Worldwide Catholic population hits 1.4 billion

By Victoria Cardiel Vatican City, Mar 21, 2025 / 15:00 pm The “2025 Annuario Pontificio” and the “2023 Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae” have been released, providing a detailed analysis of the life of the Catholic Church globally. Both reports, prepared by the Vatican’s Central Office for Church Statistics, reveal a notable growth …
U.S. bishops respond to Trump executive order designed to eliminate Department of Education

By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 21, 2025 / 13:00 pm On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities” designed to eventually eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. The order will not immediately close the department — that requires an …
Cardinal Parolin: no discussion of resignation by Pope Francis

By Victoria Cardiel Vatican City, Mar 19, 2025 / 15:15 pm Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin denied that during his three recent visits to Pope Francis — who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 — they had discussed the possibility of the pope’s resignation. “No, …
How the McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish became a Lenten tradition in the U.S.

By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Mar 21, 2025 / 06:00 am Few people associate McDonald’s with the season of Lent, but the fast-food chain has played a small but iconic role in Lenten history — at least in the United States. Known primarily for its burgers and chicken nuggets, the restaurant’s …
U.S. bishops call for Walking with Moms in Need program to become staple in ‘every parish’

By Madalaine Elhabbal Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 19, 2025 / 12:40 pm Ahead of the fifth anniversary of its program supporting mothers in need in the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a call for parishes across the country to magnify efforts to “put the gospel …
Walking with Moms: Pregnancy Care Resources: Find Assistance Near You

ADAMS COUNTY St. Vincent de Paul- Adams County 603 E North St, West Union, OH 45693 Phone: (937) 544-0154 Batavia Salvation Army Batavia Corps (Clermont County) 87 N. Market St. Batavia, OH 45103 Phone: (937) 732-6241 Services: Emergency Assistance- food, utility, rental assistance Cincinnati Downtown OLD ST. MARY’S PREGNANCY CENTER …
At Home Fish Fry with Jessica!

Because I hail from the Deep South, my list of essential items for a Lenten fish fry may differ slightly from your own. Here’s what you need for a good, down home, Southern fish fry. 1. Fried (cat)fish. Growing up, this meant venturing out onto the Red River or Lake …
Confession Q&A with Father Rob Jack

Q: What are common fears about going to Confession? A: People fear revealing things about themselves that may look them look bad or appear less than “nice.” They want to keep the mask on without ever having to reveal the dark things in their heart. They also fear the stigma that …
I Confess: young adult heads back to confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is about an encounter with God’s mercy and forgiveness. It’s not something to be scared of… no matter how long it’s been or how big your sins.
Pope Francis Update: Pope no longer requires mechanical ventilation!

The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation at night, and has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day. His motor and respiratory physiotheraphy is also making progress. By Vatican News 3/19/2025 2:00 p.m. On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office …