The Church in America

Bishop Marcelo Margni led a procession and Mass to celebrate St. Teresa of Jesus, the secondary patron of the Diocese of Avellaneda–Lanús and the patron saint of Lanús. The event took place on Thursday, October 15, in the streets of Lanús and at San Judas Tadeo Parish.

The bishop was accompanied by priests, deacons, seminarians, and religious members during the procession. In his homily, Margni noted that St. Teresa is central to the religious identity of Lanús. He described her as a reformer of the Carmelite Order who sought to transform religious life to better reflect the following of Jesus. He encouraged the community to follow her example by creatively transforming structures and personal lives rather than merely complaining about existing realities.

The Nossa Senhora da Piedade Forania held an ordinary meeting on October 17 to discuss pastoral actions and preparations for 2027. The meeting included 27 participants, consisting of priests, deacons, and lay representatives from local parishes.

Vicar Forane Father Leonardo Moisés led the discussion, which addressed challenges such as a lack of commitment to pastoral activities and general discouragement regarding Church initiatives. Despite these concerns, participants noted that churches remain full and attendance at celebrations is strong.

The group discussed several upcoming priorities, including training for marriage witnesses and baptism ministers. Father Moisés is also planning the confession schedule leading up to Easter. Additionally, members discussed the 2027 Corpus Christi festival. Maria Amália, representing the Municipal Secretary of Culture, attended the meeting to coordinate with the group, as the festival is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of the municipality.

The Diocese of Erexim reported that Father Antonio José Scheffel died Saturday, October 17, from a sudden heart attack. He was 86 years old.

Father Scheffel lived at the Lar Sacerdotal near the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Seminary in Erechim. Born in Tapera, Rio Grande do Sul, on March 3, 1940, he studied philosophy and theology at the Seminário Maior Imaculada Conceição in Viamão before his ordination on July 13, 1968.

During more than 45 years of ministry, Father Scheffel served various parishes, including Carazinho, Campinas do Sul, Aratiba, Erval Grande, Sede Dourado, Benjamin Constant do Sul, and Mariano Moro. He also worked as a missionary for the Diocese of Goiás from 1995 to 1998 and lived among indigenous communities in Benjamin Constant do Sul and Getúlio Vargas during 2007 and 2008. He also provided assistance to camp farmers. In April 2014, he requested to be released from parish duties due to his age and health.

The Diocese of Youngstown has approved proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Church in East Palestine and Saint Patrick Church in Leetonia. Bishop David J. Bonnar made the decision following financial analysis, data reviews, and consultations with parish leaders and the diocesan Presbyteral Council.

The closures follow the November 2025 merger of Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Saint Patrick parishes into the new Saint Carlo Acutis Parish. Both Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick had ceased celebrating regular Mass times over the last year and previously served as secondary sites for baptisms and special Masses. The diocese cited aging buildings, fewer priests, changing demographics, and financial challenges as reasons for the decision.

Bishop Bonnar stated that the unified Saint Carlo Acutis community will allow the parish to pool resources and strengthen ministries. St. James Church in North Jackson will be relegated to profane but not sordid use. A final Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m.

Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown issued decrees on October 16, 2026, regarding OLOL East Palestine, St James North Jackson, and St Patrick Leetonia.

Nearly 90 deacons from the Diocese of Trenton gathered in Princeton on October 16 and 17 for their annual Convocation of Deacons. The two day event included a three part presentation by Father Jim Grogan, the pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Moorestown.

Bishop David M. O'Connell served as the principal celebrant and homilist during a Mass on Saturday morning. During his homily, the bishop thanked the deacons for their service to their parishes and the diocese. He told the deacons that their ministry extends beyond the altar and requires them to live the Gospel and practice the charity they preach by serving the poor, the suffering, and the lonely.

The Mount Carmel Guild recognized its 2026 honorees during its 31st annual gala on Oct. 16. Bishop David M. O'Connell offered the invocation for the event, which serves as the signature fundraiser for the Trenton diocesan agency.

