Chicago, Philly archdioceses tell priests not to provide religious exemption from COVID vaccines

by Joe Bukuras Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 19, 2021 / 15:05 pm The archdioceses of both Philadelphia and Chicago have instructed their clerics not to assist parishioners seeking religious exemptions from receiving COVID-19 vaccines. An Aug. 18 letter from Fr. Michael Hennelly, Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, …
August 20 – St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church and abbot of Clairvaux, France

On August 20 the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a Doctor of the Church thanks to his writings and sermons which greatly influenced Europe during the 12th century, and his numerous efforts which helped to avoid a schism in the Church in 1130. Born in 1090, …
Christians fear for state of religious freedom in Afghanistan

by Christine Rousselle, Jose Torres Jr. Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug 19, 2021 / 10:21 am Numerous Christian aid organizations and leaders have spoken about the imminent threat to the Christian community in Afghanistan after the country fell to the Taliban. Afghanistan is over 99% Muslim, with the majority being Sunni. There …
Charity run by Catholic nuns asks for prayers for Afghanistan

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Aug 17, 2021 / 08:05 am A group of Catholic nuns in Kabul are safe after the capital city of Afghanistan was taken by the Taliban Aug. 15, the president of a children’s charity said Tuesday. “We are in constant contact with the sisters present …
U.S. Bishop Chairmen Respond to Evolving Crisis in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON—A widespread humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Afghanistan, with the Taliban swiftly seizing control of the capital on August 15. Thousands of people who have worked as interpreters, translators, and in other capacities alongside the United States military over the past twenty years, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, find …
Bishop Wall encourages COVID-19 vaccination, while opposing state mandates

by Jonah McKeown Gallup, N.M., Aug 18, 2021 / 17:19 pm Bishop James Wall of Gallup released a letter Wednesday reiterating that COVID-19 vaccines can be taken by Catholics “with a clear conscience,” while also asserting that the state ought not “universally mandate the vaccine without allowing for conscientious objection.” …
Empowering Future Leaders

“It’s much more than old-fashioned computers.” Principal Carolyn Murphy with St. Michael the Archangel School described perfectly how technology has evolved across schools in the archdiocese over the past several years. What may have been a computer lab or media space in schools 10, five or even two years ago …
August 19: St. John Eudes

St. John Eudes was a French missionary and the founder of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity, and was also the author of the liturgical worship of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. St. John was born at Ri, France on November 14th, 1601. At the age of …
Job Opening: Sacred Heart Academy Louisville

Sacred Heart Academy is seeking a full-time Theology teacher effective immediately. Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls Catholic High School, is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), SHA provides a global education for every student in every classroom. The …
Pope Francis, Ad Council collaborate to promote COVID-19 vaccines in the Americas

by Autumn Jones Rome, Italy, Aug 17, 2021 / 22:30 pm Pope Francis, along with six cardinals and archbishops from North, South, and Central America, worked in collaboration with the Ad Council to produce a public service announcement promoting COVID-19 vaccines. The announcement is the first Ad Council campaign designed …