Colleen Rowan

Expanding the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston's Safe Environment Program, Bishop Mark Brennan is requiring additional protocols to increase safety and reduce risk of sexual abuse in Catholic schools and parishes.

The state's drug fatality rate was nearly three times higher than the national average. Through Catholic Charities, the church in West Virginia is helping addicts and families to endure, escape and avoid the abuse cycle.

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is addressing a lawsuit filed by the state "with utmost seriousness," while "steadfastly affirming" the diocese's rigorous child protection standards, said the diocese's apostolic administrator, Baltimore Archbishop William Lori.

Wheeling Jesuit University announced March 27 that it will remain open under the board of trustees' existing declaration of financial exigency.

Former Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Michael Bransfield's name has been removed from the gymnasium at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling.

Healing of the church can be brought about by all faithfully living their God-given vocations, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore told Catholics in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston during a visit to the statewide diocese in early October.

The investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of adults by Bishop Michael Bransfield, former bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, is being led by a five-member team of laity.

In his celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling Sept. 15, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore said he will be with the Catholics of West Virginia on the journey to "healing and reconciliation."