The funds raised during the gala support the Guild's two primary outreach programs, Home Health Nursing and Community Support. During the event, Bishop O'Connell congratulated the honorees for their work in making the Guild effective throughout Mercer County and the Diocese of Trenton.

Bishop David M. O'Connell celebrated Mass with members of regional Altar Rosary Societies on Oct. 17 at St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church in Hamilton.

The annual gathering brings together members from parish Altar Rosary Societies in Burlington, Mercer, and Ocean counties. For 20 years, these groups have met to celebrate their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and their service to their local parishes.

Following the Mass, where Bishop O'Connell served as the principal celebrant and homilist, members attended a breakfast in the parish center.

Monsignor Polito Rodríguez Méndez, the Archbishop of Barquisimeto, called for unity and ecclesial fraternity during the central mass of FestiFe 2026.

Presiding over the liturgy, the Archbishop stated that the Church is built through hearts that love and hands that serve.

The Archdiocese of Barquisimeto began FestiFe 2026 and the third edition of the Bono Arquidiocesano on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

According to the Archdiocese of Barquisimeto press office, the events launched simultaneously at a shopping center to bring the communities of Barquisimeto and El Tocuyo together.

Louis Prevost shared his experience battling cancer and requested that people continue praying for the full recovery of his brother, Pope Leo XIV. Prevost stated that he believes the Pope is the leader the Church needs at this time.

During Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on October 17, 2026, Fr. Andrew King identified faith, love, and hope as the guides for achieving communion with God.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has released a directory of parish and community grief support programs to assist individuals and families navigating loss. The resources include various groups that meet either on a regular schedule or at specific times throughout the year.

In Fond du Lac County, Holy Family Parish offers a GriefShare group through Mary Denzin at 920-579-2788. SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital hosts a grief support group on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and can be reached at 920-926-4221.

Kenosha County programs at the Piasecki-Althaus Family Services Center include a grief support group on the first and third Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m., contact Judy Francois at 262-654-0937. A survivors of suicide support group meets the first and third Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., contact Debbie Rueber at 262-605-6722. The St. Alphonsus Bereavement Committee holds Grief Is Love Remembering meetings on the last Thursday of the month at St. John the Evangelist in Twin Lakes from 10 to 11:30 a.m., or at St. Alphonsus School in New Munster from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Contact Julie Seegers at 262-537-8087.

Lebanese faithful will walk from Byblos to Annaya on Sept. 26 to pray for Christian communities in southern Lebanon. The pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Charbel serves as an act of solidarity for families in border towns such as Rmeich, Ain Ebel, and Debel who have chosen to remain in their villages despite the dangers of war.

Organizer Anthony Jarjour, a native of Rmeich, told ACI MENA that the walk intends to unite prayers for those staying steadfast in the south. Jarjour noted that some families feel abandoned by the state and that many people are unaware that these residents continue to safeguard the country's borders simply by staying on their land.

Due to road closures, Jarjour is beginning a separate journey on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from Tyre. He will walk approximately 93 miles to reach Annaya by Saturday to participate in the conclusion of the pilgrimage. This follows a previous 112 mile walk Jarjour organized last year from Rmeich to Annaya.

Parishes are implementing ways to support mothers and babies, according to a report by The Leaven.

The OPC will host Appreciation Day on Nov. 5 for the archdiocese's 260 SECs and 70 Virtus facilitators.

Alli Bobzien writes that God is wild and free rather than a genie who grants wishes.

In the book Where Wonder Leads, author Eric Clayton applies Ignatian prayer to myths and fairy tales to guide readers through spiritual dangers.

The Archdiocese of Fortaleza has closed the front entrances of the Fortaleza Metropolitan Cathedral to prepare for revitalization work.

The construction focuses on the cathedral towers as a priority area. This work is part of a series of actions to prepare the temple for its 50th anniversary in 2028.

The four side entrances remain open for the faithful and visitors to enter the building.

The Diocese of Port of Spain shared a reflection on the Gospel of Luke regarding the Holy Spirit's role in assisting missionary disciples.

