Facing more than 250 lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees since the 1950’s, the Diocese of Sacramento, California, has filed for bankruptcy as a means to provide compensation to victim-survivors of the abuse.
National News
Catholic Parishes, Schools, Institutions in Western NY Prepare for Rare View of Solar Eclipse
Although the Diocese of Brooklyn is not in the 100-mile-wide path from Texas to Maine for totality of the solar eclipse on April 8, parts of Western New York are right inside this path and Catholic schools, colleges, retreat houses, and parishes there are gearing up for the rare few minutes of daytime darkness when the moon completely blocks the sun.
Bishop Calls Easter Observance of Transgender Day ‘Offensive and Unnecessary’
Commenting on the Biden Administration and local officials in Fairfax County, Virginia, promoting March 31, which this year was Easter Sunday, as Transgender Day of Visibility, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington called it “offensive to many people and unnecessary.”
Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Gumbleton, Promoter of Solidarity With Those in Need, Dies at 94
Whether it was speaking out against injustice, ministering to those on society’s margins or accompanying communities afflicted by geo-political catastrophes, retired Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton traveled great lengths to express his solidarity with people on the periphery of society.
Legal Representative ‘Very Hopeful’ on Oklahoma Catholic School Court Case
After presenting an oral argument to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, a legal representative for the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board is “very hopeful” that they will prevail in the lawsuit brought against them by the state attorney general, which would allow St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School to open in August.
Iowa Governor Signs State Religious Freedom Act
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act April 2 that grants state-level protections similar to the federal legislation of the same name, known by its acronym, RFRA.
Pop’s ‘Polish Prince’: Bobby Vinton and His Melodies of Faith
There must be something in the water in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a small, scenic town 18 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Two of popular music’s most successful and beloved stars were born and raised there — legendary crooner Perry Como on May 15, 1912, and “the Polish Prince,” Bobby Vinton, on April 16, 1935.
Catholics Donate Nearly $50,000 for Emergency Bridge Relief Appeal
Within 24 hours after Archbishop William E. Lori asked Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore to support twin emergency relief funds for those affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, nearly $50,000 was raised in online donations.
Florida Supreme Court Approves Abortion Ballot Measure Sought by Pro-Choice Groups
The Florida Supreme Court on April 1 simultaneously upheld that the state’s Constitution does not protect abortion access and allowed a proposed amendment seeking to do so to qualify for the state’s November ballot.
Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea Is Part of Global Church Outreach to Seafarers
After a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore March 26 causing its collapse, news reports mentioned how members of Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea had reached out to and cared for the ship’s crew members.
