Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott declared Sunday, July 6 a day of prayer throughout the state, as the death toll from catastrophic flooding July 4 has now risen to at least 82 people as of July 7, including 28 children in Kerr County. More than 40 people remain missing.
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Pope names French Archbishop Verny as new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, replacing retired Cardinal
Archbishop Thibault Verny is the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. He will put his French experience at the service of the universal church, while retaining his diocesan responsibilities.
San Antonio Archbishop García-Siller asks for prayers, solidarity following Texas flooding tragedy
As many in Kerrville, Texas, rushed to find news of missing loved ones or grappled with losing their homes following catastrophic flooding, San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller was among the faith leaders present to offer prayers and support.
St. Clement Mary Hofbauer adapts to times, cultures as it celebrates 100th anniversary
Deacon John Micciche says the ability of parishioners and clergy to adapt to shifting cultures has allowed St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church to survive and thrive in the community of Rosedale for 100 years.
Archbishop Lori and Supreme Knight Kelly meet with Pope Leo
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori and Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly met July 4 in a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss the work of the order around the world.
House approves Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ after Senate passage
The U.S. House on July 3 approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in a 218-214 vote, which would enact key provisions of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda on taxes and immigration. The legislation now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.
Hope rises from ashes for St. Rita parishioners
The fire was caused by a lightning strike during an afternoon storm that passed through Dundalk, according to Tom Alban, director of risk management for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The lightning affected the electronics on the church’s bell system, which then overheated and caused the fire, he said.
‘Big Boss’ begins first day visiting Catholic Charities programs
David Kinkopf’s first day as executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore began July 1 with shy waves from preschoolers and ended with a cheerful new nickname – “Big Boss” – as he toured several of the organization’s programs across the region.
Church adds Mass ‘for care of creation’ to missal, pope to celebrate
Catholic priests will now be able to celebrate Mass “for the care of creation” after the Vatican announced that a new formulary of prayers and biblical readings for the Mass will be added to the Roman Missal — the liturgical book that contains the texts for celebrating Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.
Miami clergy raise concerns as Trump tours Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Most Americans agree on the need for good U.S. border security, but to hear politicians and civil authorities hurl insults and jokes at the expense of migrants as Florida opened its new “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades “is sinful.”
With pope’s support, Vatican to publish document on synod’s final phase
Almost four years after Pope Francis opened the Catholic Church’s path toward synodality — a term many in the church had never heard before — his successor has thrown his support behind the last leg of the church’s synodal journey.
Mexican priest shot, gravely injured in the Diocese of Tabasco
A Mexican priest remains in serious condition after being shot four times while traveling to minister to a sick person — an attack reinforcing Mexico’s reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous for clergy, despite its large Catholic population.