The reflection follows a recent visit from the Bishop of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who stayed with a local family and presided at Mass in a satellite chapel. After delivering his homily, the bishop told the family he felt inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The diocese connected this experience to the Gospel reading, which instructs believers not to be anxious about what they should say when defending their faith or evangelizing.

Cardinal Orani João Tempesta presided over a Mass on October 12, 2026, to mark the 95th anniversary of the Christ the Redeemer monument. The celebration at the Paineiras Visitor Center also observed the Solemnity of Our Lady of Aparecida and the 22 years of priesthood of the rector of the Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary, Omar Raposo.

During the liturgy, a new mantle created by artist Valéria Costa was presented and blessed before the coronation of the image of Our Lady of Aparecida. Sister Ana Maria carried the mantle, while Maria Clara carried the crown.

Omar Raposo stated that the practice of changing the mantle was inspired by the tradition of exchanging the mantle of Our Lady of Nazareth in Belém, Pará. The sanctuary plans to continue changing the mantle every year until the centenary of the monument.

Cardinal Orani João Tempesta presided over the investiture of 1,062 new extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at the Cathedral of São Sebastião on October 3. The ceremony brought together ministers from various communities across the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro to mark their commitment to serving the Eucharist and the sick.

Father Arthur José Torres da Conceição, the ecclesiastical assessor for the ministry, presented the candidates to the archbishop. He confirmed that the new ministers were nominated by their pastors and completed the training required by the Archdiocese. This group brings the total number of extraordinary ministers in the archdiocese to 10,701.

The Mass was concelebrated by auxiliary bishop Joselito Ramalho Nogueira, Cathedral pastor Cláudio dos Santos, and dozens of priests. The liturgy honored the martyrs of Cunhaú and Uruaçu, including Saint Mateus Moreira, the patron saint of extraordinary ministers in Brazil.

Comunidade Católica Shalom is holding Halleluya Solidário today, 17, at the Arcos da Lapa in Rio de Janeiro to provide free health, citizenship, and social assistance services to people experiencing homelessness and extreme vulnerability. The event aims to provide more than 2 mil services throughout the day.

The Diocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro reports that volunteers and professionals will offer medical and dental consultations, social worker support, and assistance with issuing identity cards and other essential documents. The program also includes hygiene and self-care services, such as baths, haircuts, and the distribution of prepared meals.

This social action is part of the celebrations for the 30 years of presence of Comunidade Católica Shalom in Rio de Janeiro. Previous editions of the project have assisted more than 10 mil vulnerable people and facilitated the collection and distribution of tons of non-perishable food.

The Diocese of Linares began its 46th Synodal Assembly on Friday, October 16, at San Miguel Arcángel College in Linares. The assembly, which includes members of the diocesan community, continues through Saturday, October 17.

The gathering focuses on a narrative of the synodal process from 2020 to 2026. Participants are meeting to review their shared history, collect lessons learned over the last several years, and determine future steps for the Church's mission based on the Gospel.

The assembly seeks to connect synodal experiences with the daily lives of parishes, pastoral communities, and pastoral agents to address current evangelization challenges. This process of communal discernment and listening has been part of the diocese's pastoral identity since 1979, when Bishop Carlos Camus established the permanent synod.

Father Uvaldino Cary Condori urged catechists and pastoral agents to announce Jesus Christ with authenticity and without fear of rejection during the Encuentro de Catequesis – Zona 5. The meeting brings together participants from the dioceses of Potosí, Oruro, and Tarija to discuss modern evangelization challenges and update faith formation itineraries.

During his homily, Father Cary warned that the desire for social acceptance can lead Christians to hide their convictions or pretend to be someone they are not. He stated that catechesis must form free and authentic people who live their Christian identity without fear. He called on those responsible for transmitting the faith to act with courage, commitment, and trust in God to reach people who have not yet heard the Gospel.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre has scheduled a 33-day preparation period followed by a Mass for Marian Consecration.

