Sophie Vodvarka

Today is the feast of St. Phoebe, a first-century woman deacon mentioned in St. Paul's letter to the Romans. A new group, Discerning Deacons embraces the prophetic call and ministry of deacons and supports making women deacons a possibility in today's church, too.

Three Notre Dame University students organized a petition opposing a new Chick-fil-A restaurant on campus, citing concerns that included the company's history of donating to groups that "harm the LGBTQ community." 

Some sexual assault survivors and advocates are still working to hold Catholic institutions accountable following an independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against composer David Haas.

In January, New Orleans began hosting the second of three billboards in the city that read: "Stop Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church! Ordain Women Priests!"

An event series resulted in proposals designed to elevate women's voices in the San Diego Diocese, including a speakers bureau of women, an all-women advisory council to the bishop, and a diocesan synod.

On Oct. 1, the group Into Account followed up initial reports earlier this year with a new 22-page report compiling 44 women's accounts of sexual and spiritual abuse by composer David Haas, spanning 41 years.

Across the country, Catholics — responding to the call to stand against police brutality of victims who are Black, Indigenous or people of color — are showing up, educating themselves and engaging in conversations about white supremacy.

The Catholic pilgrimage industry has been upended due to the coronavirus pandemic. One result is a debate over how Catholic values should inform tour companies' response to canceled pilgrimages.

The new program hosted by four Jesuit universities invites older adults to learn about the global Jesuit network as they enter the "second stage of life" guided by the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity as historic unemployment rates overwhelm people in need. "The demand is in places it's never been before," says one Catholic leader in California.

The Rio Grande Valley is underserved by hospitals to begin with, and immigrant detention facilities are showing signs of being affected by COVID-19. Catholic agencies are striving to serve people who are losing jobs and facing other challenges amid the pandemic.

Dioceses across the world canceled in-person services in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic throughout the past week. This new reality created a massive new viewership for televised and livestreamed Masses and worship rituals, and Catholics swiftly met the spiritual need.