News & Commentary

A woman holds a sign during "A Rally for SNAP" on the steps of the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston Oct. 28, 2025, ahead of the expected Nov. 1 suspension of SNAP food assistance benefits because of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

After judge’s order, Trump administration to issue partial SNAP payments

The Trump administration has indicated that it will not appeal court orders directing it to pay SNAP benefits, but that it will only issue partial payments in November.
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Catholic groups challenge federal mandate on gender transition procedures

Several Catholic hospitals, a Catholic university and Mercy sisters who run health clinics filed a challenge to a federal mandate for performing gender transition procedures with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit Dec. 15.
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Papal commission looks at role, rights of alleged victims in abuse trials

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors hosted a three-day seminar looking at the rights in church trials of those alleging they suffered sexual abuse as children.
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Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild follow devastating tornadoes

Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild shattered lives, homes and businesses in Mayfield followed one of the most powerful twisters in U.S. history that leveled the city of 10,000 in western Kentucky overnight Dec. 10.
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Picture of Dorothy Day at Mass

Mass marks end of diocesan phase of inquiry for Day’s sainthood cause

More than 1,500 people filled St. Patrick's Cathedral Dec. 8 to witness the formal end of the diocesan phase of the sainthood cause for Dorothy Day.
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Survey: Most don’t see reasons to seek vaccine religious exemption as valid

A poll released Dec. 9 showed a strong majority of Americans don't see the reasons for a religious exemption to the coronavirus vaccine as valid.
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People gather for Midnight Mass

Oxford, Mich., is rebuilding ‘crumbled edifice of our hearts,’ priest says

There were four white candles alight in the darkness on the baptismal font at St. Joseph Parish Dec. 5. One for Hana St. Juliana. One for Justin Shilling. One for Tate Myre. One for Madisyn Baldwin.
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