A look back at 2020 in the Catholic community

ATLANTA—A year that became synonymous with COVID-19, 2020 will not soon be forgotten.

Archbishop Hartmayer’s statement on violence at nation’s Capitol

ATLANTA–Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., released a statement on Friday, Jan. 8 in the wake of this week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol building.

Pastor of Christ our Hope Church dies December 25

ATLANTA—Father John-Paul Ezeonyido, pastor of Christ our Hope Church in Lithonia, died Dec. 25 after a long illness. He was 50 years old.

Marist caps off perfect season with third state football championship

ATLANTA—Marist School is celebrating its 30-14 victory over Jefferson High School in the Class 4A state football championship, which took place at Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium [...]

Despite year’s hardships, pope says there is much for which to be thankful

VATICAN CITY–The notable absence of Pope Francis at the final liturgical celebration of 2020 in St. Peter’s Basilica capped off a difficult year for the Vatican and for the world.

Ignatius House Retreat Center restoring trails

SANDY SPRINGS—The attraction of the forests surrounding Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center is spiritual, fueled by a sense of serenity and God.

Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all

VATICAN CITY (CNS)–On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help [...]

Pope plans to visit Iraq in March

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Marking the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being declared patron of the universal church, Pope Francis proclaimed a yearlong celebration dedicated to the foster father of Jesus.

Zenith Ministries founder hopes to share God’s healing

ATLANTA—Faith has been complicated for Thomas Clements.

Christmas Connections held with safety precautions

ATLANTA—By practicing safe drop-off and pick-up of donations of clothes, toys and other needed items, volunteers were able to help families with the Christmas Connections program through Catholic [...]

GRACE Scholars brings faith, education to families

ATLANTA—As a single mother, Nathalie Chekoua could not imagine being able to afford a Catholic education in the United States for her son, Jack Tchienchou.

Archbishop Hartmayer’s statement on COVID-19 vaccines

ATLANTA–Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., addressed the moral implications of COVID-19 vaccines in a Dec. 15 statement.

Catholic nonprofits are lights in pandemic

ATLANTA—Many people at this time of year dig deeper into their pockets to help charities, whether putting cash in the collection basket at Mass for Catholic Charities Atlanta or donating to [...]

Dance, music ministry leaders leave legacies worldwide

ATLANTA—On his priestly ordination in November 1988, Father Bruce Schultz, OP, remembers a young girl in her teens who was assigned to bring up the gifts during the Mass.

Pope plans to visit Iraq in March

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Barring any obstacles caused by the global pandemic, Pope Francis is set to begin international travel again in 2021 by visiting Iraq in March, which would make him the first [...]

Catholic life in Atlanta shaped by Cardinal Gregory’s vision

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Atlanta rejoiced at the October news that their former spiritual leader, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington, was appointed by Pope [...]

Faith-filled home becomes a home for faithful in Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK—The year is 1973. A winter snowstorm shut down businesses in Georgia, Jimmy Carter is the governor of the Peach State and Hank Aaron hits his 700th home run for the Atlanta Braves.

The necessity of Black Catholic History Month: A reflection

ATLANTA–Black Catholics across the United States and the world gather each November to celebrate Black Catholic History Month.

#iGiveCatholic responds to pandemic needs

ATLANTA—New technology and support for those in need are just a few of the many fundraising initiatives for this year’s #iGiveCatholic campaign.

Pope creates 13 new cardinals, including Washington archbishop

VATICAN CITY (CNS)–One by one 11 senior churchmen knelt before Pope Francis to receive their red hats, a cardinal’s ring and a scroll formally declaring their new status and assigning them a [...]