Growth

Season 3 of EWTN hit series ‘James the Less’ to be released Feb. 14 #Catholic The third season of the award-winning online EWTN series “James the Less” will be released on Saturday, Feb. 14, on the EWTN YouTube channel.The first season introduced viewers to James Little, a student fresh out of college desperate for a job. James is an atheist. However, a “help wanted” sign on the church bulletin board catches his eye and entices him to interview for the position: handyman.James accepts the position at St. James the Less Church and starts to encounter Catholicism. Soon, James finds his ideals challenged by the no-nonsense pastor Father Lambert Burns and through his romantic pursuit of parishioner Anne-Marie.The second season showed James’ growing interest in Catholicism and more questions were answered regarding Anne-Marie’s mysterious past.James is played by Catholic artist and missionary Tanner Kalina, who has participated in ministries such as FOCUS, Ascension Presents, NET, and others.Kalina told EWTN News that in Season 3 viewers can “expect some closure in the story of James and what happens and all the open-ended questions that we have. I think you can find some very satisfying answers.”While filming these three seasons of the series, Kalina shared that the best part has been working with all those involved, “who put a lot of heart and creativity and fun and joy and prayer into it all and by the end everyone became a good, loving family.”He also pointed out that he has learned a lot from James while portraying him, including that the “faith is vibrant.”“It’s just a good reminder that inside all of our hearts we’re aching and longing for the Lord and we’re longing for a guide to just invite us and to bring us to the Lord,” he added. “So playing James has kind of reawakened that reality to me … and that when we just speak truth and when we just put someone in front of Jesus, then it awakens something very deep within someone.”Kalina also pointed out the recent growth in interest among Gen Z in the Catholic faith and the need to provide these individuals with “good content that is rooted in the truth of the faith, that’s rooted in the joy of the faith, and that is something that actually not only feeds the intellect and feeds the time and feeds the scroll, but really feeds the heart.”“So, my hope is that as the younger generation stumbles upon this, it can be an avenue that they can find good content that really feeds them,” he added.He also said he hopes viewers are left “smiling” after watching the series.“I hope that they’re having fun and falling in love with these characters and recognizing that like, ‘Oh yeah, our faith is a great treasure’ and it’s not just like another option amongst options, but we are sitting atop a mound of gold that needs to be shared with the world.”Watch the Season 3 trailer below.
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Season 3 of EWTN hit series ‘James the Less’ to be released Feb. 14 #Catholic The third season of the award-winning online EWTN series “James the Less” will be released on Saturday, Feb. 14, on the EWTN YouTube channel.The first season introduced viewers to James Little, a student fresh out of college desperate for a job. James is an atheist. However, a “help wanted” sign on the church bulletin board catches his eye and entices him to interview for the position: handyman.James accepts the position at St. James the Less Church and starts to encounter Catholicism. Soon, James finds his ideals challenged by the no-nonsense pastor Father Lambert Burns and through his romantic pursuit of parishioner Anne-Marie.The second season showed James’ growing interest in Catholicism and more questions were answered regarding Anne-Marie’s mysterious past.James is played by Catholic artist and missionary Tanner Kalina, who has participated in ministries such as FOCUS, Ascension Presents, NET, and others.Kalina told EWTN News that in Season 3 viewers can “expect some closure in the story of James and what happens and all the open-ended questions that we have. I think you can find some very satisfying answers.”While filming these three seasons of the series, Kalina shared that the best part has been working with all those involved, “who put a lot of heart and creativity and fun and joy and prayer into it all and by the end everyone became a good, loving family.”He also pointed out that he has learned a lot from James while portraying him, including that the “faith is vibrant.”“It’s just a good reminder that inside all of our hearts we’re aching and longing for the Lord and we’re longing for a guide to just invite us and to bring us to the Lord,” he added. “So playing James has kind of reawakened that reality to me … and that when we just speak truth and when we just put someone in front of Jesus, then it awakens something very deep within someone.”Kalina also pointed out the recent growth in interest among Gen Z in the Catholic faith and the need to provide these individuals with “good content that is rooted in the truth of the faith, that’s rooted in the joy of the faith, and that is something that actually not only feeds the intellect and feeds the time and feeds the scroll, but really feeds the heart.”“So, my hope is that as the younger generation stumbles upon this, it can be an avenue that they can find good content that really feeds them,” he added.He also said he hopes viewers are left “smiling” after watching the series.“I hope that they’re having fun and falling in love with these characters and recognizing that like, ‘Oh yeah, our faith is a great treasure’ and it’s not just like another option amongst options, but we are sitting atop a mound of gold that needs to be shared with the world.”Watch the Season 3 trailer below.

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The first season introduced viewers to James Little, a student fresh out of college desperate for a job.

