News
Abuse victim advocates, laity suffer from ‘vicarious trauma’
The damage from the clergy sex abuse crisis extends to loved ones, support professionals and all the faithful, say Catholic experts. The wounds are often hidden, but healing is possible, even from within the church.
Archdiocese pays $38 million to sex abuse survivors
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has paid out $38.9 million to survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the past year through the Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program (IRRP), administrators confirmed.
Bishops applaud administration’s support for school choice proposal
Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald of Philadelphia and Bishop Michael Barber of Oakland hoped to "one day see the opportunity for all families to have the freedom to select a school according to their conscience."
Neighbors say rosary together, build community of prayer
Erin Joerger never expected this invitation from a neighbor: "We're going to watch the Super Bowl and pray the rosary before. Come over." She did, and learned up to 39 people come to the home Sunday nights for prayer and conversation.
Trump tears into Democrats at prayer breakfast amid calls for unity
Event speaker Arthur Brooks, an economist and Catholic convert, urged that people act with "moral courage" to overcome "the crisis of contempt and polarization tearing our society apart."
Buffalo Diocese to close seminary, citing high costs, low enrollment
Christ the King Seminary, operating at 10% of capacity with 26 seminarians and losing $500,000 per year for a decade, will close this June. A committee is considering a usage for the 132-acre campus.
Minnesota archbishop deepening probe into Crookston bishop
The Vatican has authorized Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis to further investigate claims that Bishop Michael Hoeppner interfered with an investigation of clerical sexual misconduct.
Chinese Catholic charity needs medical supplies to fight coronavirus
As deaths continue to rise from the coronavirus epidemic, many masks and protective clothing are consumed daily by health care workers. More than 24,500 people are now infected and face pneumonia.
Leaders on global finance reform meet at Vatican
As Pope Francis explained "Blessed are the poor in spirit" Feb. 5, high-level economic experts were working on concrete solutions to overcome chronic global inequalities, instability and injustice.
Germany’s church synod draws praise, criticism
The 230 lay, religious and clergy participants in an assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany are debating reforms that are viewed both positively and with skepticism.