LOOP: Judge rules for Trump on church immigration enforcement

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 FEDERAL JUDGE SIDES WITH TRUMP ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT A federal judge yesterday ruled that a group of progressive religious organizations "lack standing" to sue the Trump administration over immigration enforcement at houses of worship. Only "a handful" of operations have occurred in or around churches, the judge ruled, and there is no evidence such institutions have been singled out or targeted.  READ CHRISTIAN WATCHDOG GROUP: BRIAN BURCH OFFERS HOPE TO MILLIONS International Christian Concern (ICC) is praising Brian Burch, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as Ambassador to the Vatican, for pledging to make the defense of persecuted Christians a top focus. "Brian Burch's bold stand against Christian persecution offers hope to millions under siege," ICC President Jeff King said.  READ RFK VOWS TO FIND AUTISM CAUSES BY SEPTEMBER  Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. this week made a bold promise: "By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic, and we'll be able to eliminate those exposures."  READ AD: LENTEN LESSONS: WHO CAN BE ORDAINED A CATHOLIC PRIEST? Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky explains just who can become a priest, what is required of these men, and the process that transforms them into shepherds of the faith. Learn more in today's Lenten Lesson on the Sacraments video.  WATCH FOR FREE KANSAS SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE UNBORN  Kansas lawmakers voted Thursday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's vetoes of two pro-life bills, making the state the fourth in the nation to require public schools to teach kids about prenatal human development.  READ AD: BUY THE WAY YOU BELIEVE—AND SAVE MONEY—WITH CHARITY MOBILE Support the pro-life cause with every call and text! When you switch your phone service to Charity Mobile, 5% of your monthly plan price goes to your favorite pro-life charity—at no extra cost. The Unlimited plan is under $50 before taxes and surcharges, and you can save even more on additional lines! Free phone offer for new customers with promo code LOOP.  LEARN MORE QUEENS MAN ARRESTED FOR HATE CRIMES AGAINST CHURCH A man was arrested for alleged hate crimes against Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, Queens. After such alleged actions as spitting in a holy water font and smashing a statue of Jesus, he was reportedly arrested for aggravated harassment, burglary as a hate crime, and other related charges.  READ CATHOLIC HOSPITAL: UNBORN BABY IS NOT A PERSON  A Catholic health care provider in Iowa is arguing, in an attempt to limit its financial liability in a medical malpractice case, that a baby who died in the womb at 35 weeks' gestation should not be considered a "person" under the law.  READ AD: HOLY WEEK SPECIAL Pray the Stations of the Cross, the Holy Rosary, and more.  SEE FULL SCHEDULE HOLY WEEK DINNER IDEAS During Holy Week, we eat less food, but the food we do eat can enrich the liturgical symbolism of these holy days. Here is a full menu for Holy Week that captures the spirit of each day.  READ DEAD LETTERS  Imagine a businessman claiming his contracts are "living documents" that can "grow" (when he adds things to them) after all parties have signed. Or a spouse who claims the same about his marriage vows. That's the absurdity of misunderstanding the concept of a "living" truth. So what about the living teachings of Christ?  READ LOOPcast  We're back with more tariff talk but even more sinister… China's been attacking us on the deep web? We bring you good news with good showers, good coffee, and good…villians? We talk about the USCCB and federal government break-up, and then give advice about actual break-ups. All this and more on the LOOPcast!  WATCH CATHOLIC 101  Great news! Catholics can receive a plenary indulgence by participating in the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Here's how. READ SAINT OF THE DAY Saint Teresa of Los Andes, inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, became a Carmelite nun at 19, lived a brief yet holy life centered on prayer, and was canonized as Chile's first saint after dying at age 20 during Holy Week. READ SATURDAY'S PSALM  "The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock." (Jeremiah 31:10)  READ SATURDAY'S READINGS  Saturday's Mass readings.  READ SUNDAY'S PSALM  "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (Psalm 22:2)  READ SUNDAY'S READINGS  Sunday's Mass readings.  READ ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA  Thomas Jefferson's tombstone does not mention that he served as President of the United States. Tomorrow, April 13, is his 282nd birthday. WITNESS  "In 2003 I was not Catholic, but found myself in Spain for Holy Week," writes education reformer Jeremy Wayne Tate. "I had never heard of a religious procession. But on my way home one night I got cut off by one. It was like getting mugged by history, tradition, beauty, and Catholicism all at once. It was glorious." SHARE  The LOOP is a publication of CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. The LOOP is organized, funded, and published by faithful Catholic laity. We do not claim to speak for any individual bishop or the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 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