Copy Desk Daily, May 6, 2020

With no public Masses and millions unemployed, Sunday collections are hurting. But Catholic fundraisers see reasons for optimism in a renewed interest in helping from those who can. "The people who are giving are giving more," as parishes pivot to online giving and plan for pandemic's financial effects.

Sr. Joan Chittister asks: What are we looking for? Power or leadership? They are two very different things, and Americans seem more fixated on power and subservience than on the compassion and justice that characterizes true leaders.

NCR's Saints Next Door feature takes its name from the words of Pope Francis and tells the stories of Catholics in the coronavirus crisis: the lives lost and the living who are bringing hope through service. Today, we remember Clida Ellison, Detroit lector, cook and mother of independent-minded sons.

When blame gets in the way of change: Sr. Sue Wilson looks at the ways the blame game can obscure the bigger picture. "This world does not lend itself easily to singular cause-effect relationships. ... And when we begin to see how the many pieces interact with each other, we can sense openings for change."

Michael Sean Winters brings evidence that at least some key staffers at the U.S. bishops' conference were aware that the recent call between the White House and Catholic leaders would be part campaign rally. In light of that, the bishops' call with Trump raises ethical, legal issues.

In contrast to pandemic guidelines from the U.S. bishops' conference, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions proposes a temporary ban on Communion on the tongue.

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