The 2000s were another period of significant change, not only for the Catholic Worker, but for the world as a whole. The September 11th terrorist attacks and the subsequent military campaigns were a major focus of the Catholic Worker throughout the decade. Similar to past decades, the 2000s were also a time where more long-term members of the Catholic Worker movement began to pass away. Ada Bethune, the longtime artist of many of the Catholic Worker's art pieces, passed away and was memorialized by the Catholic Worker newspaper. Another major focus of the Catholic Worker was the passing of Pope John Paul II and the subsequent papacy of Pope Benedict.
Terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001
American invasion of Afghanistan under the name Operation Enduring Freedom - October 7th, 2001
No Child Left Behind Bill - January 8th. 2002
Death of Ade Bethune, longtime artist for the Catholic Worker - May 1, 2002
US Invasion of Iraq - March 2003
Death of Pope John Paul II - April 2nd, 2005