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Pew report finds Christians are often largest group in the world’s most religiously diverse places #Catholic The Pew Research Center released a report examining the most and least religiously diverse countries and territories across the globe.The Feb. 12 report found that the United States is not among the 10 most religiously diverse countries in the world, but when examining only the 10 most populous nations, the U.S. ranks first in religious diversity.The report, “Religious Diversity Around the World,” describes levels of religious diversity in 201 countries and territories. It measures how evenly each country’s population is distributed among seven groups including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, adherents of all other religions, and people with no religious affiliation.The research is part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project, which analyzes religious change and its impact on societies around the world.Most of the analysis is from Pew’s Religious Diversity Index (RDI). Pew calculated the religious diversity of 201 areas that together are home to 99.98% of the world’s population based on the size of seven religious groups to give them scores for religious diversity. In the world’s most religiously diverse places, Christians are often the largest group, a Feb. 12, 2026, Pew Research Center report finds. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center Overall, religious diversity levels around the world did not substantially change  between 2010 and 2020, as the religious composition of most countries remained fairly stable, the report said. The research found that while some places around the world have diverse populations of religious groups, it is more common for nations to primarily consist of a single religious group.In 194 countries and territories, 50% or more of the population falls into one religious category, the report said. This includes 43 places where at least 95% of the population is in the same religious group. These places are predominantly Muslim (25), Christian (17), or Buddhist (1).Most religiously diverse countriesThe research found that Singapore is the most religiously diverse country overall, while the United States ranks 32nd.In the world’s most religiously diverse places, Christians are often the largest group. Out of the 10 most religiously diverse counties overall, half have a majority Christian population, the report said.Singapore is the world’s most religiously diverse country as of 2020, with Buddhists (31%) as the largest religious group, the report said. Its population also includes substantial shares of religiously unaffiliated people (20%), Christians (19%), Muslims (16%), Hindus (5%), and adherents of all other religions (9%), the report said.Most of the other places in the top 10 are in the Asia-Pacific region or sub-Saharan Africa region including Suriname, Taiwan, South Korea, Mauritius, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Benin, Australia, and France. A Pew Research Center report Feb. 12, 2026, identifies 10 countries where 90% of the population falls most evenly into a pair of religious categories. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center France is the only European country in the top 10 list. Its population is largely Christian (46%) and religiously unaffiliated (43%). In Suriname, another country in the top 10, about half of its residents (53%) are Christians and the rest are mainly Hindus (22%), Muslims (13%), and religiously unaffiliated people (8%). Christians are also the largest groups in Togo (57%), Benin (53%), and Australia (47%), which all fall in the top 10 most diverse places, the report said.Least religiously diverse countriesThe Middle East-North Africa region was found to be the least diverse of the regions Pew studied, with a population that is 94% Muslim. This region includes five of the world’s 10 least religiously diverse countries and territories.Eight of the least religiously diverse places have populations that are almost entirely Muslim, including Tunisia, Iraq, Western Sahara, Morocco, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Yemen, which all have a Muslim population of more than 99%, the report said.The other two countries with the least diverse scores were found to have very high majorities of Christians including Moldova and Timor-Lester, which both have populations made up of 99.5% of Christians.U.S. ranks high for religious diversity among largest nationsThe United States is not among the 10 most religiously diverse countries in the world, ranking 32nd overall. However, the U.S. is the most religiously diverse nation among the most populous countries, each of which has a population of at least 120 million. It is followed by Nigeria, Russia, India, and Brazil, the report said.Christians make up an estimated 64% of the U.S. population as of 2020, while religiously unaffiliated people account for about 30%, the report said. The remaining 6% are Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and people who practice other religions, the report said.The research showed the growth of religiously unaffiliated people and the decline of the Christian majority by 14% in the U.S. yielded an increase in the country’s religious diversity between 2010 and 2020.Nigeria is the second-most religiously diverse of the largely populated countries and is among the nations where 90% of the population is fairly evenly divided between two religious categories, the report said. The most populous religious groups in Nigeria are Muslims (56%) and Christians (43%), the report said.Out of the other nine countries where most of the population falls most into a pair of religious categories, seven include Christianity among the two religious groups. Eritrea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Uruguay, Estonia, Chad, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia, all include Christianity and one other group as their top religious groups as of 2020, the report said.Pakistan was found to be the least religiously diverse among the most populous countries, with Muslims making up a high majority (97%) of its residents.
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Pew report finds Christians are often largest group in the world’s most religiously diverse places #Catholic The Pew Research Center released a report examining the most and least religiously diverse countries and territories across the globe.The Feb. 12 report found that the United States is not among the 10 most religiously diverse countries in the world, but when examining only the 10 most populous nations, the U.S. ranks first in religious diversity.The report, “Religious Diversity Around the World,” describes levels of religious diversity in 201 countries and territories. It measures how evenly each country’s population is distributed among seven groups including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, adherents of all other religions, and people with no religious affiliation.The research is part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project, which analyzes religious change and its impact on societies around the world.Most of the analysis is from Pew’s Religious Diversity Index (RDI). Pew calculated the religious diversity of 201 areas that together are home to 99.98% of the world’s population based on the size of seven religious groups to give them scores for religious diversity. In the world’s most religiously diverse places, Christians are often the largest group, a Feb. 12, 2026, Pew Research Center report finds. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center Overall, religious diversity levels around the world did not substantially change  between 2010 and 2020, as the religious composition of most countries remained fairly stable, the report said. The research found that while some places around the world have diverse populations of religious groups, it is more common for nations to primarily consist of a single religious group.In 194 countries and territories, 50% or more of the population falls into one religious category, the report said. This includes 43 places where at least 95% of the population is in the same religious group. These places are predominantly Muslim (25), Christian (17), or Buddhist (1).Most religiously diverse countriesThe research found that Singapore is the most religiously diverse country overall, while the United States ranks 32nd.In the world’s most religiously diverse places, Christians are often the largest group. Out of the 10 most religiously diverse counties overall, half have a majority Christian population, the report said.Singapore is the world’s most religiously diverse country as of 2020, with Buddhists (31%) as the largest religious group, the report said. Its population also includes substantial shares of religiously unaffiliated people (20%), Christians (19%), Muslims (16%), Hindus (5%), and adherents of all other religions (9%), the report said.Most of the other places in the top 10 are in the Asia-Pacific region or sub-Saharan Africa region including Suriname, Taiwan, South Korea, Mauritius, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Benin, Australia, and France. A Pew Research Center report Feb. 12, 2026, identifies 10 countries where 90% of the population falls most evenly into a pair of religious categories. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center France is the only European country in the top 10 list. Its population is largely Christian (46%) and religiously unaffiliated (43%). In Suriname, another country in the top 10, about half of its residents (53%) are Christians and the rest are mainly Hindus (22%), Muslims (13%), and religiously unaffiliated people (8%). Christians are also the largest groups in Togo (57%), Benin (53%), and Australia (47%), which all fall in the top 10 most diverse places, the report said.Least religiously diverse countriesThe Middle East-North Africa region was found to be the least diverse of the regions Pew studied, with a population that is 94% Muslim. This region includes five of the world’s 10 least religiously diverse countries and territories.Eight of the least religiously diverse places have populations that are almost entirely Muslim, including Tunisia, Iraq, Western Sahara, Morocco, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Yemen, which all have a Muslim population of more than 99%, the report said.The other two countries with the least diverse scores were found to have very high majorities of Christians including Moldova and Timor-Lester, which both have populations made up of 99.5% of Christians.U.S. ranks high for religious diversity among largest nationsThe United States is not among the 10 most religiously diverse countries in the world, ranking 32nd overall. However, the U.S. is the most religiously diverse nation among the most populous countries, each of which has a population of at least 120 million. It is followed by Nigeria, Russia, India, and Brazil, the report said.Christians make up an estimated 64% of the U.S. population as of 2020, while religiously unaffiliated people account for about 30%, the report said. The remaining 6% are Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and people who practice other religions, the report said.The research showed the growth of religiously unaffiliated people and the decline of the Christian majority by 14% in the U.S. yielded an increase in the country’s religious diversity between 2010 and 2020.Nigeria is the second-most religiously diverse of the largely populated countries and is among the nations where 90% of the population is fairly evenly divided between two religious categories, the report said. The most populous religious groups in Nigeria are Muslims (56%) and Christians (43%), the report said.Out of the other nine countries where most of the population falls most into a pair of religious categories, seven include Christianity among the two religious groups. Eritrea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Uruguay, Estonia, Chad, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia, all include Christianity and one other group as their top religious groups as of 2020, the report said.Pakistan was found to be the least religiously diverse among the most populous countries, with Muslims making up a high majority (97%) of its residents.

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Among the most populous nations, the U.S. ranks first in religious diversity. Singapore is the most religiously diverse country overall, and the U.S. ranks 32nd.

