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 Healing Garden

The National Healing Garden for survivors of abuse will be on campus at Catholic University

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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Dating

Ghosted by St. Joseph

Sara Perla wrote a piece on praying for a husband… for 21 years (and counting). Read the whole piece.

Stephen's Column

When the New Things Come Again

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes on planting seeds. “The seed goes down into the ground. It dies. But then it rises again to bear much fruit. The bulb… Read More

Stephen's Column

Catholic Social Teaching, Human Ecology, and the Future of the Pro-life Movement

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes in the Human Life Review: “Insofar as Catholic social teaching provides a realistic account of the human person in all its social dimensions,… Read More

Stephen's Column

Do Lent!

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes on holding one another accountable during the season of Lent. “Of course, helping one another to keep our fasts, to say our prayers,… Read More

Stephen's Column

Snowed In and Blessed

Stephen P. White of Catholic University reflects on the snow days in Washington, D.C. “There’s something wholesome in the way a community shows its character when the comforts and self-sufficiency… Read More

Stephen's Column

Why We March

Stephen P. White of Catholic University reflects on the annual National March for Life in Washington, DC. “…the spiritual harm of abortion demands a response. Christ has given the definitive… Read More

Stephen's Column

Freedom in the Ties that Bind

Stephen P. White of Catholic University writes on the freedom that is discovered in commitment: “At times, it may seem good to be free of all of these constraints. But… Read More

Stephen's Column

Christmas Joy

Stephen P. White of Catholic University with a Christmas reflection: “In the dim light of the manger, with the star overhead, our spiritual eyesight is permitted, as it were, to… 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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