting of Families, World Youth Day
The two events that feature large public gatherings will be pushed back to 2022 and 2023, respectively. "We do not believe travel will be that extensive" anytime soon, said the lead organizer at the Vatican.
Successful Catholic app helps people cope in pandemic
Arising from intense stress and a deep need for prayer, the founder of the Hallow app and his team recently launched features related to the coronavirus for the many people who must stay at home during this time.
Catholic school uniform company now making, donating face masks
Dennis Uniform of Portland, Ore. is responding to the growing COVID-19 pandemic by using its plaid cloth on hand and ample sewing machines to make masks, akin to its similar efforts during World War II.
Vatican donates ventilators to hospitals in Syria, sets up emergency fund
The Congregation for Eastern Churches, thanks to a New York-based Catholic organization, will 10 ventilators to Syria and three to Jerusalem to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pandemic magnifies women’s ‘Nuns and Nones’ dialogue
The conversation between young women and elderly religious sisters has intensified as the coronavirus has revealed systemic injustice, a longing for community and more time for contemplation.
Online programs enable donors to help parishes weather pandemic storm
Dioceses across the U.S., including Philadelphia, have started special funds to allow donors to help parishes and Catholic ministries get through the economic crisis caused by rapid spread of the coronavirus.
Cantor’s voice raised hearts of viewers watching Masses online
Even without the Cathedral Choir, Marcelle McGuirk's soaring soprano presence uplifted hundreds of thousands of faithful watching the Masses of Holy Week and Easter at the cathedral.
Catholic high school students collect snacks for health care heroes
Seniors at St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls showed their appreciation for nurses at Abington Hospital by dropping off chips, cookies and encouragement as state infection totals climb.
Chromebooks keep Catholic school students learning at home
More than 700 students from 16 archdiocesan schools will receive computers to use online during coronavirus stay-at-home orders, thanks to a grant to the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education.