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Bishop offers guidance amid ‘staggering’ mental health crisis, especially among the young #Catholic “In talking to my pastors, it became crystal clear that there really is a crisis right now regarding mental health and emotional well-being, and in a special way for young people,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, told EWTN News in an interview discussing a pastoral letter he issued recently. “The scale and scope of this crisis are staggering,” he said in the letter titled “The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.” Burbidge explained that he hopes “to offer encouragement and guidance, in light of the teachings of Christ and the Gospel, to all who wish to confront and overcome the modern world’s challenges to mental health and well-being.”With depression now the leading cause of disability worldwide, and 1 in 5 American adults experiencing mental health challenges each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which the bishop cites in his letter, Burbidge told EWTN News that “there’s a real pastoral need for mental health counseling, and my pastors told me they don’t have the expertise” that many families need.The importance of counselors with a Christian perspectiveMany Catholic parents and couples seek out counseling, he said, but often the counseling “isn’t coming from a Christian or Catholic understanding of the world, where persons are oriented to God and to authentic human relationships and the development of virtue.”Understanding the world through the lens of faith is “the crucial factor — even in circumstances where such faithfulness seems in the eyes of the wider world to be desperate, foolish, or even absurd. Faith and trust in God are shown to be the keys to everlasting health and well-being for humanity,” Burbidge wrote in his letter.Faith, he told EWTN News, “helps us to get a glimpse of heaven even now … If that’s not a part of the counseling being provided, it won’t bring about the healing we’re seeking.”Regarding efforts in his diocese, the bishop told EWTN News he formed a mental health commission about a year ago, on which sit experts in psychology, theology, and mental health counseling.He said with the commission’s help, he hopes to soon issue an extensive list of counselors who have been vetted and recommended for the Catholic faithful in his diocese.Father Charles Sikorsky, LC, the president of Divine Mercy University, a Catholic school that offers graduate degrees in psychology and clinical mental health and whose graduates work in various capacities in the Diocese of Arlington, told EWTN News that psychology cannot be addressed properly without a “a Christian view, a Catholic view of the person.”“We’re incarnational beings,” Sikorsky said, “so we need to address the human but also the spiritual dimension of the person, who needs to be treated in a holistic way.”“The word psyche comes from Greek and means soul,” he continued,” so psychology is the science of the soul, and Christ is the divine physician. Any way of looking at or treating people that doesn’t include the entirety of the interior, spiritual life is not going to work. If you reduce a human person to just biology or experiences, it’s not going to work.”Lack of community the ‘culprit’ in the crisisIn his letter, Burbidge named a lack of community as a culprit in the mental health crisis.“We must be willing to connect with others. We are made for community and find purpose when given the chance to cultivate authentic relationships with others and practice virtues like compassion,” he wrote.“As people of faith, Christians have a particular responsibility to address the stigmas that prevent people from seeking help and to remove barriers that keep so many stuck in patterns of isolation and misery,” he wrote. Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, recently issued the pastor letter “The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.” | Credit: Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington Burbidge told EWTN News about community-building initiatives that leaders in his diocese have begun, especially since the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.“People learned quickly from COVID that being isolated, not being part of a caring fellowship, was a detriment to their growth and affected mental health,” he said.He described an increase in new programs throughout the Diocese of Arlington such as Bible studies, lectures, and programs such as That Man is You, a Catholic men’s leadership program.Sikorsky also cited a lack of connection and loneliness that are particularly prevalent in a society rife with “marriage and family breakdown” and in which technology separates people.“So many people are afraid to say they need help,” he said. “If the Church is what it needs to be and should be, it will be a place to experience a sense of belonging to something higher, where people can come to be loved and to be understood.”‘Suffering can be the cross’ that leads us to holinessThe bishop said that in addition to being in communion with others, those suffering from mental health problems must also realize they are beloved children of God, and their “severe distress, depression, or whatever it is, does not define who you are.”“You’re a child of God — that never changes,” Burbidge said. “Don’t identify yourself with that suffering.”“You don’t necessarily need to run away from the suffering, however,” he continued. “That could be the cross that can lead you to holiness. It doesn’t have to completely disappear for you to be well. Maybe you can get help, and still live a healthy, balanced life living with the anxiety or whatever it is you’re struggling with. If it causes a little suffering, it can be united to the Lord’s, and you can see it as a path to holiness.”Sikorsky echoed the bishop, telling EWTN News: “Our dignity is rooted in being children of God. Your dignity is much more than your struggle or the difficulties that you’ve had.”Burbidge is the latest American Catholic bishop to draw attention to the widening mental health crisis in the United States. In 2025, ahead of World Mental Health Day in October, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced an addition to its ongoing National Catholic Mental Health Campaign.“As pastors, we want to emphasize this point to anyone who is suffering from mental illness or facing mental health challenges: Nobody and nothing can alter or diminish your God-given dignity. You are a beloved child of God, a God of healing and hope,” the U.S. bishops said at the time.
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Bishop offers guidance amid ‘staggering’ mental health crisis, especially among the young #Catholic “In talking to my pastors, it became crystal clear that there really is a crisis right now regarding mental health and emotional well-being, and in a special way for young people,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, told EWTN News in an interview discussing a pastoral letter he issued recently. “The scale and scope of this crisis are staggering,” he said in the letter titled “The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.” Burbidge explained that he hopes “to offer encouragement and guidance, in light of the teachings of Christ and the Gospel, to all who wish to confront and overcome the modern world’s challenges to mental health and well-being.”With depression now the leading cause of disability worldwide, and 1 in 5 American adults experiencing mental health challenges each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which the bishop cites in his letter, Burbidge told EWTN News that “there’s a real pastoral need for mental health counseling, and my pastors told me they don’t have the expertise” that many families need.The importance of counselors with a Christian perspectiveMany Catholic parents and couples seek out counseling, he said, but often the counseling “isn’t coming from a Christian or Catholic understanding of the world, where persons are oriented to God and to authentic human relationships and the development of virtue.”Understanding the world through the lens of faith is “the crucial factor — even in circumstances where such faithfulness seems in the eyes of the wider world to be desperate, foolish, or even absurd. Faith and trust in God are shown to be the keys to everlasting health and well-being for humanity,” Burbidge wrote in his letter.Faith, he told EWTN News, “helps us to get a glimpse of heaven even now … If that’s not a part of the counseling being provided, it won’t bring about the healing we’re seeking.”Regarding efforts in his diocese, the bishop told EWTN News he formed a mental health commission about a year ago, on which sit experts in psychology, theology, and mental health counseling.He said with the commission’s help, he hopes to soon issue an extensive list of counselors who have been vetted and recommended for the Catholic faithful in his diocese.Father Charles Sikorsky, LC, the president of Divine Mercy University, a Catholic school that offers graduate degrees in psychology and clinical mental health and whose graduates work in various capacities in the Diocese of Arlington, told EWTN News that psychology cannot be addressed properly without a “a Christian view, a Catholic view of the person.”“We’re incarnational beings,” Sikorsky said, “so we need to address the human but also the spiritual dimension of the person, who needs to be treated in a holistic way.”“The word psyche comes from Greek and means soul,” he continued,” so psychology is the science of the soul, and Christ is the divine physician. Any way of looking at or treating people that doesn’t include the entirety of the interior, spiritual life is not going to work. If you reduce a human person to just biology or experiences, it’s not going to work.”Lack of community the ‘culprit’ in the crisisIn his letter, Burbidge named a lack of community as a culprit in the mental health crisis.“We must be willing to connect with others. We are made for community and find purpose when given the chance to cultivate authentic relationships with others and practice virtues like compassion,” he wrote.“As people of faith, Christians have a particular responsibility to address the stigmas that prevent people from seeking help and to remove barriers that keep so many stuck in patterns of isolation and misery,” he wrote. Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, recently issued the pastor letter “The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.” | Credit: Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington Burbidge told EWTN News about community-building initiatives that leaders in his diocese have begun, especially since the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.“People learned quickly from COVID that being isolated, not being part of a caring fellowship, was a detriment to their growth and affected mental health,” he said.He described an increase in new programs throughout the Diocese of Arlington such as Bible studies, lectures, and programs such as That Man is You, a Catholic men’s leadership program.Sikorsky also cited a lack of connection and loneliness that are particularly prevalent in a society rife with “marriage and family breakdown” and in which technology separates people.“So many people are afraid to say they need help,” he said. “If the Church is what it needs to be and should be, it will be a place to experience a sense of belonging to something higher, where people can come to be loved and to be understood.”‘Suffering can be the cross’ that leads us to holinessThe bishop said that in addition to being in communion with others, those suffering from mental health problems must also realize they are beloved children of God, and their “severe distress, depression, or whatever it is, does not define who you are.”“You’re a child of God — that never changes,” Burbidge said. “Don’t identify yourself with that suffering.”“You don’t necessarily need to run away from the suffering, however,” he continued. “That could be the cross that can lead you to holiness. It doesn’t have to completely disappear for you to be well. Maybe you can get help, and still live a healthy, balanced life living with the anxiety or whatever it is you’re struggling with. If it causes a little suffering, it can be united to the Lord’s, and you can see it as a path to holiness.”Sikorsky echoed the bishop, telling EWTN News: “Our dignity is rooted in being children of God. Your dignity is much more than your struggle or the difficulties that you’ve had.”Burbidge is the latest American Catholic bishop to draw attention to the widening mental health crisis in the United States. In 2025, ahead of World Mental Health Day in October, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced an addition to its ongoing National Catholic Mental Health Campaign.“As pastors, we want to emphasize this point to anyone who is suffering from mental illness or facing mental health challenges: Nobody and nothing can alter or diminish your God-given dignity. You are a beloved child of God, a God of healing and hope,” the U.S. bishops said at the time.

