Professor Richard Garnett talks with Mary and Aaron about three different ways of defining religous freedom, and how those approaches play out in practical ways.

Three Approaches to Religious Freedom, with Richard Garnett

Lucas Koach talks with Aaron Weldon and Todd Scribner about the 2023 International Religious Freedom Summit, and about the USCCB's role in promoting religious freedom around the world.

2023 International Religious Freedom Update, with Lucas Koach

Guests Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kyiv Andriy Khimyak and Jennifer Healy, Director of the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, discuss the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the faithful and how the support of Catholics in the United States has brought hope to people in need.

Catholic Current February 13, 2024

Ministries Along the Border and the Need for Immigration Reform

Catholic Current March 1, 2024

After a long time off, we have an exciting announcement about the future of this podcast feed!

To see our new home, visit LoveMeansMore.org!

Ep 118: Update on the Made for Love Podcast

Clare Morell and Fr. Allen Hoffa join to discuss the fight against pornography. What does the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton mean for how we protect ourselves and loved ones against addiction? How do we shield against tech advancements that make it easier to get hooked at a young age?
 
Register here for the live follow-up Q&A on July 30, 2025: https://usccb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mK7EeXzwTUSziDXUxBYPmQ#/registration

More information in the video description on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X8Un6vyeMM

How Should We Protect Against Harm Online?

Released 2025.06.07  Guest Andrew Middleton, Director of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea, discusses ministry to the crew of the container ship Dali, which crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing its collapse and the death of six construction workers.

Learn more about the Apostleship of the Sea ministry at https://www.aos-usa.org/.

Apostleship of the Sea Serves Stranded Seafarers in Baltimore - Released 2025.06.07

Released 2025.05.28  Making Catholic education inclusive and accessible for students with special needs is a priority for the Committee on Catholic Education. Guests Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of USCCB’s Secretariat for Catholic Education, and Maggie Hubbard, Ed. D, with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, discuss the importance of serving all students in Catholic schools.

Catholic Education and Students with Special Needs -Released 2025.05.28

Released 2024.03.01  Guests Bishop Michael Burbidge, Chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Mary McClusky, Assistant Director of Project Rachel Ministry Development, discuss hope and healing after abortion. Learn more at https://hopeafterabortion.com.

Hope and Healing After Abortion – Project Rachel Ministry - Released 2024.03.01

Released 2024.01.25  Catholic Current talks with veteran Vatican reporter Cindy Wooden about her recent meeting with Pope Francis in Rome and the Holy Father’s message for the global Church.

This Week’s Catholic Current: Pope Francis and the Press - Released 2024.01.25

Released 2023.11.30  December 3, 2023, the Church begins its liturgical year with Advent, which is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Learn about the season of Advent, download the USCCB’s daily Advent calendar, and read about the tradition of blessing your Advent wreath.
Advent Calender: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2023-daily-advent-calendar-english
Blessing your Advent Wreath: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath

The month of November is Black Catholic History Month. Learn about the holy men and men of African descent who are on the road to sainthood and the work of the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs.
https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/road-sainthood-leaders-african-descent
https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs

Pope Francis, who is recovering from illness, spoke at his general audience this week about the need for peace in Gaza and Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez4LGQNqD14



Advent, Black Catholic History, and the Pope Calls for Peace - Released 2023.11.30

Released 2023.10.26  Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza. Watch the CNS video: Pope: War is always a defeat. Read the letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to his entire diocese: https://www.lpj.org/posts/letter-to-the-entire-diocese.html

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women. Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse provides education, resources, and research that help Catholics promote peace within families and to recognize and respond with compassion to domestic abuse. Visit https://www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org/ to learn more and download resources.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been participating in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops and shared with CNS some of his thoughts about the monthlong experience. Read “USCCB president talks about his synod experience.” Participants in the Synod on Synodality have approved a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experience, detailing the work of the past few weeks, and expressing the hope that in the coming months, everyone will be able to "concretely participate in the dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word 'synod.'"

Day of Prayer for Peace, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Synod on Synodality - Released 2023.10.26

Released 2023.10.19  Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza.

Watch the CNS video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiuzrjveGv4 

The bishops of the United States launched a mental health campaign on October 10th, Mental Health Day. It is a time when people from many nations are seeking to raise awareness and remove the stigma around issues concerning mental health. The bishops invite people to pray a special Novena for Mental Health.

Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9s8jAcqik 

As the Synod on Synodality continues in Rome, Catholic News Service has spoken with participants about their experiences:

• WATCH: At the synod on synodality, Cardinal Tobin said a more inclusive church would better spread the Gospel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK7nKJYa88g

• WATCH: Cardinal Cupich said the synod on synodality is advancing the place of women in the church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrbp9v5tYI

• WATCH: Synod leaders respond to hopes and fears about their work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTXUSmP3Ho 

Catholic Current October 19th 2023 - Released 2023.10.19

In preparing for the observation of Labor Day in the United States on September 4, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued a statement calling for radical solidarity with working families. Read the 2023 Labor Day statement (also available in Spanish). Learn more USCCB’s work on Economic Justice and Domestic Poverty.

Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes on October 4 with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The theme chosen for this year’s Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” and it calls on the faithful to reflect on the relationship between justice and creation. Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace issued a reflection: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/laudato-si-20-pope-announces-new-document-ahead-season-creation.

Pope Francis announced this week he would publish a follow-up document to his 2015 encyclical on the environment “Laudato Si’” on the October 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Read the story from Catholic News Service in Rome. 

Catholic Current August 31, 2023 - Released 2023.09.31

The Catholic bishops of the United States are preparing to meet in Orlando, Florida for their spring plenary assembly. Agenda items include the upcoming Synod on Synodality, a new national pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry, a plan for the ongoing formation of priests, the 2025-2028 USCCB strategic plan, revisions to certain English liturgical texts, and more. Watch the plenary assembly either live or as video-on-demand at www.usccb.org.

The bishops of Florida have appealed a planned execution. Catholic Current spoke with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network about alternatives to the death penalty.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, asks for prayers as Pope Francis recovers from recent abdominal surgery.

Catholic Current June 8, 2023 - Released 2023.06.08

At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Archbishop Timothy Broglio celebrated a special Mass on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for the Synod, as requested by Pope Francis. The Synod enters its global phase in October of this year. Learn more about the Synod at www.usccb.org/synod.

The Vatican Dicastery for Communication has provided a new reflection on social media. Find that document at www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dpc/documents/20230528_dpc-verso-piena-presenza_en.html.

During his General Audience on May 31, Pope Francis spoke about the need to live a life that is consistent with our faith.

Catholic Current June 1, 2023 - Released 2023.06.01

Bishop Frank Caggiano, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the catechism, joined the show this week to discuss the future of formation and how United States Bishops are responding to the changing catechetical landscape. 

Following the tragic events in Southeast Turkey and Northern Syria, we spoke with Msgr. Peter Vaccari, the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (C.N.E.W.A), about relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.

Catholic Current March 2, 2023 - Released 2023.03.02

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 12) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage...one flesh, given and received." Learn more at https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage...

The annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG), organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and 20 collaborating organizations, attracted hundreds of participants from around the country this week. The conference equips current and emerging leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy to cultivate God’s justice as they engage in their communities and around the world.

World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in the Church on Thursday, February 2, 2023, and in parishes over the weekend of February 4-5, 2023. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day.

Pope Francis heard horrifying stories of cruelty and violence February 1 during a meeting in Kinshasa with victims from eastern Congo, a region the pope had to cancel his plans to visit because of the worsening security situation.

Catholic Current February 2, 2023 - Released 2023.02.02

During Mass for the Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis said that the Church should have an expansive heart. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTGwhXjQzwQ

Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt invites the Catholic faithful to view a new series of video seminars to learn more about Scripture. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz8FAZqeBK8

January 22 also marked the twentieth anniversary of Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, a pastoral letter on migration from the bishops of the United States and Mexico.https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope

Bishop Mark Seitz, chairman of the Committee on Migration, issued a statement to celebrate the anniversary. Read the statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-church-marks-twenty-years-release-strangers-no-longer-together-journey-hope

For the National Prayer Vigil for Life, the homily of Bishop Michael Burbidge, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, reflected on the work ahead. https://www.usccb.org/resources/1-19-23%20HOMILY_Vigil%20Mass%20for%20Shrine.pdf

Speaking separately with Catholic Current, he encouraged young people not to feel alone in their beliefs.

