Aleja Hertzler-McCain
Aleja Hertzler-McCain is a reporter for RNS covering Latino faith and American Catholicism. Before joining RNS, Hertzler-McCain reported at the National Catholic Reporter and Sojourners, where she won awards from the Catholic Media Association and The Associated Church Press. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music and anthropology from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. Hertzler-McCain’s first languages are Spanish and English, and she also uses French and Portuguese in her reporting. She is based in Prince George’s County, Md.
All Stories by Aleja Hertzler-McCain
Montgomery County, Maryland, was most religiously diverse US county in 2023
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 30, 2024
(RNS) — Beyond the religiously unaffiliated, which represent slightly less than 2 in 10 (17.8%) residents, the largest religious group in the county was Black Protestants, who make up 10% of the population.
U.S. Latinas embrace spiritual practices outside traditional religion
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 29, 2024
(RNS) — Many U.S. Latinas have turned to sound healing while seeking spiritual practices outside of traditional religion.
A quarter of US Catholic parishes have a Spanish Mass, bishops’ survey says
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 22, 2024
(RNS) — The survey, conducted between April and August 2024, will be used by the conference as Catholic leaders work locally and nationally to implement the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry.
Latino evangelicals push for immigration reform ahead of election
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 12, 2024
(RNS) — With rising political power, Latino voters will make their voices heard on immigration, but Latinos, including evangelicals, are far from a unified bloc.
In surprise appointment, Bishop Henning to replace Cardinal O’Malley in Boston
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — August 5, 2024
(RNS) — Henning, who has led the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, for just over a year, will now lead an archdiocese of more than 1.8 million Catholics.
Interfaith protest confronts Christians United for Israel summit
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Jack Jenkins — July 30, 2024
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (RNS) — For nearly three days in and around Washington, D.C., an interfaith coalition challenged the pro-Israel messaging of pastor John Hagee and CUFI.
Mennonites march 135 miles to White House for Gaza cease-fire
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 29, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Outside the White House on Sunday (July 28), the core group of about 15 who had walked with Aidan Yoder every day from Harrisonburg, Virginia, had grown 10 times larger, all gathered in prayer for a cease-fire.
Ascension adds nine Illinois hospitals to string of sales
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 26, 2024
(RNS) — Thursday’s announcement is the latest in a string of other Ascension sale announcements as the system shifts focus to outpatient care and telehealth.
Catholic Rio Grande Valley migrant shelter wins victory against Texas AG
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 25, 2024
It's the latest legal defeat for a Republican-led investigation of Catholic migrant shelters.
Bishops close National Eucharistic Congress with challenge to ‘change our society’
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 22, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron told attendees, 'This great revival will have been a failure if we don't change our society.'
Single Catholics talk struggles of dating at National Eucharistic Congress event
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 21, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — Dating while discerning religious vocations was just one topic discussed at an event that also included conversations about the best place to meet other single Catholics and today’s gender dynamics.
Traditional Latin Mass at National Eucharistic Congress draws enthusiastic crowd
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 19, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — Despite restrictions, hundreds of Catholics came out to the first of two traditional Latin Masses offered at the National Eucharistic Congress, which will also feature four Masses in English, three Masses in Spanish and for youth, a Mass in Vietnamese and three separate Eastern Rite liturgies.
Catholics pray for unity as the National Eucharistic Congress begins
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 18, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (RNS) — ‘'We ask that through us a spirit of unity and peace would reign in our country,’ Crookston, Minnesota, Bishop Andrew Cozzens prayed.
National Eucharistic Congress, a Catholic mega-event, to kick off evangelization year
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 15, 2024
(RNS) — 'I have this sense that we as a nation are about to experience a profound breakthrough,' the Rev. Josh Johnson, an emcee of the congress, said.
Five faith facts about Trump’s VP pick, JD Vance
By Jack Jenkins and Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 15, 2024
(RNS) — If Trump is elected, Vance would be the second Catholic vice president in US history — after Joe Biden.
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