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In a recent pastoral letter, Bishop Michael Burbidge addressed what he sees as a “crisis” in mental health among Catholics, especially the young, and seeks to remove stigma over seeking help.

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Catholic colleges among best and worst for pro-life support, report finds #Catholic Some Catholic colleges ranked among the best for pro-life support for women, while others were among the worst for their ties to abortion clinics, a recent report found.In an audit of more than 700 Christian colleges and universities, the Christian Schools Project found that 1 in 7 Christian colleges referred students to Planned Parenthood for health care or future jobs, among other pro-abortion “infractions.”The report by Demetree, a branch of Students for Life of America (SFLA), called the Catholic connection to the abortion industry “shocking.”“Most shockingly, a portion of Catholic schools have forsaken their Christian values,” the report read, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion.One in 10 Catholic colleges had ties to abortion clinics, and about 25% of all the infractions were by Catholic universities.“Despite this, Catholic schools also had 24 ‘A+’ schools: the most of any denomination,” the report continued.The lowest grade an institution could receive was an “F” and the highest an “A+.”Among the Catholic schools receiving an “F” was Villanova University in Pennsylvania — Pope Leo’s alma mater, where he was known for his involvement in the pro-life club in his days at the university.Other Catholic schools that received a “F” included Boston College in Massachusetts; Carroll College in Montana; Loyola Marymount University in California; Sacred Heart University in Connecticut; Santa Clara University in California; Seattle University in Washington; St. Catherine University in Minnesota; University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan; and University of San Diego in California. Catholic colleges that received a “D” grade included Mount Saint Mary’s University in California; Saint Louis University in Missouri; and St. John Fisher University in New York.Paradoxically, Catholic colleges were also among the best schools for pro-life values and made up more than half of the top 10 best schools in the report.These schools don’t just avoid ties to Planned Parenthood but provide pregnancy support for student mothers in need. Benedictine College students hold pro-life signs at the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College The schools that leadAt the center of campus at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, sits a statue of an angel holding a child.Installed in 2017, the Memorial to the Unborn is one of the “unique” aspects of pro-life culture on Benedictine’s campus, according to spokesman Steve Johnson.Each year, busloads of students travel to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. But before they leave, they place roses before the memorial. Before Benedictine College students head off to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., they place roses on the campus memorial for unborn children. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College The student-led pro-life group, Ravens Respect Life, is a “major player” for the culture on campus, according to Johnson. The club helps fundraise for the local pro-life pregnancy resource center, while the campus ministry service team organizes volunteering. The pro-life culture is woven into classes as well, according to Johnson.“We have a pro-life School of Nursing and our graduates take that position out into the world and the hospitals and clinics at which they work,” he said.The school is also looking to further expand its pro-life medical education. Every year, busloads of students from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, head to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College “We are in the process of opening a proposed School of Osteopathic medicine,” Johnson said. “This new school will be the most pro-life medical school in the country and will focus on treating the whole person as a human being and not just treating the ailment.”At the University of Mary in North Dakota, a young woman carrying a toddler crossed the stage at graduation, shaking hands with the president, Monsignor James Shea, who gave the beloved baby Lucia a kiss on the cheek.Katie O’Meara (Chihoski) is one of several students who have received the support they need to complete their education as part of the university’s recently-launched maternity home program, the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, at the University of Mary. Student mom Katie O’Meara (Chihoski) walks the stage with her toddler, Lucia, by her side at commencement in 2024. Father Dominic Bouck, chaplain at the university, is pictured at left. | Credit: Mike McCleary/University of Mary Per a Jan. 27 announcement, the university has plans for a new residence hall following record enrollment, including a dedicated wing of the future hall for the maternity home.At UMary, motherhood doesn’t have to compete with education.“This St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers is a concrete expression of the University of Mary’s commitment to building a culture of life,” Vice President for Student Development Reed Ruggles told EWTN News. “It ensures that motherhood and higher education are not competing paths but complementary vocations.”As for the March for Life, “we treat it like a pilgrimage,” said Ed Konieczka, assistant director of University Ministry at the college.The university sends hundreds of students each year and even provides scholarships to help with the cost.Father Dominic Bouck, the University of Mary chaplain and director of University Ministry, told EWTN News that it comes down to formation.“The University of Mary forms its students for the whole of their lives so that they can learn to live well, then take this formation into their communities after graduation,” Bouck said. “We form them to be servant leaders so that they can go out and serve generously to all who need aid. We teach them the sanctity of human life through the Benedictine value of respect for persons and teach them to form community wherever they are at.”“As a Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine institution, the sanctity of human life is core to our beliefs, and we are not afraid to show that in our mission,” he continued.Belmont Abbey College, which also ranked in the top 10, has its own maternity home, MiraVia, as previously reported by EWTN News. University of Mary students hold a banner at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 2026. | Credit: University of Mary student photographer Regina Turner Why Christian Schools Project?Though schools like Benedictine, University of Mary, and others stand out for their pro-life work, the report found that many colleges fall short of their Christian values. Project leaders call on readers to reach out to colleges and encourage them to live out these values.“It’s simple: Either stop promoting abortion or stop claiming to be Christian,” said SFLA spokeswoman Mary Mobley.Over the years of doing Christian Schools Project, researchers have seen growth. Since 2024, “56 infractions have been remedied” thanks to the project, according to organizers.“For some schools, they may be unaware of their ties to abortion,” Mobley told EWTN News. “This report offers a chance for them to cut those ties — and to reaffirm their support for life by promoting pro-life resources.”But the project is about more than just cutting ties with abortion providers. University of Mary student moms involved with the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, University of Mary’s program for moms. | Credit: Photo courtesy of University of Mary “Being pro-life doesn’t just mean being anti-abortion; it means coming alongside women and supporting them, providing them with the resources they need to choose life,” Mobley said.“Humans are made in the image of God, and because of that, they have inherent value and worth — and their lives cannot be disposed of for the convenience of others,” Mobley continued.“It’s vital that Christian schools come alongside pregnant and parenting women, showing them that they are valued, loved, and supported — offering them the resources they need to choose life,” Mobley said. University of Mary students attend the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: University of Mary student photographer Regina Turner
