A state school board in Oklahoma voted Oct. 9 to approve a contract with a Catholic charter school set to open next school year, making it the nation’s first state-funded religious school.
National News
U.S. Bishops Tell People Struggling With Mental Health: ‘You Are Not Alone!’
To conclude a video message announcing the U.S. bishops’ conference’s new mental health campaign, Archbishop Borys Gudziak closed with a message for anyone who is suffering a mental health challenge or has a loved one in that situation: “I want you to know we are with you.
U.S. Bishops Call for a ‘Cessation of Violence’ in Middle East as Biden Backs Israel
After an attack on Israel by Hamas and subsequent retaliation by Israel that has left more than more than 1,300 people dead and thousands more injured, the U.S. bishops’ conference has called for a cessation of violence from all sides, and for Catholics in the U.S. to pray for peace.
McCarthy Ouster, New Senator Could Impact Catholic Concerns
California Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker of the House of Representatives Oct. 3 in a historic vote that may have an impact on Catholic concerns.
Climate Activists Around the World Applaud Pope for ‘Prophetic’ New Eco-Doc
Climate activists across the globe have thanked Pope Francis for his new exhortation on the environment titled “Laudate Deum,” published ahead of a major U.N. climate summit, calling the text “prophetic” and saying action is needed now more than ever.
After Separate Acts of Gun Violence, Prelates in Baltimore and Santa Fe Pray for Peace
Two archbishops on different ends of the United States are separately calling for prayers and peace this week after gun violence incidents in each archdiocese left people hospitalized.
Thousands to March for Life in Ohio as Major Abortion Law Vote Looms
On Oct. 6, almost a month before Ohioans will be voting on a major abortion law deciding if the right to an abortion should be added to the state constitution, thousands plan to take part in a March for Life in Columbus, the capital, to raise awareness against the measure.
Florida Executes Murderer, Abuse Victim Despite Appeal From Catholic Bishops
In a final statement before his execution Tuesday night, Florida death row inmate Michael Zack III said he made no excuses for the crimes he committed, but said he wished he could have had “a second chance, to live out my days in prison and continue to do all I can to make a difference in this world.”
Boston Archdiocese Opposes Canceling Civil Statute of Limitations for Abuse Claims
Advocates say getting rid of the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse is a matter of moral justice, but the Archdiocese of Boston says the move will hurt its own efforts to help sexual abuse victims.
‘Perpetual Pilgrims’ for U.S. Bishops’ Eucharistic Congress to Be Event’s ‘Heartbeat’
About 10 months out from the U.S. bishops’ National Eucharistic Congress, an application to participate as a “perpetual pilgrim” to the congress is live, with the event’s leadership describing such pilgrims as the “heartbeat” and “caretakers” of a two-month-long journey.