Bishop Adimir Antonio Mazali appointed Father José Carlos Sala as the director-general of Rádio Virtual FM, also known as Sociedade Rádio São José, in Erechim. The appointment was formalized in Decree No. 09/2026 signed by the bishop in early October.

The diocese officially communicated the change to the radio staff during a meeting on Friday, October 16, attended by the bishop, Father Sala, and station employees. As director-general, Father Sala will represent the Diocese of Erexim regarding the radio station and monitor its activities alongside the bishop.

Father Sala currently serves as the rector of the seminary located at the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Sanctuary Complex, where the radio station is also based. This proximity is expected to help him integrate the station's activities with the pastoral work of the diocese.

Bishop Adimir Antonio Mazali of the Diocese of Erexim is recognizing medical professionals for their service to life and human dignity. To mark Doctor's Day on October 18, the diocese instructed parishes and communities to include doctors in the intentions of weekend masses to pray for their mission and work.

Bishop Mazali noted that practicing medicine is a way to care for others, requiring sensitivity to welcome patients into their specific realities beyond just treating illnesses.

The diocese also maintains a presence in local healthcare settings through chaplains serving 3 hospitals in Erechim. These chaplains provide spiritual accompaniment to patients, families, and healthcare workers.

Msgr. Martin Sirju, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, honored the legacy of Slinger Francisco, known as The Mighty Sparrow, during a ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain on Friday, October 16.

During the event, Msgr. Sirju delivered Scripture readings from Luke 12:4-7 and offered a prayer based on Psalm 98. He expressed condolences to the family of the calypso singer and described Francisco as a local, regional, and international icon.

Msgr. Sirju noted that Francisco's music addressed diverse subjects, including World War II, Caribbean pride, education, domestic violence, and the history of slavery. He credited the musician with mentoring young calypsonians and producing songs that encouraged people to work toward a better Trinidad and Tobago.

Bishop Altevir da Silva, the bishop of the Prelature of Tefé, will visit the Diocese of Divinópolis from October 26 to 31.

The visit begins on Monday, October 26, with a welcome and a meeting with seminarians at the São José Diocesan Seminary in Belo Horizonte. On Tuesday, October 27, he will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit with representatives from the Divino Espírito Santo, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, and São Bento deaneries. On Wednesday, October 28, the schedule includes visits to the Imaculada Conceição Diocesan Sanctuary in Conceição do Pará and the São Sebastião Mother Church in Leandro Ferreira.

On Thursday, October 29, the bishop will celebrate Mass at the Sant’Ana Mother Church in Itaúna. His final days include a Mass at the Carmelo on Friday morning, radio interviews, and a visit to staff at the Diocesan Curia. The visit concludes on Saturday, October 31, with a meeting for the clergy at the Diocesan Curia.

The Diocese of Saginaw reports that this Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday.

Bishop Álvaro Chordi, an auxiliary bishop in Santiago, shared a reflection on his eleven years of missionary work in Chile. Marking the centennial of World Mission Sunday, Chordi described his journey from arriving as a priest in 2015 to his current role in the local Church.

He noted that his spiritual approach is influenced by the spirituality of Saint Charles de Foucauld, which emphasizes finding Jesus through a simple and hidden life shared with local people. Chordi stated that his appointment as auxiliary bishop four years ago was not an advancement, but a call to deepen his connection to the people of Santiago.

His pastoral work has taken him through various areas of the capital, including La Legua and the Franklin neighborhood. Chordi emphasized that authentic mission requires being close to working-class sectors, listening to victims, and maintaining a faith committed to justice.

The Diocese of Vacaria will host the II Romaria da Juventude on November 1, 2026, in Campestre da Serra. Organized by the diocesan youth sector, the event gathers young people from various parishes and youth movements to promote unity and spiritual growth.

