Nativity Mission Center, pictured here in the 1970s, was founded by the Jesuits in 1971 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The center is now part of a coalition of 49 schools across the United States that follow its model for educating underserved children. (Photo courtesy NativityMiguel Coalition.)

Daniel Pérez had a transformative experience as a Nativity student. Today he leads their national coalition of schools.

by J.D. Long García October 14, 2021

Mr. Pérez is now the executive director of the NativityMiguel Coalition, a national network of faith-based schools that follow the Nativity model for helping children prepare for rigorous high school curricula.

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Faith, Short Take

I love Pope Francis. But his criticism of EWTN disturbs me as a journalist.

by J.D. Long García October 6, 2021

While criticism can go too far, veering into open partisanship and misinformation, calling criticism of the church “the work of the devil” is not an avenue for dialogue.

Faith, Faith in Focus

My Hispanic Heritage Month message to my newborn son: Don’t be ashamed of your Latin American roots

by J.D. Long García September 16, 2021

It is important to recognize and celebrate the history of Latinos in the U.S., especially in the church, where the majority of Catholics under 30 have Latin American roots.

Politics & Society, Short Take

Catholics: Haiti deserves your attention—earthquake or not

by J.D. Long García August 18, 2021

I reported on recovery efforts after that 2010 Haitian earthquake. This is what I learned (and why you should care).

Pope Francis greets Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Conn., during a meeting with U.S. bishops from the New England States at the Vatican Nov. 7, 2019. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Faith, Interviews

Bishop Frank Caggiano wants to bring catechesis into the modern digital age

by J.D. Long García August 5, 2021

A new institute headed by Bishop Caggiano aims to help the church to reach a more diverse audience and reconnect with the disaffiliated.

Arts & Culture, Short Take

Baseball’s All-Star Game has a lot to teach American Catholics about Communion and unity

by J.D. Long García July 13, 2021

Intense competition can sometimes feel like clan warfare — and it’s all set aside in this celebration of baseball. The Catholic Church can learn from this game.