Death by meteorite? Yes, it's been that kind of year! See the Vatican Observatory podcast, new protocols for Mass, prevention of child abuse and Catholic Schools teachers recognized for excellence. Read more at New Outlook Online

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Learn more here!

Diocesan News

Science, technology and Diocesan Catholic Schools

Notre Dame University and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School are proud to announce the selection of three teachers, Kayleen Molina, Sarah Motter, Patti Barrett , as Fellows in the 2021 cohort of the Trustey Family STEM Teaching Fellows. These teachers were selected as one of 8 schools in the program’s sixth cohort and will join over 150 teachers from the program’s first five cohorts. Read more

Bishop Weisenburger on Chauvin conviction

While the conviction of Derek Chauvin cannot restore Mr. Floyd’s life, I am grateful to the members of the judicial system, witnesses, and jury for the role each played in bringing about justice. I also pray that all Americans will search within our souls for any sign of racism or violence and commit ourselves to acts of healing and unity. Read more

Help priests and clergy gain access to the dying

Please ask your legislators to support HB 2575 so that dying patients receive the comfort and spiritual assistance they need during these difficult times. Unfortunately, too many people have died alone during the pandemic and without religious accommodations at the end of life. Even today, there remain some health care institutions where dying patients are not allowed in-person clergy visits and the ability to receive sacraments or other spiritual assistance. Read more

Eight USCCB programs now using online giving platform to receive donations

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Eight programs administered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops can now be supported through an online giving platform. Read more

National News

Abuse survivor believes now is a great evangelical moment for church

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (CNS) -- Teresa Pitt Green, who as a child was sexually abused by Catholic priests, said she is convinced "there's a lot more hope than people dare to feel." Read more

U.S. pullout from Afghanistan leads to questions about renewed violence

CLEVELAND (CNS) -- President Joe Biden's plan to withdraw U.S. armed forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 is leading observers to renew concerns about continued progress on human rights, the status of democratic reforms and whether a resurgence of violence will set back the war-beleaguered country.The pullout, while welcomed by the observers, is worrisome to them because they are unaware of steps to prevent a recurrence of fighting. Read more

Help Prevent the Abuse of Children

Five ways to Protect Your Children and Grandchildren

Ten tips to protect your children

World News

Pope calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic. "The initiative will involve in a special way all shrines in the world" in promoting the initiative so that individuals, families and communities all take part in reciting the rosary, "to pray for the end of the pandemic," said the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization in a press release April 21. Read more

Ukraine conflict a global threat, U.S. archbishop warns

ROME – With Russia building up its troops in the border with Ukraine, Archbishop Borys Gudziak, the current head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, is warning the conflict is not only a threat for the region, but for the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Gudziak argued, “is trying to make Ukraine fail as a state, bleed the country, through the invasion, economic undermining, and very importantly, information.” Read more