Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Articles by Jonah McKeown

Rita Marker, prolific anti-euthanasia advocate, dies at 83

Nov 5, 2024 / 13:30 pm

Marker, a mother of seven, was appointed with her husband of six decades, Mike, to the Vatican’s Pontifical Council on the Family by St. John Paul II.

Sister Annella Zervas’ sainthood cause could be opened this month

Nov 4, 2024 / 15:25 pm

At their planned annual plenary meeting in Baltimore, which begins Nov. 11, the USCCB plans to discuss opening her cause for beatification and canonization.

Michigan man builds up the Catholic Church, one Lego at a time, for 25 years

Nov 4, 2024 / 06:00 am

Every year, for 25 years now, Kraemer assembles some 30,000 Lego bricks into a painstakingly intricate model of a Catholic church.

Bishop defends St. Michael’s prayer at Mass: ‘The devil has no influence’

Nov 2, 2024 / 07:00 am

In a letter to the editor published Oct. 21, Father Gerald J. Bednar wrote that the Vatican “suppressed this practice in 1964.”

Diocese bans ‘All Are Welcome,’ other hymns from Catholic Masses

Oct 31, 2024 / 15:40 pm

In an Oct. 24 decree, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight listed a dozen commonly used but “doctrinally problematic” Catholic songs that will be “absolutely forbidden.”

Court rules in favor of Jewish families regarding special education funding in California

Oct 28, 2024 / 17:20 pm

Becket law firm said the ruling makes it clear that California cannot continue to exclude Jewish families and schools from a federal special education program.

Storm leaves scores dead and widespread damage in the Philippines

Oct 28, 2024 / 16:05 pm

Tropical Storm Trami hit the island of Luzon, which includes the capital Manila, bringing two months’ worth of rain to some areas in just 24 hours.

Privacy in the confessional: Is your smartphone listening to your sins?

Oct 28, 2024 / 06:00 am

Could it be true that your phone is “listening” to your private conversations — including in the confessional?

UPDATE: Satanic Temple denies it intends to desecrate the Eucharist during planned ‘black mass’

Oct 25, 2024 / 17:20 pm

“The Satanic Temple Atlanta has not engaged in theft or illicit activity of any kind. Specifically, we have not stolen a consecrated host,” the group said Oct. 24.

10 states will vote on abortion on Election Day. Here’s a look at each

Oct 24, 2024 / 16:15 pm

Several of the state ballot proposals in front of voters threaten current pro-life protections, particularly a number of proposed constitutional amendments.

Seminary rector responds to ‘Conclave’ movie: why only men can be priests

Oct 24, 2024 / 06:00 am

“Conclave” bills itself as a star-studded mystery-thriller centered on the selection of a new pope for the Catholic Church, but its ending has drawn criticism.

Texas death row inmate, spared execution, barred from testifying to state lawmakers

Oct 23, 2024 / 14:05 pm

Robert Roberson was convicted in 2003 of the murder of his infant daughter, Nikki, whom he had brought to a local hospital with severe injuries.

Catholic election night coverage from EWTN News — here’s how to tune in

Oct 22, 2024 / 16:45 pm

EWTN News will offer extensive coverage on the night of the 2024 U.S. general election, and viewers can expect balanced reporting rooted in Catholic teaching.

Persecution of Christians worldwide has gotten worse, papal charity report says

Oct 22, 2024 / 15:45 pm

The Aid to the Church in Need report, which covers August 2022 to June 2024, states that human rights violations against Christians have increased.

Saintly superhero: When Marvel Comics told the life story of John Paul II

Oct 22, 2024 / 04:00 am

St. John Paul II, who led the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005, is one of the most compelling figures of the 20th century.

Diocese of Charlotte launches ‘sister parish’ program to aid recovery after hurricane

Oct 21, 2024 / 15:30 pm

Bishop Michael Martin noted that parishes need to be ready to help each other and the community even if they themselves did not suffer serious damage.

Atlanta Catholics plan prayer and reparation amid planned ‘Satanic black mass’

Oct 21, 2024 / 13:20 pm

The Satanic Temple is a political activist group known for protesting religious symbolism in public spaces and mocking Christianity.

Why is St. Luke the patron saint of butchers? Here’s a clue

Oct 18, 2024 / 04:00 am

Each of the four Gospel writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — has a special image associated with him. Luke’s is a winged ox. 

Virginia bishop urges caution on gambling amid push for new casino

Oct 11, 2024 / 13:25 pm

“Just be vigilant, everyone. Just be prayerful,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington said.

Numerous Florida parishes, ministry facilities damaged by Hurricane Milton

Oct 10, 2024 / 17:35 pm

Catholic parishes, pro-life pregnancy centers, and other ministries in Florida suffered significant damage from Hurricane Milton.