Catholic bishops advance controversial communion plan (The New York Times) The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States, flouting a warning from the Vatican, have overwhelmingly voted to draft guidance on the sacrament of the Eucharist, advancing a push by conservative bishops to deny President Biden communion because of his support of abortion rights…

In rift with Biden, a dramatic show of force by conservative Catholics (The New York Times) Pope Francis and President Biden, both liberals, are the two most high-profile Roman Catholics in the world. But in the United States, neither of these men is determining the direction of the Catholic Church. It is now a conservative movement that decides how the Catholic church asserts its power in America…

Bishop proposes ‘catechetical institute’ (CNA) In a presentation to fellow U.S. bishops on Friday, Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport unveiled a proposal for a new institute on the Catechism.  Bishop Caggiano said the institute would not be a physical building or a single event, but would be a “comprehensive initiative” to address recent challenges to the faith in the United States. He is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ subcommittee on the Catechism, which is sponsoring the initiative…

Catholic views shape candidate for German chancellor (The Irish Times) German chancellor hopeful Armin Laschet has met Pope Francis twice and, like the Argentinian pontiff, is a Catholic. But what should be self-evident for the leader of a party called the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has instead triggered speculation. When Germans go to the polls on September 26th, will they elect a practising Catholic into Berlin’s chancellery to join another in the White House? Like Joe Biden, Berlin watchers say Laschet practises a liberal, progressive Catholicism but, similar to the US leader, the 60-year-old German makes no secret that his faith informs his political decisions…

Deacon dads and priest sons share special bond (Denver Catholic) The bond between a father and son is one of God’s greatest designs; however, when father and son are both called to serve the Church as deacon and priest, that bond takes on a whole new meaning. Just ask these two dads and their sons, all of whom answered the call to serve the people of God at the altar…