Church Universal
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A source of news and stories concerning the Church, its people, and the world.
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The content below changes often, some on a daily basis, and are on a wide variety of topics of interest to all Catholics — hence, the heading of Church Universal. With this in mind, there is likely always something of interest appearing, giving visitors a reason to return regularly. Food for the mind and soul.
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Catholic News Service:
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The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ 1) Gn 14:18-20 Psalm...
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NEW YORK (CNS) — In adapting a long-running Fox TV show for the big screen,...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to work together in taking care of...
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WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 6-3 ruling May 23, the Supreme Court said two Arizona...
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News from the Vatican:
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Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to work together in taking care of creation.
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Pope Francis has cleared the way for the canonization of Blessed Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, founder of the Scalabrinian missionaries, dispensing the requirement of a miracle attributed to his...
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Catholics of all ages are called to form strong faith communities, listen to and dialogue with others, reach out to share the Gospel and work to protect the environment, Pope Francis said in a series...
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“Let us remember that life is a gift from God!” Pope Francis said. “It is always sacred and inviolable, and we cannot silence the voice of conscience.”
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Diocesan News
Diocese of Pittsburgh Updates Covid-19 Directives for Parishes & Schools
February 15, 2022
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will take preliminary steps to ease COVID restrictions in schools and parishes while remaining committed to protecting everyone’s health and safety.
Beginning in parishes on Saturday, February 26 and in diocesan elementary and high schools on Monday, February 28, masks will not be required, except in limited circumstances.
“For more than two years, the leaders in our parishes and schools have worked diligently to protect themselves, each other, and our community from COVID-19,” said Bishop David Zubik. “We have learned to create safe environments and to quickly adapt when outbreaks require us to exercise greater caution. We thank God that local infections have dropped and pray that our anticipated adjustments will be the first of many steps toward resuming ways of worship and learning that we have all missed so much.”
Effective for parishes on Saturday, February 26:- Priests, deacons and liturgical ministers in the sanctuary as well as ushers and greeters will no longer be obligated to wear masks at Mass.
- Parishioners will again be invited to share the Sign of Peace.
- Laity can present the gifts of bread and wine used for consecration.
- The distribution of Precious Blood from the cup remains suspended at this time.
- All parish events outside of Mass may be held in-person. Livestream options for Mass and activities will continue for those who are unable to attend in person.
Effective for schools on Monday, February 28, masks will no longer be required.
- However, masking will continue on school buses, as required by federal law.
- Masks will also be required for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for five days after their return to work or school.
The number of new cases of COVID has been steadily dropping in our area, and positive cases have declined in diocesan parishes and schools. Waiting until the end of February to implement these changes allows time for cases to decline further, for hospital staffing levels to improve, and for more people to receive vaccinations.
As always, if the number of positive cases surges in a specific county—or within a specific parish or school—mitigation measures, including mandatory masking, may be reinstated.
Bishop Zubik joins Pope Francis in urging everyone who is eligible to get COVID vaccines and booster shots as an act of love for all people, especially the most vulnerable.
“Getting vaccinated is a sign of our concern for our neighbors. It should be done out of love for our Lord who told us to care for the health of others,” Bishop Zubik said.
The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and local health officials continue to advise masking at indoor gatherings, especially for those who are unvaccinated or have certain medical conditions. Based on their age, health history, and family considerations, parishioners and school families must make prudent decisions to avoid catching or spreading the disease. Anyone who is sick, feels at risk, is a primary caregiver, or has serious anxiety about being part of a large group at this time is excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and may have remote learning opportunities available.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has 70 parishes, 29 elementary schools, and 7 high schools spanning Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.— Diocesan News Release found at: https://diopitt.org/news/diocese-of-pittsburgh-updates-covid-19-directives-for-parishes-and-schools
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Today's Readings:
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Video ReportingAround the Globe:
Below are videos from various sources reporting on the news and topics of the day.
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Pope Consecrates Russia & Ukraine to Mary (3/25/22)
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Vatican YouTube
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Rome Reports
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Catholic News Service
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Commentary:
Videos and articles to lend inspiration, stimulate thought, and stir conversation...
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Diocesan News
JOURNEYING TOGETHER: 2021 SYNOD
Pope Francis has invited every Catholic to advise him on how to discern the Church's path forward. This process, called a “synod, ” means “journeying together.”
From now until Spring 2022, Catholics from across the Diocese of Pittsburgh and across the world can share what the Holy Spirit has laid on their hearts. This journey of listening will conclude in October 2023 in Rome. There, Pope Francis will listen to bishops who have been listening to their people worldwide about the best ways for the People of God to help him discern the Church's path forward.
Text "Synod2021" to 84576
to receive regular updates on the Synod.
For further information, go to:
https://diopitt.org/journeying-together
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Prayers for Peace
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The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, in cooperation with area interfaith leaders and organizations held "A Prayer Gathering for Peace" in solidarity with the Pittsburgh-area Ukrainian community. The prayer service was held at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
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In the Fall of 2021, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh launched [the] Pittsburgh Catholic magazine. It is designed to inform and enrich the faith of Catholics in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties. The magazine, to be published every other month, will be mailed free of charge to 120,000 parishioner households across the diocese. (Parishioners who do not receive a copy and would like one can contact their parish to make sure they’re registered.)
The new magazine is produced in partnership with Faith Catholic, a publishing company specializing in diocesan magazines. Jennifer Antkowiak, diocesan executive director for communications and community relations, serves as editor-in-chief. Bob De Witt, who continues to oversee the Pittsburgh Catholic online, is the magazine’s managing editor. The new publication has received initial funding from Our Campaign for The Church Alive! It will receive ongoing support through the diocesan central administration.
A digital version of Pittsburgh Catholic magazine is also available at https://www.diopitt.org/pittsburgh-catholic-magazine and https://pittsburghcatholic.org. Story ideas may be emailed to PittsburghCatholicMagazine@diopitt.org.[from https://diopitt.org/news/diocese-of-pittsburgh-launches-pittsburgh-catholic-magazine]
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on Violence at U.S. Capitol
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bishop zubik
January 6, 2021
With a heavy heart, I have watched
the unfolding, violent protests
at our nation’s Capitol.
To all of you, my sisters and brothers
in southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond:
I invite you to join me in prayer
that our shared love for our nation
will truly unite us.
May God guide us
to respond to the challenges of our day
with a spirit of peace, and of faith, hope and love.
God bless America! God bless us all! -
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Pope Francis
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On Racism and Defending Life
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ALL MEN AND WOMEN
ARE CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGERacism is a sin, the effects of which have become painfully and violently evident in cities across the U.S. in recent weeks. The Catholic Church has always held that every human being, regardless of his or her skin color, is made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, has intrinsic value and worth. Racism destroys that dignity that God bestows. It has no place in our societies or in our hearts.
For additional reading, prayers and resources, visit the Insights page.
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Re-imagined: The
Pittsburgh Catholic 'Online'An online version of the Pittsburgh Catholic is now available! It offers some of the stories, columns and updates you loved in the printed newspaper alongside fresh, new content to connect you to your faith. Issues can be downloaded from the site for readers to print for their own reference or to share with others who do not have internet access. We welcome it back and pray for a successful relaunch.
About The Pittsburgh Catholic
Founded in 1844 by the first bishop of Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Catholic was a print publication until the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in March 2020. At that time it was the oldest Catholic newspaper in continuous publication in the United States. The news operation resumed, with an online edition only, in late September 2020.
Access the new online edition by clicking on the image.
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The Pittsburgh Catholic is the official news source of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, and serves as a valuable resource for the history of this region.
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