There are 11 saints associated with the Catholic Church in the United States. None of them are of African descent. But, an initiative by the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans wants to raise the profile of six Black Catholics—women and men who the Church believes have saintly potential.

Read "Who will be the first Black Catholic saint from the United States?" at https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/01/21/black-catholic-saints-united-states-239730

With a growing shortage of priests, some Catholic parishes are thinking creatively about alternative models of pastoral ministry. Meet Elizabeth Simcoe, a lay woman appointed by her bishop to run St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany, NY. It's a demanding job that requires strong leadership and the ability to collaborate and listen. It's about being "pastoral" which isn't an attitude reserved only for ordained priests.

Prayer may seem complicated or frightening, but anyone can pray! James Martin, SJ, shares some useful definitions of what prayer is and what we can learn from each of them.

Fr. Bryan Massingale, professor of theological ethics at Fordham University, joins Matt Malone, S.J., to discuss yesterday's attack on the nation's capital.

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The hiddenness of St. Joseph's life can speak to those overwhelmed by the pandemic. Fr. James Martin, SJ, reflects on why St. Joseph is the saint we need as enter into a new year.