Story - June 10, 2020 - For years, some parishes in the Chicago Archdiocese have maintained gardens whose produce was donated to local food pantries. With the rise in food insecurity during COVID-19 sending more people to food pantries than before, those ministries have taken on a new importance. Volunteers at the Jubilee Garden of St. Francis de Sales Parish in…

Story - May 21, 2020 - The recent decision by the Department of Homeland Security to extend restrictions on nonessential crossings of the southern border due to the COVID-19 pandemic did not surprise Catholics who work with migrants in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. They said the decision, which includes a freeze on asylum claims and the immediate expulsion of migrants, only deepened…

Story - May 13, 2020 - Social distancing may be a good way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it also can wreak havoc on one’s mental health. Other life changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic also can contribute to bouts of stress and anxiety, according to mental health professionals. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s…

Story - May 4, 2020 - Despite skyrocketing demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington has maintained the level of service its clients have come to expect, executive director Richelle Vible said April 24. The agency continues to provide services such as mental health counseling on a remote basis, while its basic needs program…

Story - April 17, 2020 - The Diocese of Birmingham “may have been spared greater disaster” because of Mary’s intercession when numerous tornadoes and widespread damaging winds ripped through Alabama and much of the South April 12 to April 13, said Bishop Robert J. Baker. “Because the Diocese of Birmingham falls in the trajectory of what is referred to as ‘Dixie…

Story - April 9, 2020 - Americans are pulling together by staying at least 6 feet apart. Armed with their laptops and rolls of toilet paper, many people are able to remain at home to work or study. But some things can’t be done remotely. So in the midst of a global pandemic, many essential workers must leave their homes every…

Story - April 8, 2020 - As he delivers canned goods and other staples to archdiocesan food pantries, Don Devlin can see the impact of the coronavirus firsthand. “I’m seeing longer lines of clients,” said Devlin, a driver for archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services (NDS). “And the people who used to donate to the food cupboards are now in those lines.” A…

Story - April 7, 2020 - In an interview with America magazine, Brian Corbin, executive vice president for Member Services at Catholic Charities USA, said the the CARES Act does a lot for Catholic Charities agencies in the U.S. in terms of government relief, but “there’s room to improve.” From the interview: “Mr. Corbin said the vast majority of the nation’s…

Story - April 8, 2020 - Religious nonprofits, including schools, parishes and some dioceses, are eligible for assistance under regulations developed to implement portions of the massive $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Interim final rules governing the law’s implementation state that faith-based organizations are eligible to seek and obtain Small Business Administration loans to…

Story - March 30, 2020 - A baker’s dozen of Catholic organizations, from dioceses to religious orders to Catholic Charities affiliates, have signed on to a joint statement urging all to take part in the 2020 U.S. census. “We affirm the right of all people to participate in the 2020 census and remain committed to helping our neighbors be counted,” said…

Story - March 27, 2020 - Catholic hospitals, parish schools and charitable agencies are among the entities hoping to receive partial relief under a massive $2.2 trillion emergency aid package unanimously approved by the Senate in response to the crippling new coronavirus. They are just not sure when the aid will begin to flow, however. “At this point everyone is trying…

Story - March 23, 2020 - As area residents grapple with school and business closures due to the coronavirus, Archdiocese of Philadelphia outreaches are working to provide food and diapers to families in need. Nutritional Development Services (NDS) will continue to offer federally funded meals to children at 13 sites throughout Philadelphia, Chester, Norristown and Upland, said executive director Lizanne Hagedorn.…