The program begins at 9h with breakfast and a welcome, followed by a Solemn Mass at 10h30. The day includes prayer, music, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and a performance by DJ Moisés. Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Parishes and youth movements must confirm their number of attendees with diocesan organizers by October 22. Participants will pay a contribution of R$ 10,00 upon arrival to help cover organizational costs. Food such as sandwiches, pastéis, and pães will be available for purchase.

Cardinal O’Hara field hockey players will face Archbishop Carroll in the Philadelphia Catholic League championship on Oct. 28 at Neumann University.

The Lions seek their first league title since 2019 and aim to end a period of dominance by the Carroll Patriots. Archbishop Carroll has won the last five PCL championships and has won 31 consecutive league games, dating back to an O’Hara victory on Oct. 6, 2023.

O’Hara senior captain Sophia Gosseaux said the team is coming together and expressed confidence in meeting Carroll again. While Carroll secured a 4-2 victory against O’Hara on Oct. 7 to maintain an undefeated PCL regular season, the match was more competitive than their previous four meetings.

The Diocese of Youngstown is accepting applications for the principal position at St. Rose School in Girard. The school serves approximately 285 students in grades Pre-K through 8.

The principal will lead the school's administration and implement the curriculum while strengthening its Catholic identity. Responsibilities include managing professional development for teachers, student guidance, athletics, instructional technology, student discipline, and general building operations.

Applicants must be Roman Catholic, support Church teachings, and demonstrate leadership in educational settings. Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Steven Jones, Superintendent of the Office of Catholic Schools, by December 31, 2026. Interview dates have not yet been scheduled.

Rose O’Connor suggests that students transitioning from high school to college can maintain their faith by leaning on the values received from their families and parish communities.

Writing for The Monitor, O’Connor notes that the first few months of college can be difficult as students lose the immediate support of home and local Church communities. She observes that young people often face the temptation to believe they can manage life independently, which can lead them to prioritize other things over their relationship with Jesus.

O’Connor encourages students to remember that the Church remains a constant community of faith regardless of their location.

The Diocese of Greensburg has shared information regarding World Mission Sunday 2026.

The Diocese of Lexington encourages people to advocate for all human life issues through prayer and active work.

In a reflection, the diocese notes that the poor and vulnerable often become invisible to those with political and economic power. To counter this, the diocese suggests that people must raise the voices of those who are muted and make their presence known.

The reflection cites Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, who argued that neutrality helps oppressors rather than victims. The diocese states that every human life matters and that no single life issue should be ranked above another, but rather all issues should be linked together to ensure no part of the chain of life is weak.

During Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on October 16, 2026, Bishop Edmund Whalen said that God loves people enough to push them beyond their own perceived limits.

George Weigel reflected on the demolition of Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium and its impact on local memory. Writing for The Tablet, Weigel compared the ruins of the stadium to the biblical abomination of desolation, noting that the site once served as a significant location for baseball history.

The stadium's Art Deco facade was eventually removed following the demolition, which Weigel described as a desecration of memory. While the old stadium lacked modern comforts, its successor, Camden Yards, helped spark a return to classic baseball architecture. The original site in the Waverly neighborhood now contains Youth Development Park, a baseball field established through the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

Father James Rodriguez explores the concept of God's invisible work in a reflection for The Tablet, using the biblical figure of Cyrus the Persian to illustrate how divine providence operates through unexpected means.

Rodriguez notes that while the Creed describes God as the creator of all things visible and invisible, people often overlook the spiritual realities and hidden ways God works. He points to the prophet Isaiah and the Persian king Cyrus, who facilitated the liberation of Jews during the Babylonian captivity. This historical event allowed the people to return to Israel and eventually set the stage for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The reflection suggests that God chooses to remain hidden to preserve human freedom, allowing people the liberty necessary to love him. Rodriguez concludes that this hiddenness can make God feel absent during difficult times, despite his continuous presence in history.

Priests of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma gathered for their annual retreat from October 12 to 15, 2026. Led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo, the clergy met at the Bethany Center of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg in Lutz, Florida, for several days of spiritual renewal and reflection.

