THE CATHOLIC PROJECT

at The Catholic University of America

An initiative from Catholic University to foster effective collaboration
between the clergy and the laity of the Church
in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis.

Watch Video

National Study of Catholic Priests: Wave 2

Morale, Leadership, and Pastoral Priorities

A follow-up to the largest priesthood study in over 50 years
looking at the Church's response to abuse.
Watch the presentation

Read Now

Current Projects

National Study of Catholic Priests

National survey of Catholic priests and bishops about the impact of the abuse crisis

National Eucharistic Revival

Catholic U. is fully engaged with the USCCB's call for renewed devotion to the Eucharist

Synod on Synodality

Catholic University participated in a synod series in the Spring of 2022

Diocesan Bankruptcy

Sharing Marie Reilly's work on diocesan bankruptcy

What We Do

The Catholic Project brings together clergy and laity to address the challenges that the Catholic Church faces in the U.S. As the bishops’ university, Catholic University is uniquely situated to bring about needed change in accordance with its mission, “to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world.”

The Catholic Project addresses accountability, transparency, evangelization, reform, and renewal. The facets of our work include education and formation, research, events, and media.

Our Work

News & Commentary

Unpacking news and information

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Stephen's Column

The Martyrs of Douai

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes about the English martyrs: “Cardinal Allen’s dream that the men of his College at Douai would return to England and bring her back… Read More

Sara's column

Ed Condon's 10 Rules for Dating

Every time I write something about dating in the Catholic world, I know that at a certain level, I am taking my future in my hands. Dating as a Catholic… Read More

National Study of Catholic Priests

The Future of the American Presbyterate

Stephen P. White reflects on the 2025 National Study of Catholic Priests: “The American presbyterate is united in its support for the family, for young people, and for evangelization. It… Read More

Stephen's Column

On the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

Stephen P. White of Catholic University reflects on the feast day of the Guardian Angels (October 2): “We should never take lightly the inestimable value of having been placed under… Read More

Podcast

The Invisible Vocations Crisis on Catholic Current

Stephen P. White of Catholic University appeared on the Catholic Current radio show with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. on September 18, 2025. He spoke about his piece on the invisible… Read More

Stephen's Column

A Bit of Gloomy Futurism

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes on “The United States will soon have more residents over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Social assistance programs… Read More

Uncategorized

Maranatha

Stephen P. White of Catholic University reflects on the turbulent times in America in September 2025: “The truth is, we are all living in the End Times and we ought… Read More

Stephen's Column

Verso l’alto

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes about going “to the heights!” in St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s words. “If climbing a mountain to catch a glimpse of the glory of… Read More

Collaboration Between Clergy & Laity

Over 50 years ago, Vatican II articulated the role of the laity in the Catholic Church in a document entitled Lumen Gentium. All members of the Church, not just the clergy, “contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church.” Lumen Gentium says pastors should “willingly employ” the “prudent advice” of the lay faithful, and “confidently assign duties to them” in service to the Church. With the help of the laity, “pastors can more clearly and more incisively come to decisions regarding both spiritual and temporal matters.“

The Catholic University of America is uniquely situated to be a place where laity and clergy can come together in a spirit of mutual respect and charity to address the most challenging issues of our times. We believe, in the words of Lumen Gentium, that by drawing on the contributions of all its members, “the entire Church . . . may more effectively fulfill its mission for the life of the world.”

Our Mission

A new state of affairs today both in the Church and in social, economic, political and cultural life, calls with a particular urgency for the action of the lay faithful.

— St. John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 3

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