NEWS

St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities and other volunteer-driven charities nationwide are still serving those in need, but often with less volunteers.

The women, alongside a priest, had already rescued the school's students from the chapel.

DUBLIN (CNS) — With all St. Patrick’s Day parades and events canceled due to restrictions aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic, most bishops and priests celebrated Masses via webcam or parish radio.

In a statement from the Diocese of Phoenix sent in the afternoon of March 16, diocesan officials announced that Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has suspended all weekday and Sunday Masses, effective immediately and until further notice.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis prayed for families who are cooped up in their homes and for all those who are ill with COVID-19.

He has witnessed the faith community's work in previous global disease outbreaks. "The same compassion, counsel and care will be just as important" in the current pandemic, he said.

ROME (CNS) — With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.

One teacher was amid her sixth season with the team and another was due to start next month.

In the desire to operate out of an abundance of caution in the hope of minimizing the effects of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, the Diocese of Phoenix decided March 15 to close all Catholic schools for two weeks March 16-27.

In just seven days, some 100 Catholics from one parish practiced acts of charity that impacted at least nine organizations.