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Catholic colleges among best and worst for pro-life support, report finds #Catholic Some Catholic colleges ranked among the best for pro-life support for women, while others were among the worst for their ties to abortion clinics, a recent report found.In an audit of more than 700 Christian colleges and universities, the Christian Schools Project found that 1 in 7 Christian colleges referred students to Planned Parenthood for health care or future jobs, among other pro-abortion “infractions.”The report by Demetree, a branch of Students for Life of America (SFLA), called the Catholic connection to the abortion industry “shocking.”“Most shockingly, a portion of Catholic schools have forsaken their Christian values,” the report read, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion.One in 10 Catholic colleges had ties to abortion clinics, and about 25% of all the infractions were by Catholic universities.“Despite this, Catholic schools also had 24 ‘A+’ schools: the most of any denomination,” the report continued.The lowest grade an institution could receive was an “F” and the highest an “A+.”Among the Catholic schools receiving an “F” was Villanova University in Pennsylvania — Pope Leo’s alma mater, where he was known for his involvement in the pro-life club in his days at the university.Other Catholic schools that received a “F” included Boston College in Massachusetts; Carroll College in Montana; Loyola Marymount University in California; Sacred Heart University in Connecticut; Santa Clara University in California; Seattle University in Washington; St. Catherine University in Minnesota; University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan; and University of San Diego in California. Catholic colleges that received a “D” grade included Mount Saint Mary’s University in California; Saint Louis University in Missouri; and St. John Fisher University in New York.Paradoxically, Catholic colleges were also among the best schools for pro-life values and made up more than half of the top 10 best schools in the report.These schools don’t just avoid ties to Planned Parenthood but provide pregnancy support for student mothers in need. Benedictine College students hold pro-life signs at the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College The schools that leadAt the center of campus at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, sits a statue of an angel holding a child.Installed in 2017, the Memorial to the Unborn is one of the “unique” aspects of pro-life culture on Benedictine’s campus, according to spokesman Steve Johnson.Each year, busloads of students travel to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. But before they leave, they place roses before the memorial. Before Benedictine College students head off to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., they place roses on the campus memorial for unborn children. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College The student-led pro-life group, Ravens Respect Life, is a “major player” for the culture on campus, according to Johnson. The club helps fundraise for the local pro-life pregnancy resource center, while the campus ministry service team organizes volunteering. The pro-life culture is woven into classes as well, according to Johnson.“We have a pro-life School of Nursing and our graduates take that position out into the world and the hospitals and clinics at which they work,” he said.The school is also looking to further expand its pro-life medical education. Every year, busloads of students from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, head to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Isabella Wilcox/Benedictine College “We are in the process of opening a proposed School of Osteopathic medicine,” Johnson said. “This new school will be the most pro-life medical school in the country and will focus on treating the whole person as a human being and not just treating the ailment.”At the University of Mary in North Dakota, a young woman carrying a toddler crossed the stage at graduation, shaking hands with the president, Monsignor James Shea, who gave the beloved baby Lucia a kiss on the cheek.Katie O’Meara (Chihoski) is one of several students who have received the support they need to complete their education as part of the university’s recently-launched maternity home program, the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, at the University of Mary. Student mom Katie O’Meara (Chihoski) walks the stage with her toddler, Lucia, by her side at commencement in 2024. Father Dominic Bouck, chaplain at the university, is pictured at left. | Credit: Mike McCleary/University of Mary Per a Jan. 27 announcement, the university has plans for a new residence hall following record enrollment, including a dedicated wing of the future hall for the maternity home.At UMary, motherhood doesn’t have to compete with education.“This St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers is a concrete expression of the University of Mary’s commitment to building a culture of life,” Vice President for Student Development Reed Ruggles told EWTN News. “It ensures that motherhood and higher education are not competing paths but complementary vocations.”As for the March for Life, “we treat it like a pilgrimage,” said Ed Konieczka, assistant director of University Ministry at the college.The university sends hundreds of students each year and even provides scholarships to help with the cost.Father Dominic Bouck, the University of Mary chaplain and director of University Ministry, told EWTN News that it comes down to formation.“The University of Mary forms its students for the whole of their lives so that they can learn to live well, then take this formation into their communities after graduation,” Bouck said. “We form them to be servant leaders so that they can go out and serve generously to all who need aid. We teach them the sanctity of human life through the Benedictine value of respect for persons and teach them to form community wherever they are at.”“As a Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine institution, the sanctity of human life is core to our beliefs, and we are not afraid to show that in our mission,” he continued.Belmont Abbey College, which also ranked in the top 10, has its own maternity home, MiraVia, as previously reported by EWTN News. University of Mary students hold a banner at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 2026. | Credit: University of Mary student photographer Regina Turner Why Christian Schools Project?Though schools like Benedictine, University of Mary, and others stand out for their pro-life work, the report found that many colleges fall short of their Christian values. Project leaders call on readers to reach out to colleges and encourage them to live out these values.“It’s simple: Either stop promoting abortion or stop claiming to be Christian,” said SFLA spokeswoman Mary Mobley.Over the years of doing Christian Schools Project, researchers have seen growth. Since 2024, “56 infractions have been remedied” thanks to the project, according to organizers.“For some schools, they may be unaware of their ties to abortion,” Mobley told EWTN News. “This report offers a chance for them to cut those ties — and to reaffirm their support for life by promoting pro-life resources.”But the project is about more than just cutting ties with abortion providers. University of Mary student moms involved with the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, University of Mary’s program for moms. | Credit: Photo courtesy of University of Mary “Being pro-life doesn’t just mean being anti-abortion; it means coming alongside women and supporting them, providing them with the resources they need to choose life,” Mobley said.“Humans are made in the image of God, and because of that, they have inherent value and worth — and their lives cannot be disposed of for the convenience of others,” Mobley continued.“It’s vital that Christian schools come alongside pregnant and parenting women, showing them that they are valued, loved, and supported — offering them the resources they need to choose life,” Mobley said. University of Mary students attend the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C. | Credit: University of Mary student photographer Regina Turner

