What you need to know is in Arkansas Catholic

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Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's March 21 issue. Some of the stories and columns in Arkansas Catholic appear only in the print and free digital editions. To read what you're missing, subscribe today.

 

Eight dioceses cancel Masses while others lift obligation

PHILADELPHIA -- Catholics in more than 12 states not wishing to attend Sunday Mass for fear of spreading or contracting the coronavirus are no longer obligated to do so, until further notice.

Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service now live, online or via hotline

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) service was launched March 16. The service provides a third-party service for gathering and relaying to appropriate Church authorities reports of sexual misconduct by bishops. Reports can be made to report bishopabuse.org or (800) 276-1562.

CDC director ‘not shy about his Catholic faith,’ Baltimore pastor says

BALTIMORE-- When Msgr. Richard Woy sees Dr. William Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on television these days flanked by medical experts issuing the latest guidance on the novel coronavirus he doesn’t just see one of the top health officials in the U.S., he sees one of the faithful.

‘Spiritual Communion’ is always available

ROME-- Public Masses are banned throughout Italy, but literally thousands of Masses are celebrated each day and, in addition to watching them on television or computer screens, the faithful can receive “spiritual Communion.”

Pope prays for relationships in families on lockdown

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis prayed for families who are cooped up in their homes and for all those who are ill with COVID-19.

Pope entrusts world threatened by pandemic to Mary

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis entrusted to Jesus’ mother the suffering and anguish of millions of people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Experiencing grief, desolation, despair? Jesus knows how you feel

Ever feel punched in the stomach, beat up emotionally, spiritually, physically and/or mentally? Ever feel anguish, sorrow, regret, woe or grief? Ever think you are the only one going through something or feeling the way you do? (Understanding our Church, Seeds of Faith)

How do you evangelize?

“I evangelize when my friends want to go somewhere or want to do something bad. I tell them that my religion and my parents don’t allow me to do that. Then we just all start talking about ...” (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)

We can still participate in the Mass, just not in person

Well, I don’t think it would be an overstatement to say that Lent has been Lent-ier than usual this year. (Columns)

Playing it safe these days is a pro-life action

I’ve been seeing it all week: Catholics who refuse to forego handshakes at the sign of peace at Mass despite diocesan warnings because they think it’s all media hype; Catholics who protest loudly at the new coronavirus-inspired restriction on visitors at my mother’s nursing home because it disrupts a cherished routine; Catholics who balk at limits on air travel or cancellations of classes or conferences because, as I’ve heard too many times to count: “I’m healthy, so why should I fear?” (Guest Commentary)

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