‘I don’t think I have the bandwidth this year. I’m just going to try to be a patient mom and get everyone through this.’

After a year in which we have already given up so much, one could be forgiven for asking: Do we really need to give up chocolate, too?

You’re not alone this Lent.

Journey with America’s editors as they reflect on scripture, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“Jesus announces to us that God is not an idea or an abstract doctrine, but God is the one who ‘contaminates’ himself with our human woundedness and is not afraid to come into contact with our wounds,” the pope said.

The restrictions include church closures. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq March 5-8, and he has events planned in churches each day.

We must continue to deliver a timeless education using whatever new tools come to hand.

We must care for those who once cared for us.

Catholic schools can pivot in order to benefit the person.

We cannot end this pandemic anywhere if we do not end it everywhere.

Our nation has an empathy gap.

We have suffered trauma. We may do so again. But we will endure.

Online Mass has connected us to a wider church, but it will not replace our local parish.

Spiritual well-being. Parish life. The Economy. Mental Health. Catholic Colleges. Hard lessons from the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has unmasked some health needs and exacerbated others.

How does digital access cross the last mile?

Human dignity does not depend on having a job.

We need to see the economy in human terms.

We need ritual. All of us.

We must remain committed to serve the vulnerable.