Thieves steal chalices, crucifixes from New Orleans church (NOLA.com) Someone stole chalices, crucifixes and other religious objects from St. Francis of Assisi while the Uptown Catholic Church was left open for private prayer on Saturday afternoon, an Archdiocese of New Orleans spokeswoman said Sunday. The spokeswoman, Sarah McDonald, said the New Orleans Police Department is investigating the theft after church leaders filed a report…

Pittsburgh to hold memorial Mass for those who died during pandemic (KDKA) The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will be holding a memorial mass for those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic. Bishop David Zubik says one of the deepest pains of this pandemic has been for those who have lost loved ones but were unable to have a funeral mass. He says this will allow for anyone who has lost a loved one to join in prayer…

When a Catholic leaves seminary or religious life (America) Leaving the seminary or religious life can feel like freedom followed by disorientation, or like rejection followed by clarity. For many, the experience eventually bears fruits of self-knowledge and a more profound relationship with God. But first comes suffering…

Cardinal Dolan: Even the Bible is full of flawed characters (WSJ) Defacing, tearing down and hiding statutes and portraits is today’s version of Puritan book-burning. Our children need to know their country’s past, its normative figures and their virtues and vices. That’s how we learn and pass on our story…

Commentary: Racism, a sin against creation (UCANews) The theological message of the creation is that the world is a gift from God – the whole world, including human beings, all human beings. The story does not claim that different races were created separately. We are all, as the animal characters in C.S. Lewis’ children’s stories call us, sons and daughters of Eve.

How Brooklyn is reopening churches (The Tablet) Weekday Masses in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens, can begin this Monday, June 29, 2020. The celebration of Sunday Mass can begin with the Saturday Vigil Mass on July 4, 2020, and on Sunday, July 5, 2020. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place, including the requirement that all who enter a church must bring and must wear their own mask during the entire Mass and maintain proper social distancing…