Morning Briefing

As a labor case goes to the U.S. Supreme Court today, Newark priest Tim Graff says: "As a pastor, I hear the struggles of individuals and working families every day. Listening to their stories compels me to advocate for the dignity of each worker."

Wondering what this is all about? Read this: Catholic response to the 'Janus' labor union case

What are you doing for Lent?

We offer you a chance to enhance your prayer and reflection over these holy days using Sunday commentaries, articles, art and graphics from Celebration as well as from our sister publications, National Catholic Reporter and Global Sister Report. Visit all the resources on the Celebration page

NCR and its sister publications offer quite a few resources for Lent (and when appropriate, the Easter season):

• 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.

Here's NCR's latest story in the wake of the Parkland high school shooting: Catholic students join Florida school walkouts for gun reform. Stay tuned for more.

Commentary: Parkland shooting is an example of a social sin, says Susan Rose Francois.

Michael Sean Winters takes exception to a report of a "new Vatican financial scandal." His reply: "Bosh!"

Nancy Small wants to know: "Why, in this day and age, are Catholic Churches still proclaiming Scripture readings that support an understanding of women as subordinate?" She suggests: "Let's remove these texts from our lectionaries altogether."

Catholic bishops sever ties to Texas Right to Life, exposing rift over tactics and priorities. Texas Right to Life has called the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops a "fake pro-life organization." Read the bishops' conference statement here.

Women religious from six countries and three continents has questions on the Global Sisters Report panel called "The Life." This month the question they tackle is: What was your most challenging adjustment to religious life?

Reports say the Vatican and China are near a deal on church appointments that could lead to normalized relations. Hong Kong Catholics Condemn China-Vatican Deal

Jerusalem -- Church leaders lock the doors to Church of Holy Sepulchre. Catholics and Orthodox launch protest over a proposed property law and a Jerusalem municipality bid to make churches pay back taxes