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Some Catholic colleges ranked among the best for pro-life support for women, while others were among the worst for their ties to abortion clinics, according to a new report.

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U.S. bishops say multimillion-dollar Eucharistic revival bore spiritual fruit #Catholic Scene from the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. | Credit: “EWTN News in Depth”/Screenshot Jan 17, 2026 / 09:00 am (CNA). Catholic clergy and lay people reported a stronger devotion to the Eucharist after the National Eucharistic Revival.This week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the report for the National Eucharistic Revival Impact Study. Done in collaboration with the National Eucharistic Congress corporation and Vinea Research, the study surveyed nearly 2,500 lay Catholics, clergy, and Church staff during the summer and fall of 2025.The online survey asked questions about revival promotion, participation, and impact one year after the initial National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress. The price tag of the Eucharistic congress was more than $10 million, organizers said.“Never in my tenure of working for the Church have I seen such deep impact,” said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, in a press release. “The fruits of the National Eucharistic Revival are real, lasting, and will continue to shape the life of the American Church for years to come.”The revival, sponsored by the USCCB, launched in June 2022 with the mission to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist.”The three-year initiative, which concluded in 2025, included the 10th National Eucharistic Congress and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in 2024 and 2025.In a Jan. 16 interview on “EWTN News In Depth,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, said he was “extremely heartened” by the results of the study.“I had a sense that the revival had a big impact on people and especially on our Church,” he said. “But it was great to see that confirmed by the data and to see some of the actual statistics.”Impact on clergy membersOf 249 clergy members of priests and deacons surveyed, 49% reported feeling “more encouraged’ since the revival began. Specifically, 38% said they feel “somewhat more encouraged” and 11% said they feel “significantly more encouraged.”Nearly half, 48%, said they feel “more comfortable encouraging others to share their faith.”The research found the revival “refocused clergy on the Eucharist,” with the majority reporting changes to their pastoral approach since 2021. The report found that 70% of clergy reported a stronger “focus on the Eucharist in teaching [and] ministry,” and 69% said they have a stronger “emphasis on evangelization and outreach.”Clergy also reported personal advancements with their relationship with the Eucharist. More than half (51%) said their “time spent in personal adoration” is stronger now than it was in 2021. “I was so grateful when I saw that priests found it encouraging. They were encouraged by this opportunity to focus on the Eucharist,” Cozzens said. “I know so much more preaching and encouragement about Eucharistic devotion happened in our parishes during this time.”“If our priests are encouraged and they’re drawing closer to Jesus in the Eucharist, that’s going to help our people so much, and it’s going to help our Church so much,” he said.Impact on lay CatholicsAmong 1,758 of the lay Catholics surveyed, 874 were labeled as “national participants” who attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, National Eucharistic Congress, or both. “We wanted Catholics to come together and to experience more deeply a profound love for Jesus in the Eucharist, and then from that, to be sent out on mission,” Cozzens said. The study “showed that anyone who attended one of our National Eucharistic Pilgrimages or National Eucharistic Congress said they were 50% more likely to do outreach, to share their faith, to do some act of service.”“I think the thing that most stood out to me is that we accomplished our goal,” he said. “Our goal was really to bring about a missionary conversion of Catholics.”Another 425 of lay Catholics were “local participants” who took part in local processions, small groups, and revival-specific Holy Hours. Most (83%) of the laypeople surveyed who participated at the national or local level said their “overall level of faith” is stronger now than it was in 2021.The other 459 laypeople surveyed were “nonparticipating contacts” who did not participate in any revival activities. Most came from the USCCB’s newsletter distribution list and they were aware of the revival but not involved. Even though they did not directly participate, 79% reported their “overall level of faith” was stronger following the revival.When asked to compare their faith practices with those in 2021, lay Catholics overwhelmingly reported praying more, attending adoration more frequently, and going to confession more often.The research took a deeper look at how lay Catholics’ faith evolved, examining the changes in the level of “importance” of faith-related activities over the last three years. The greatest growth in importance was observed in volunteering and spending time in Eucharistic adoration.In 2021, 57% of lay national participants reported “spending quiet time in Eucharistic adoration” was “very important” or “extremely important” to them. Following the revival, the number had jumped to 76%. There was also an increase for local participants with a rise from 65% to 82%. Among those who did not directly participate, there was the largest increase from 49% to 69%.Continuing to spread the ‘fire’The bishops have confirmed that the country’s second National Eucharistic Congress of the 21st century will take place in 2029.“As we continue to strengthen the core of our faith and those people who are committed, and they begin to draw closer to Jesus from Eucharist, what the study showed is that they get on fire, and then they start to spread that fire,” he said.“It’s the way Jesus worked himself. Jesus certainly did preach to crowds, but most of the time he spent with his 12 apostles and with those people who were with him. Because if he could convert and strengthen them, then they could go out and convert the world,” he said.“I think that’s really the goal of the whole Eucharistic movement that we have now is strengthening those people so that they can become the witnesses that we’re called to be,” he said.
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U.S. bishops say multimillion-dollar Eucharistic revival bore spiritual fruit #Catholic Scene from the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. | Credit: “EWTN News in Depth”/Screenshot Jan 17, 2026 / 09:00 am (CNA). Catholic clergy and lay people reported a stronger devotion to the Eucharist after the National Eucharistic Revival.This week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the report for the National Eucharistic Revival Impact Study. Done in collaboration with the National Eucharistic Congress corporation and Vinea Research, the study surveyed nearly 2,500 lay Catholics, clergy, and Church staff during the summer and fall of 2025.The online survey asked questions about revival promotion, participation, and impact one year after the initial National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress. The price tag of the Eucharistic congress was more than $10 million, organizers said.“Never in my tenure of working for the Church have I seen such deep impact,” said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, in a press release. “The fruits of the National Eucharistic Revival are real, lasting, and will continue to shape the life of the American Church for years to come.”The revival, sponsored by the USCCB, launched in June 2022 with the mission to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist.”The three-year initiative, which concluded in 2025, included the 10th National Eucharistic Congress and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in 2024 and 2025.In a Jan. 16 interview on “EWTN News In Depth,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, said he was “extremely heartened” by the results of the study.“I had a sense that the revival had a big impact on people and especially on our Church,” he said. “But it was great to see that confirmed by the data and to see some of the actual statistics.”Impact on clergy membersOf 249 clergy members of priests and deacons surveyed, 49% reported feeling “more encouraged’ since the revival began. Specifically, 38% said they feel “somewhat more encouraged” and 11% said they feel “significantly more encouraged.”Nearly half, 48%, said they feel “more comfortable encouraging others to share their faith.”The research found the revival “refocused clergy on the Eucharist,” with the majority reporting changes to their pastoral approach since 2021. The report found that 70% of clergy reported a stronger “focus on the Eucharist in teaching [and] ministry,” and 69% said they have a stronger “emphasis on evangelization and outreach.”Clergy also reported personal advancements with their relationship with the Eucharist. More than half (51%) said their “time spent in personal adoration” is stronger now than it was in 2021. “I was so grateful when I saw that priests found it encouraging. They were encouraged by this opportunity to focus on the Eucharist,” Cozzens said. “I know so much more preaching and encouragement about Eucharistic devotion happened in our parishes during this time.”“If our priests are encouraged and they’re drawing closer to Jesus in the Eucharist, that’s going to help our people so much, and it’s going to help our Church so much,” he said.Impact on lay CatholicsAmong 1,758 of the lay Catholics surveyed, 874 were labeled as “national participants” who attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, National Eucharistic Congress, or both. “We wanted Catholics to come together and to experience more deeply a profound love for Jesus in the Eucharist, and then from that, to be sent out on mission,” Cozzens said. The study “showed that anyone who attended one of our National Eucharistic Pilgrimages or National Eucharistic Congress said they were 50% more likely to do outreach, to share their faith, to do some act of service.”“I think the thing that most stood out to me is that we accomplished our goal,” he said. “Our goal was really to bring about a missionary conversion of Catholics.”Another 425 of lay Catholics were “local participants” who took part in local processions, small groups, and revival-specific Holy Hours. Most (83%) of the laypeople surveyed who participated at the national or local level said their “overall level of faith” is stronger now than it was in 2021.The other 459 laypeople surveyed were “nonparticipating contacts” who did not participate in any revival activities. Most came from the USCCB’s newsletter distribution list and they were aware of the revival but not involved. Even though they did not directly participate, 79% reported their “overall level of faith” was stronger following the revival.When asked to compare their faith practices with those in 2021, lay Catholics overwhelmingly reported praying more, attending adoration more frequently, and going to confession more often.The research took a deeper look at how lay Catholics’ faith evolved, examining the changes in the level of “importance” of faith-related activities over the last three years. The greatest growth in importance was observed in volunteering and spending time in Eucharistic adoration.In 2021, 57% of lay national participants reported “spending quiet time in Eucharistic adoration” was “very important” or “extremely important” to them. Following the revival, the number had jumped to 76%. There was also an increase for local participants with a rise from 65% to 82%. Among those who did not directly participate, there was the largest increase from 49% to 69%.Continuing to spread the ‘fire’The bishops have confirmed that the country’s second National Eucharistic Congress of the 21st century will take place in 2029.“As we continue to strengthen the core of our faith and those people who are committed, and they begin to draw closer to Jesus from Eucharist, what the study showed is that they get on fire, and then they start to spread that fire,” he said.“It’s the way Jesus worked himself. Jesus certainly did preach to crowds, but most of the time he spent with his 12 apostles and with those people who were with him. Because if he could convert and strengthen them, then they could go out and convert the world,” he said.“I think that’s really the goal of the whole Eucharistic movement that we have now is strengthening those people so that they can become the witnesses that we’re called to be,” he said.

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Scene from the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. | Credit: “EWTN News in Depth”/Screenshot

Jan 17, 2026 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Catholic clergy and lay people reported a stronger devotion to the Eucharist after the National Eucharistic Revival.

This week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the report for the National Eucharistic Revival Impact Study. Done in collaboration with the National Eucharistic Congress corporation and Vinea Research, the study surveyed nearly 2,500 lay Catholics, clergy, and Church staff during the summer and fall of 2025.

The online survey asked questions about revival promotion, participation, and impact one year after the initial National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress. The price tag of the Eucharistic congress was more than $10 million, organizers said.

“Never in my tenure of working for the Church have I seen such deep impact,” said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, in a press release. “The fruits of the National Eucharistic Revival are real, lasting, and will continue to shape the life of the American Church for years to come.”

The revival, sponsored by the USCCB, launched in June 2022 with the mission to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist.”

The three-year initiative, which concluded in 2025, included the 10th National Eucharistic Congress and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in 2024 and 2025.

In a Jan. 16 interview on “EWTN News In Depth,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, said he was “extremely heartened” by the results of the study.

“I had a sense that the revival had a big impact on people and especially on our Church,” he said. “But it was great to see that confirmed by the data and to see some of the actual statistics.”

