Once again, it’s time to play “Is this a mainstream news story?”

Actually, I don’t know if I have used that precise name in the past, but you get the idea. The goal is to discern why some events in the news are treated as important news stories — as opposed to being mere religion-market or even “conservative” stories — and others are not.

Let’s start here. With pro-abortion-rights and same-sex marriage performing Catholic Joe Biden in the White House, was this story big news? Here’s the Washingtonian headline, which was typical of many others: “Washington’s Cardinal Won’t Deny Biden Communion.”

Next question: After the fall of Roe v. Wade, were victories by pro-abortion-rights candidates and activists in “purple” states a big news story? Sample Washington Post headline: “Abortion rights advocates score major midterm victories across U.S.”

Next question: What about the election to pick the new leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops? The current New York Times headline proclaims, “U.S. Catholic Bishops Elect Leaders for Anti-Abortion Fight: The bishops said they would redouble efforts to end abortion; a new president and vice president are expected to continue the conservative leanings of the hierarchy.”

The answers to these three questions are “yes,” “yes” and “yes.”

Now, let’s look at a new development that — I would argue — could connect those stories. Here is the Catholic News Agency headline. “Archdiocese of Washington cancels Youth Rally, Mass for Life held at March for Life events.”

To cut to the chase: As I type this, I have not been able to find any mainstream news coverage of this story. Here is the CNA overture:

The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., announced that its annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life, which both typically take place in conjunction with the national March for Life in Washington D.C., have been canceled.

“After a consultation process that involved dialogue with other dioceses, ministry leaders, and the partners who assist the archdiocese in hosting the annual rally and Mass, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has decided not to move forward with hosting the larger multi-diocese rally,” a statement from the Archdiocese of Washington says.

The announcement comes about five months following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case that legalized abortion nationwide. The annual March for Life, which is now in its 50th year, began in opposition to Roe.

“During this consultation process, we heard from many dioceses who shared that they are turning their efforts to their state’s March for Life now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned,” the statement says. “We certainly support their local work and pray for their success,” the statement says.

OK, there are some complicated details here. Let’s look at some basic facts.

Yes, there will be a 2023 March for Life — even after the fall of Roe. At this point, that is a religion-news story, too. Catholic World Report noted:

The theme of the 50th annual march — which will take place on Jan. 20, 2023 — titled “Next Steps: Marching in a Post-Roe America,” seeks to orient the national pro-life movement as it moves to dismantle abortion across all 50 states.

Jeanne Mancini, March for Life president, said in opening remarks at an event to announce the theme that she believed the testimony of marching every year was critical in changing the hearts and minds of Americans and leading to the reversal of what many deemed to be “settled in law.”

Next question: Will the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., proceed with other worship events linked to the March for Life? The answer to that question is “yes.”

For example, there will be an arrival Mass on the evening before the march. Prayer vigils that night will end with a pre-march Mass the next morning, also at the Basilica. The celebrant has not been announced. Note to journalists: Will it be D.C. Cardinal Wilton Gregory?

OK, so what has changed? Let’s go back to the CNA news report.

According to the statement, the Youth Rally and Mass for Life had been held for over 25 years. According to the archdiocese’s youth ministry website, the Youth Rally aims to “encourage the youth participating in the national March for Life in their witness as disciples of Christ and promoters of the Gospel of Life.”

The Youth Rally is the archdiocese’s largest annual event, according to the website. Last year, the Holy See granted a plenary indulgence for any Masses that were held in the archdiocese during the March for Life, the website says.

So, there will be no massive rally for the Catholic students who flock inside the Beltway for the March for Life. However, the statement from the archdiocese also said:

“As difficult a decision as it was to cancel, we encourage groups traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National March for Life at the National Mall and to attend the Vigil Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception,” the statement says. …

Youth from the Archdiocese of Washington are still invited for a Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle Jan. 20, 2023, the statement says.

No massive rally and Mass. Students are invited to the morning Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Young people from the local archdiocese are invited to a different Mass? That would appear to be the case. Please correct me if I misunderstood something in that schedule.

I have some questions.

Will conservative Catholics see this decision as a sign of lessening Archdiocese of Washington support for the March for Life? After all, that massive arena rally had to be expensive. This could be a financial decision, period.

Will leaders off some Catholic schools who have, in the past, poured energy and cash into attending the March for Life choose to sit out this year because of this decision? After all, how many students could, realistically, fit into the Basilica pews during the pre-march morning Mass?

Will establishment Catholics — folks with connections in big newsrooms — say that nothing has really changed (especially if the friend-of-Joe Biden local cardinal takes part in that Mass at the Basilica) and there is absolutely zero story here?

Oh, and will journalists from elite media be looking for any signs of lessening attendance and support for the 2023 March for Life?

Stay tuned. That is, stay tuned if you follow Catholic news sources.

Oh, one more question: What would have to happen to turn this interesting decision into a “real” news story?

Just asking.

FIRST IMAGE: Screenshot from video of the 2022 Rally and Mass for Life.