Catholic New York

A service member of the Ukrainian armed forces is seen at combat positions at the line of separation from Russian-backed rebels near the village of Novomykhalivka in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Jan. 21. Pope Francis at his Jan. 23 Sunday Angelus said he is deeply concerned by growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and called for a day of prayer for peace Jan. 26.

Pope Sets Jan. 26 As Day of Prayer for Peace In Ukraine

Saying he was worried about Ukraine and how a possible Russian-Ukrainian conflict could spread, Pope Francis proclaimed Jan. 26 as a day of prayer for peace in Ukraine. more

By CINDY WOODEN | 1/23/22

Catechists attend Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass marking Sunday of the Word of God in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 23. At the Mass, the pope formally installed women and men in the ministries of lector and catechist.

Pope Confers Ministries of Lector, Catechist on Lay Women and Men

Highlighting the importance of the Bible in the life of faith and the role of lay women and men in sharing the Gospel, Pope Francis formally installed eight men and women in the ministry of lector and eight others in the ministry of catechist. more

By CINDY WOODEN | 1/23/22

Supreme Court Rejects Request from Texas Abortion Providers

The Supreme Court Jan. 20 rejected a request from Texas abortion providers to immediately send their challenge of the state’s abortion law to a federal District Court, where a judge had previously blocked the law. more

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN | 1/21/22

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and other legislators are seen Jan. 21 during the annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C.

Rally Speakers Confident About Abortion Law Changes But See Work Ahead

Speakers at the annual March for Life on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall Jan. 21 spoke of a likely tipping point in the current protest against legalized abortions in the United States, but they also urged the crowd to remain vigilant in their advocacy and support for the pro-life movement. more

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN | 1/21/22

Joe Donnelly, a Catholic lawyer and former U.S. senator from Indiana, is pictured in a March 4, 2015, photo at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. He was confirmed Jan. 20 as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

Joe Donnelly is Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican

Catholic lawyer Joe Donnelly of Indiana is the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. more

1/21/22

St. Irenaeus of Lyon is pictured in a stained-glass window at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, Ontario.

Pope Declares St. Irenaeus a Doctor of the Church

Pope Francis has officially declared St. Irenaeus of Lyon a doctor of the Church. more

By JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES | 1/21/22

NYPD bagpipers lead the procession. In front pew at right are, from left, Mayor Eric Adams; NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell; Edward Caban, First Deputy Commissioner, NYPD; and Kenneth Corey, NYPD Chief of Department.

At Memorial Mass, Det. McDonald’s ‘Radiant Example’ Remembered

Cardinal Dolan celebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the passing of NYPD Det. Steven McDonald. “Remembrance is a virtue, extolled in … more

By CHRISTIE L. CHICOINE | 1/21/22

Members of an Islamic center in Colleyville, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area are interviewed by the media Jan. 15 about a hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville. FBI crisis negotiators were called in to help resolve what turned into about an 11-hour standoff at the synagogue, which ended when all four hostages, including the rabbi, were released. The hostage-taker was fatally shot by police.

Nearby Texas Catholic Church Reaches Out During Hostage Crisis at Synagogue

As the tense hours of a Jan. 15 hostage standoff situation unfolded at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, so too did an unbelievable manifestation of faith and community at nearby Good Shepherd Church, according to Franciscan Father Zachary Burns. more

By MATTHEW SMITH | 1/18/22

Synodality and Ecumenism Require Walking Together, Say Cardinals

All Christians are invited to pray for unity and continue to journey together, said Cardinals Mario Grech, general secretary of the Synod of the Bishops, and Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. more

By CAROL GLATZ | 1/18/22

People in St. Peter’s Square attend Pope Francis’ recitation of the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking the square at the Vatican Jan. 16.

Christians Should Look For Signs of God’s Love in Their Lives, Pope Says

God likes to intervene behind the scenes and without fanfare, always ready to help and lift people up, Pope Francis said. more

By CAROL GLATZ | 1/18/22

Msgr. Thomas Modugno, Pastor of St. Monica’s in Manhattan

Msgr. Thomas A. Modugno, who served as pastor of St. Monica’s parish in Manhattan and director of the archdiocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith, died Jan. 11. He was … more

1/18/22

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. is seen in this illustration photo. The life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader is commemorated Jan. 17, which is a federal holiday. Beginning in 1970, a number of states and cities made his birthday, Jan. 15, a holiday. In 1983, Congress declared a federal holiday for Rev. King and set the annual observance for the third Monday of January.

Archbishop Gomez: Imitate Rev. King’s ‘Example, Prophetic Witness’ in Work for Justice

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged all people of goodwill to commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the Jan. 17 holiday named for him by remembering “not only the justice he pursued, but how he pursued it.” more

1/17/22

Cardinal Dolan Urges Prayer to Protect Religious Rights on Religious Freedom Day

Cardinal Dolan called on people to promote religious freedom as a treasured right for all Americans as the country commemorates Religious Freedom Day Jan. 16. more

1/16/22

Msgr. Ferdinando Berardi, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Staten Island, Was 71

Msgr. Ferdinando D. Berardi, pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish on Staten Island since 2019 and a former director of the archdiocesan Office for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, died in … more

1/14/22

Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate for Businesses, Allows It for Health Workers

The Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision Jan. 13 blocked a rule by the Biden administration that would have required employees at large businesses to show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or wear masks and get tested each week for the coronavirus. more

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN | 1/13/22

USCCB Invites Catholics to Take Part in ‘9 Days for Life’ Jan. 19-27

The 10th annual “9 Days for Life” novena, sponsored by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, takes place this year from Jan. 19 to Jan. 27. more

1/13/22

Pope Hails as Heroes Parents Who Risk Everything for Their Kids

With so many problems and challenges in the world, especially worsened by the pandemic, people can find strength and guidance in St. Joseph, Pope Francis said. more

By CAROL GLATZ | 1/13/22

Catholic Schools Week 2022

National Catholic Schools Week will be observed Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” Schools focus on the value Catholic education … more

1/13/22

Carolers sing at the ArchCare Senior Life at San Vicente de Paul.

ArchCare Holds Christmas Parties for PACE Participants

ArchCare celebrated Christmas and the holidays throughout their PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elders) centers in the archdiocese. more

1/13/22

Sister Elizabeth Burke, P.B.V.M.

Sister Elizabeth Burke, P.B.V.M., who served as a principal and teacher at schools in the archdiocese for 12 years, died Jan. 4 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry. She was 91.She was … more

1/13/22