Impact on clergy members

Of 249 clergy members of priests and deacons surveyed, 49% reported feeling “more encouraged’ since the revival began. Specifically, 38% said they feel “somewhat more encouraged” and 11% said they feel “significantly more encouraged.”

Nearly half, 48%, said they feel “more comfortable encouraging others to share their faith.”

The research found the revival “refocused clergy on the Eucharist,” with the majority reporting changes to their pastoral approach since 2021. The report found that 70% of clergy reported a stronger “focus on the Eucharist in teaching [and] ministry,” and 69% said they have a stronger “emphasis on evangelization and outreach.”

Clergy also reported personal advancements with their relationship with the Eucharist. More than half (51%) said their “time spent in personal adoration” is stronger now than it was in 2021.

“I was so grateful when I saw that priests found it encouraging. They were encouraged by this opportunity to focus on the Eucharist,” Cozzens said. “I know so much more preaching and encouragement about Eucharistic devotion happened in our parishes during this time.”

“If our priests are encouraged and they’re drawing closer to Jesus in the Eucharist, that’s going to help our people so much, and it’s going to help our Church so much,” he said.

Impact on lay Catholics

Among 1,758 of the lay Catholics surveyed, 874 were labeled as “national participants” who attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, National Eucharistic Congress, or both.

“We wanted Catholics to come together and to experience more deeply a profound love for Jesus in the Eucharist, and then from that, to be sent out on mission,” Cozzens said. The study “showed that anyone who attended one of our National Eucharistic Pilgrimages or National Eucharistic Congress said they were 50% more likely to do outreach, to share their faith, to do some act of service.”

“I think the thing that most stood out to me is that we accomplished our goal,” he said. “Our goal was really to bring about a missionary conversion of Catholics.”

Another 425 of lay Catholics were “local participants” who took part in local processions, small groups, and revival-specific Holy Hours. Most (83%) of the laypeople surveyed who participated at the national or local level said their “overall level of faith” is stronger now than it was in 2021.

The other 459 laypeople surveyed were “nonparticipating contacts” who did not participate in any revival activities. Most came from the USCCB’s newsletter distribution list and they were aware of the revival but not involved. Even though they did not directly participate, 79% reported their “overall level of faith” was stronger following the revival.

When asked to compare their faith practices with those in 2021, lay Catholics overwhelmingly reported praying more, attending adoration more frequently, and going to confession more often.

The research took a deeper look at how lay Catholics’ faith evolved, examining the changes in the level of “importance” of faith-related activities over the last three years. The greatest growth in importance was observed in volunteering and spending time in Eucharistic adoration.

In 2021, 57% of lay national participants reported “spending quiet time in Eucharistic adoration” was “very important” or “extremely important” to them. Following the revival, the number had jumped to 76%. There was also an increase for local participants with a rise from 65% to 82%. Among those who did not directly participate, there was the largest increase from 49% to 69%.

Continuing to spread the ‘fire’

The bishops have confirmed that the country’s second National Eucharistic Congress of the 21st century will take place in 2029.

“As we continue to strengthen the core of our faith and those people who are committed, and they begin to draw closer to Jesus from Eucharist, what the study showed is that they get on fire, and then they start to spread that fire,” he said.

“It’s the way Jesus worked himself. Jesus certainly did preach to crowds, but most of the time he spent with his 12 apostles and with those people who were with him. Because if he could convert and strengthen them, then they could go out and convert the world,” he said.

“I think that’s really the goal of the whole Eucharistic movement that we have now is strengthening those people so that they can become the witnesses that we’re called to be,” he said.

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Food assistance, housing top Catholic Charities’ policy wish list in 2026 #Catholic Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock Jan 2, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA). Many people who receive assistance through anti-poverty programs faced disruptions in 2025, and Catholic Charities’ wish list for 2026 includes government support for food assistance and housing.The largest disruption came in October when food stamps received through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were delayed amid the government shutdown. Funding for rental and heating assistance were also disrupted.Confusion about how to implement a memo in January from the Office of Management and Budget calling for a grant freeze also caused delays in funding related to health care, housing affordability, and food assistance.Luz Tavarez, vice president of government relations at Catholic Charities USA, said “people get nervous and scared” amid disruptions.Many Catholic Charities affiliates saw an influx in clients, especially during the shutdown, but Tavarez said there are “very poor people who rely on SNAP subsidies for their meals” and who “can’t get to a Catholic Charities [affiliate] or other food pantry for assistance” when it happens.Long-term eligibility and funding changes to SNAP were also approved in the tax overhaul signed into law in July. Previous rules only included a work requirement up to age 54, but the law extended those requirements up to age 64. It added stricter and more frequent checks for verifying the work requirements.It also shifted some funding responsibilities away from the federal government and to the states.Tavarez expressed concern about some of the SNAP changes as well, saying the government should end “burdensome requirements for individuals and states.”Under the new law, there are stricter rules for verifying a person’s immigration status for benefits. It also limited which noncitizens could receive SNAP benefits, which excluded some refugees and people granted asylum. Tavarez expressed concern about such SNAP changes, encouraging the government to permit “humanitarian-based noncitizens” to receive those benefits.Overall the 2025 tax law gave the biggest boost to the richest families while poorer families might get a little less help than before, according to the Congressional Budget Office.The bill added a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, and this will not take effect until 2027. Under the previous law, there was no work requirement for this benefit. It also shifts some Medicaid funding requirements onto the states.Tavarez said Catholic Charities has “concerns with how [work requirements are] implemented” moving forward but does not oppose the idea outright: “There’s dignity in work so the Church isn’t necessarily opposed to people working as long as there’s some opportunities for people to do other things and other issues are taken into consideration.”She also expressed concerns about funding shifts: “We know that not every state views things like SNAP and Medicaid as a good thing. We don’t know how states are going to balance their budget and prioritize these programs.”2026 wish listLooking forward to 2026, Tavarez said Catholic Charities hopes the government will restore full funding to the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program for food banks and bulk food distribution programs and ensure that funding is protected for school meals and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made policy changes in November that would focus its homelessness funding on “transitional” housing instead of “permanent” housing. This move is facing legal challenges.President Donald Trump’s administration initially sought to cut federal housing assistance and shift much of those costs to states, but this was ultimately not included in the final version of the 2025 tax law.In December, Trump promised an “aggressive” housing reform plan that focuses on reducing costs. At this time, the specifics of that proposal have not been announced. The increased cost to buy a new home has outpaced the growth in wages for decades.Tavarez said Catholic Charities is focused on housing affordability in 2026 and that the solution must be multifaceted. This includes “building and developing affordable housing,” “a tax credit for developers,” “more affordable housing units,” and subsidies and Section 8 vouchers for low-income Americans, she said.“We recognize that there’s a real crisis — I think everybody does in a bipartisan way — but there needs to be a real bipartisan approach and it’s going to require money,” Tavarez said.Tax credits and economic trendsSome changes to the tax code included in the 2025 tax law are geared toward helping low-income Americans.Specifically, the law reduced taxes taken from tips and overtime work. It also increased the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 and tied the credit to inflation, meaning that it will increase each year based on the rate of inflation.Tavarez characterized the changes to the child tax credit as a “win” and hopes it can be expanded further.The economy has been a mixed bag, with November unemployment numbers showing a 4.6% rate. In November of last year, it was slightly lower at 4.2%.Inflation has gone down a little, with the annual rate being around 2.7%. In 2024, it was around 2.9%. The average wage for workers also outpaced inflation, with hourly wages increasing by 3.5%, which shows a modest inflation-adjusted increase of 0.8%.
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Food assistance, housing top Catholic Charities’ policy wish list in 2026 #Catholic Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock Jan 2, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA). Many people who receive assistance through anti-poverty programs faced disruptions in 2025, and Catholic Charities’ wish list for 2026 includes government support for food assistance and housing.The largest disruption came in October when food stamps received through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were delayed amid the government shutdown. Funding for rental and heating assistance were also disrupted.Confusion about how to implement a memo in January from the Office of Management and Budget calling for a grant freeze also caused delays in funding related to health care, housing affordability, and food assistance.Luz Tavarez, vice president of government relations at Catholic Charities USA, said “people get nervous and scared” amid disruptions.Many Catholic Charities affiliates saw an influx in clients, especially during the shutdown, but Tavarez said there are “very poor people who rely on SNAP subsidies for their meals” and who “can’t get to a Catholic Charities [affiliate] or other food pantry for assistance” when it happens.Long-term eligibility and funding changes to SNAP were also approved in the tax overhaul signed into law in July. Previous rules only included a work requirement up to age 54, but the law extended those requirements up to age 64. It added stricter and more frequent checks for verifying the work requirements.It also shifted some funding responsibilities away from the federal government and to the states.Tavarez expressed concern about some of the SNAP changes as well, saying the government should end “burdensome requirements for individuals and states.”Under the new law, there are stricter rules for verifying a person’s immigration status for benefits. It also limited which noncitizens could receive SNAP benefits, which excluded some refugees and people granted asylum. Tavarez expressed concern about such SNAP changes, encouraging the government to permit “humanitarian-based noncitizens” to receive those benefits.Overall the 2025 tax law gave the biggest boost to the richest families while poorer families might get a little less help than before, according to the Congressional Budget Office.The bill added a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, and this will not take effect until 2027. Under the previous law, there was no work requirement for this benefit. It also shifts some Medicaid funding requirements onto the states.Tavarez said Catholic Charities has “concerns with how [work requirements are] implemented” moving forward but does not oppose the idea outright: “There’s dignity in work so the Church isn’t necessarily opposed to people working as long as there’s some opportunities for people to do other things and other issues are taken into consideration.”She also expressed concerns about funding shifts: “We know that not every state views things like SNAP and Medicaid as a good thing. We don’t know how states are going to balance their budget and prioritize these programs.”2026 wish listLooking forward to 2026, Tavarez said Catholic Charities hopes the government will restore full funding to the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program for food banks and bulk food distribution programs and ensure that funding is protected for school meals and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made policy changes in November that would focus its homelessness funding on “transitional” housing instead of “permanent” housing. This move is facing legal challenges.President Donald Trump’s administration initially sought to cut federal housing assistance and shift much of those costs to states, but this was ultimately not included in the final version of the 2025 tax law.In December, Trump promised an “aggressive” housing reform plan that focuses on reducing costs. At this time, the specifics of that proposal have not been announced. The increased cost to buy a new home has outpaced the growth in wages for decades.Tavarez said Catholic Charities is focused on housing affordability in 2026 and that the solution must be multifaceted. This includes “building and developing affordable housing,” “a tax credit for developers,” “more affordable housing units,” and subsidies and Section 8 vouchers for low-income Americans, she said.“We recognize that there’s a real crisis — I think everybody does in a bipartisan way — but there needs to be a real bipartisan approach and it’s going to require money,” Tavarez said.Tax credits and economic trendsSome changes to the tax code included in the 2025 tax law are geared toward helping low-income Americans.Specifically, the law reduced taxes taken from tips and overtime work. It also increased the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 and tied the credit to inflation, meaning that it will increase each year based on the rate of inflation.Tavarez characterized the changes to the child tax credit as a “win” and hopes it can be expanded further.The economy has been a mixed bag, with November unemployment numbers showing a 4.6% rate. In November of last year, it was slightly lower at 4.2%.Inflation has gone down a little, with the annual rate being around 2.7%. In 2024, it was around 2.9%. The average wage for workers also outpaced inflation, with hourly wages increasing by 3.5%, which shows a modest inflation-adjusted increase of 0.8%.

