pandemic

While distance-learning could prove to be necessary in the future, CCS leaders recognize that there is no substitute for in-person instruction, and so far, the precautions taken seem to be working, said CCS President Scott Warzecha.

The Diocese of Brooklyn filed a lawsuit in federal court Oct. 8 against the state of New York, charging that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s new orders reducing church capacity violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of the free exercise of religion.

The encyclical takes its title from St. Francis of Assisi and is inspired by his “fraternal openness,” which, the pope said, calls on people “to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives.”

Church services and Mass online cannot compare to or replace the in-person participation of the faithful, the head of the Vatican’s office for divine worship told the world’s bishops.

During his weekly general audience Sept. 9, the pope said that “we see partisan interests emerging” in the search for a vaccine, and some people “are taking advantage of the situation to instigate divisions.

“While we also support our local parish and diocese, national collections allow modest gifts to the collection basket to make multi-million-dollar differences on lives and communities here at home and around the world.”

Pope Francis will travel to Assisi Oct. 3 to sign an encyclical on the social, political and economic obligations that flow from a belief that all people are children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to one another.

John Davisson used the pandemic time to return to his childhood hobby: making Lego designs.