The Catholic Sun

WASHINGTON (CNS) — This is the time of year parishes have been preparing to welcome new Catholics into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, but the coronavirus has changed how catechumens and candidates are participating in RCIA.

While the continuing coronavirus pandemic has forced the public to spend much of its time at home, it has afforded numerous opportunities to deepen one’s faith through prayer, meditation, Bible readings and other activities.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican published a free downloadable book of Pope Francis’ prayers and homilies responding to the trial and suffering of the coronavirus pandemic.

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Elderly people are being left to die in Britain’s nursing homes instead of being offered care in hospitals, said a priest and former surgeon.

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Back in early April, Jim Donlan had a problem. Face masks were starting to be used more widely in public settings as a way to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but he couldn’t find any.

Northern Arizona University student Grace Godat’s life has changed drastically in the past couple of weeks due to COVID-19. As a flute player in the NAU marching band, practice has been canceled along with all other extracurricular activities. Her sculpture and studio art classes have been moved online, and her months of preparation to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil are on hold, postponed to a later date yet unknown.

Two of Arizona’s largest Catholic agencies serving seniors and the less fortunate continue to curtail activities while adapting to serve their clients as the global coronavirus pandemic deepens in the Grand Canyon State.

SALT LAKE CITY (CNS) — As a teenager, Tai Nguyen learned how to sew from his mother, an accomplished tailor and dressmaker.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis approved the establishment of the John Paul I Vatican Foundation to preserve and promote the writings, thinking, example and study of “the smiling pope.”

Masses suspended. Weddings and Baptisms postponed or severely limited in size. Churches closed. And it’s all taking place during the holy season of Lent. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to grip the nation, how is a Catholic in the Diocese of Phoenix to receive absolution through the sacrament of Confession?