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Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

Jan 2, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA).

Many people who receive assistance through anti-poverty programs faced disruptions in 2025, and Catholic Charities’ wish list for 2026 includes government support for food assistance and housing.

The largest disruption came in October when food stamps received through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were delayed amid the government shutdown. Funding for rental and heating assistance were also disrupted.

Confusion about how to implement a memo in January from the Office of Management and Budget calling for a grant freeze also caused delays in funding related to health care, housing affordability, and food assistance.

Luz Tavarez, vice president of government relations at Catholic Charities USA, said “people get nervous and scared” amid disruptions.

Many Catholic Charities affiliates saw an influx in clients, especially during the shutdown, but Tavarez said there are “very poor people who rely on SNAP subsidies for their meals” and who “can’t get to a Catholic Charities [affiliate] or other food pantry for assistance” when it happens.

Long-term eligibility and funding changes to SNAP were also approved in the tax overhaul signed into law in July. Previous rules only included a work requirement up to age 54, but the law extended those requirements up to age 64. It added stricter and more frequent checks for verifying the work requirements.

It also shifted some funding responsibilities away from the federal government and to the states.

Tavarez expressed concern about some of the SNAP changes as well, saying the government should end “burdensome requirements for individuals and states.”

Under the new law, there are stricter rules for verifying a person’s immigration status for benefits. It also limited which noncitizens could receive SNAP benefits, which excluded some refugees and people granted asylum.

Tavarez expressed concern about such SNAP changes, encouraging the government to permit “humanitarian-based noncitizens” to receive those benefits.

Overall the 2025 tax law gave the biggest boost to the richest families while poorer families might get a little less help than before, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The bill added a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, and this will not take effect until 2027. Under the previous law, there was no work requirement for this benefit. It also shifts some Medicaid funding requirements onto the states.

Tavarez said Catholic Charities has “concerns with how [work requirements are] implemented” moving forward but does not oppose the idea outright: “There’s dignity in work so the Church isn’t necessarily opposed to people working as long as there’s some opportunities for people to do other things and other issues are taken into consideration.”

She also expressed concerns about funding shifts: “We know that not every state views things like SNAP and Medicaid as a good thing. We don’t know how states are going to balance their budget and prioritize these programs.”

2026 wish list

Looking forward to 2026, Tavarez said Catholic Charities hopes the government will restore full funding to the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program for food banks and bulk food distribution programs and ensure that funding is protected for school meals and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made policy changes in November that would focus its homelessness funding on “transitional” housing instead of “permanent” housing. This move is facing legal challenges.

President Donald Trump’s administration initially sought to cut federal housing assistance and shift much of those costs to states, but this was ultimately not included in the final version of the 2025 tax law.

In December, Trump promised an “aggressive” housing reform plan that focuses on reducing costs. At this time, the specifics of that proposal have not been announced. The increased cost to buy a new home has outpaced the growth in wages for decades.

Tavarez said Catholic Charities is focused on housing affordability in 2026 and that the solution must be multifaceted. This includes “building and developing affordable housing,” “a tax credit for developers,” “more affordable housing units,” and subsidies and Section 8 vouchers for low-income Americans, she said.

“We recognize that there’s a real crisis — I think everybody does in a bipartisan way — but there needs to be a real bipartisan approach and it’s going to require money,” Tavarez said.

Tax credits and economic trends

Some changes to the tax code included in the 2025 tax law are geared toward helping low-income Americans.

Specifically, the law reduced taxes taken from tips and overtime work. It also increased the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 and tied the credit to inflation, meaning that it will increase each year based on the rate of inflation.

Tavarez characterized the changes to the child tax credit as a “win” and hopes it can be expanded further.

The economy has been a mixed bag, with November unemployment numbers showing a 4.6% rate. In November of last year, it was slightly lower at 4.2%.

Inflation has gone down a little, with the annual rate being around 2.7%. In 2024, it was around 2.9%. The average wage for workers also outpaced inflation, with hourly wages increasing by 3.5%, which shows a modest inflation-adjusted increase of 0.8%.

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