Catholic Current January 26, 2023 - Released 2023.01.26

President Biden recently visited the border where he met with Bishop Mark Seitz, Chair of the Committee on Migration and Bishop of El Paso. Bishop Seitz issued a statement on January 6th expressing his dismay about the administration’s “ continued reliance on harmful policies over humane solutions.”

Read more about the Committee on Migration: https://www.usccb.org/committees/migration

Read more of Bishop Seitz' statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-migration-chairman-dismayed-continued-reliance-harmful-policies-over-humane 

January is Poverty Awareness Month. Daily reflections prepared by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (also en Español) are available that include ways to learn about poverty, get inspired by how communities are responding, and take action with others.

You can also sign up to receive daily reflections by email. Learn more about the state of poverty in the United States by visiting PovertyUSA.org (or en Español at PobrezaUSA.org). 

Pope Francis underlined the importance of knowing the date of one's baptism as he celebrated Mass and baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIo4tTb89io

Catholic Current January 12, 2023 - Released 2023.01.12

Retired Pope Benedict XVI passed away December 31, 2022, in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. On January 5, 2023, Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass for his predecessor: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/funeral-pope-remembers-benedicts-wisdom-tenderness-devotion 

Read USCCB President, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio’s reflection on Pope Benedict XVI: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/reflection-usccb-president-death-pope-benedict-xvi, as well we reflections and tributes from other U.S. bishops: https://www.usccb.org/pope-benedict-xvi-tributes 

Starting January 5, you can also pray the novena that has been prepared in Pope benedict XVI’s memory: https://www.usccb.org/novena-pope-benedict-xvi

Catholic Current January 5, 2023 - Released 2023.01.05

Carol Glatz of Catholic News Service in Rome gives a short tour of more than one hundred nativity scenes from around the world under Bernini’s colonnades in St. Peter’s Square. The crèche exhibition is sponsored by the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Catholic Current Catholic Current December 22, 2022 - Released 2022.12.22

President of the USCCB Archbishop Timothy Broglio wrote a column published in America Magazine, calling for unity: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/12/07/archbishop-broglio-pope-francis-unity-244275

During his general audience Nov. 30, Pope Francis encouraged a daily examination of conscience. Watch the video.

December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Read Pope Francis’s Prayer for the Immaculate Conception.

The Vatican unveiled its Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square on December 3, 2022. Watch the video.

Catholic Current December 8, 2022 - Released 2022.12.08

This week the Senate passed H.R. 8404, the “Respect for Marriage Act.”  Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, issued a joint letter and analysis urging Congress to oppose the measure. Read the press release.

The USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs issued a statement emphasizing its recommitment to relationship with the Jewish committee. Read the press release.

Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Lord is always present and to look for signs of God’s nearness this Advent. Watch the video.

Catholic Current December 1, 2022 - Released 2022.12.01

Catholic Current November 16, 2022 - Released 2022.11.16

Catholic Current November 10,2022 - Released 2022.11.10

Four committee chairmen called on Congress to be in “radical solidarity” with women and babies. Read their letter to policymakers: https://www.usccb.org/resources/USCCB%20Letter%20and%20Policy%20Recommendations%20Supporting%20Women%20and%20Families%20-%20Oct%202022%09_0.pdf

November is Black Catholic History Month. Related resources and information about the six African American men and women on the road to sainthood: https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/road-sainthood-leaders-african-descent

The USCCB Fall Plenary Assembly will take place November 14-17. More information about the event, votes, and live stream: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/us-bishops-meet-nov-14-17-baltimore-will-elect-new-usccb-president-vice-president

The Pope celebrated Mass on All Souls’ Day and prayed for the cardinals and bishops who have died in the past year: https://catholicnews.com/showing-love-mercy-are-key-to-entering-heaven-pope-says-on-all-souls-day/

Catholic Current November 3, 2022 - Released 2022.11.03

Weekly news summary from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Catholic Current October 28, 2022 - Released 2022.10.28

Catholic Current October 20, 2022 - Released 2022.10.20

Catholic Current October 13, 2022 - Released 2022.10.13

Episcopal Formation Initiative Mandatum by Bishop Gary Janak

Catholic Current talks with Most Rev. Daniel E. Garcia (Diocese of Austin), the first chairman of USCCB’s brand-new Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation. Bishop Garcia is joined by Shareena Grant, who staffs the new subcommittee taking the place of the former Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

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