Future of many Catholic schools in doubt (AP) As the new academic year arrives, school systems across the United States are struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Roman Catholic educators have an extra challenge — trying to forestall a relentless wave of closures of their schools that has no end in sight. Already this year, financial and enrollment problems aggravated by the pandemic have forced the permanent closure of more than 140 Catholic schools nationwide, according to officials who oversee Catholic education in the country…
Pope appeals for solidarity with Lebanon (Vatican News) At the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis called on the Church in Lebanon to continue to be close to their people, and appeals for “generous aid” from the international community…
Priest helps rescue surfer attacked by shark (The Catholic Leader) A Catholic priest who helped rescue a surfer being attacked by a great white shark, says it was the grace of God that gave him courage to act in the moment. “There’s something deep inside you that wants to help,” keen surfer and newly-ordained priest Fr Liam Ryan, 33, said, after a daring rescue at remote Bunker Bay beach, in Western Australia’s south west…
Polish Catholic bishops recall service of religious during Warsaw Uprising (CNA) Commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis, the Catholic bishops of Poland released a reflection on the priests and nuns who ministered to the needs of the Polish people during the historic event…
Nicaraguan cardinal says Mass at entrance to firebombed cathedral (CNA) Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solorzano of Managua said Mass Wednesday at the entrance of the Blood of Christ chapel in his cathedral, which was firebombed last week. “The Church has always suffered and will continue to suffer, but our assurance is that the Lord is with us,” Cardinal Brenes said during the Aug. 5 Mass…
Future deacons discuss family, faith, and formation (Superior Catholic Herald) Diaconate candidates for the Diocese of Superior, who will be ordained on Sunday, Aug. 9, at Christ the King Cathedral in Superior, were asked to answer questions about themselves and their journey…