coronavirus
Archdiocese explores next steps in reopening churches for Mass
As Pennsylvania begins lifting COVID-19 restrictions, plans for resuming in-person liturgies are being formed, with "sanitation and social distancing" central to a "new normal" in parish life.
No flowers for Mother’s Day
The coronavirus pandemic prevented Gina Christian from keeping to a cherished holiday tradition, but revealed a deeper meaning about moms.
Parish, school mobilize in prayer for nun with COVID-19
Parents, teachers and students at St. Matthew in Northeast Philadelphia are uniting in online rosaries for vice principal IHM Sister Irene Loretta Cassady, now hospitalized in serious condition with the coronavirus.
Lower Bucks families rally to restock food pantry
A two-day collection organized by a Penndel parishioner netted 8,000 pounds of food for Mary's Cupboard, an archdiocesan pantry that has seen a 100% increase in demand due to the pandemic.
Archbishop Perez urges closer look at COVID deaths of black people
The archbishop is among a group of four U.S. bishops calling for study of why infections and deaths among African Americans in some communities are reaching alarming levels.
For church ministries and parishes, #GivingTuesdayNow comes just in time
The global online giving campaign marks May 5 as a day to support programs strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, Catholic Charities Appeal beneficiaries and struggling parishes are the focus of donations.
Sick of it, but learning from the springtime of pandemic
The routines of March seem like a decade ago, but Father Eric Banecker notices the call to renewal in some of the well-worn phrases of our grim time during the coronavirus, and what they can teach.
Phoenix Diocese cuts jobs, ends newspaper, citing revenue shortfall
In response to an anticipated $6 million deficit and ongoing shortages since the pandemic hit in March, the diocese announced it has cut 21 jobs and folded the monthly diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Sun.
Archdiocese of New Orleans files for bankruptcy
Citing mounting concerns over the financial impact of clergy sex abuse settlements and the coronavirus pandemic, the archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 reorganization.
Indiana priests bring ‘power of the sacraments’ to the dying during pandemic
Bringing Christ's presence to people dying of the coronavirus and peace for their loved ones is, for one Dominican priest, "why I'm a priest." A select group of priests is ministering to people in quarantine.