Morning Briefing

With temperatures dropping below zero this week, area shelters are doing what they can to get everyone off the streets and into a warm bed. Catholics are on the front lines of this fight.

And here's a couple stories to get your 2018 started right:

• What's coming up in the life of the US church in 2018?
• Pope's New Year priorities: Refugees, youths, trips, more Curia reform
• An 86-year-old priest's 10 resolutions for the New Year
• Let us write the unwritten poems about the soul of America

The Vatican confirmed last week that Pope Francis has ordered an investigation into alleged financial corruption and other irregularities in the diocese of one of his top advisers, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa. Cardinal Rodriguez has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, stating that the accusations are an attack by those opposed to the Pope’s curial reform efforts.

Sr. Jeannine Gramick writes on Global Sisters Report: LGBT people: 'Sisters are on our side!'

Nigeria -- Nearly 50 days since they were kidnaped in Edo state, three reverend sisters are still held by their abductors, causing a concern in the Catholic Church.

George Town, Malaysia -- Local diocese opens Roman Catholic Museum

Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.

Or reflect on Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.