Rev. Hieromonk Raphael Strontsitskyy, M.S.U., the spiritual director at St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Stamford, led the retreat. The sessions followed the theme "Lex Credendi, Lex Orandi, Lex Vivendi," which translates to "As We Believe, So We Pray, And So We Ought to Live."

The retreat focused on the connection between faith, prayer, and daily life rather than academic study. Conferences explored how personal faith responds to God's call and how the Christian life serves as the visible fruit of that faith. Participants studied the Divine Liturgy as the central confession of the Church, alongside topics such as the Sacraments, repentance, personal prayer, and serving others with mercy.

Fr. Joel Thompson, SJ, of the Diocese of Georgetown, examined the sin of sloth and the virtue of diligence in the latest installment of a series on the seven deadly sins. He described spiritual sloth, or acedia, as the knowing neglect of good responsibilities and the tendency to view serving God as a burden.

Thompson noted that spiritual sloth can manifest as postponing a response to God, avoiding prayer, or neglecting those in need. He clarified that being busy does not prevent sloth, nor should tiredness, illness, or depression be mistaken for the sin. He also stated that feeling distracted or experiencing dryness during prayer does not necessarily mean a person is failing God.

The article addressed how social media scrolling can contribute to this spiritual state. Thompson explained that social media is designed to tap into brain reward systems to encourage use with little effort, often making it easier to watch videos than to engage in prayer or Church activities.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769–1852) lived a life of missionary service that began with a shift from contemplative life to active ministry. Born in southern France, Duchesne initially entered a Visitation monastery at age 18, despite her father's objections. The French Revolution forced her to leave the monastery when religious houses were closed, leading her to focus on charitable work for the poor and prisoners.

After an unsuccessful attempt to revive her original monastery following increased religious leniency in 1801, Duchesne joined the Society of the Sacred Heart. She joined the order after meeting its foundress, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, who accepted Duchesne's request to join the new missionary group dedicated to teaching and serving the poor. Duchesne later served in a Potawatomi mission during the mid-19th century.

Author William Paul Young has released a sequel to his novel The Shack, featuring a story about a grieving father who meets the man responsible for his daughter's death while on death row.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has designated December 8, 2026, as a national day of prayer and fasting to support the success of the country's 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by conference president Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the bishops urged stakeholders to work toward elections that are free, fair, and credible. They encouraged eligible voters to participate in large numbers to elect qualified leaders according to their consciences.

To prepare for the polls, the bishops asked dioceses and parishes nationwide to organize voter mobilization and civic education activities alongside the scheduled fasting and prayer. The conference also advised the faithful to follow the guidelines in its pastoral letter regarding the upcoming elections.

The Institute for the Works of Religion, commonly known as the Vatican Bank, appointed Giovanni Boscia as its new director general. Boscia, 55, assumed the role on Oct. 1, succeeding Gian Franco Mammì, who retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70.

Boscia will manage the daily operations of the bank, following the earlier 2026 appointment of François Pauly as president. While Pauly serves as a nonexecutive member providing oversight, Boscia handles the institution's day-to-day management. An IOR press release from July 15 stated the appointment is intended to ensure transparency and stability through a governance structure that separates supervisory, governing, and management functions.

The leadership transition follows a year of varied financial results for the IOR. The bank reported a net profit of 51 million euros for 2025, a 55.5% increase from the 32.8 million euros recorded the previous year. However, the Vatican also detected 78 suspicious activities involving accounts linked to the bank in April. Founded in 1942 by Pope Pius XII, the IOR manages the assets of the Holy See and serves as the central financial institution for Vatican City State.

Pope Leo XIV told students and faculty at pontifical universities in Rome to guard their hearts and avoid treating intellectual work as a mere collection of data. During a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 8 to mark the start of the academic year, the pope said academic study must connect with the experiences of ordinary people and the poor.

Reflecting on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, the pope described intellectual inquiry as essential to faith and mission. He noted that the apostle’s words appeal to reason, memory, and critical thinking. Leo warned that false teachers in every age exploit religious sentiments for personal interests, often pushing believers toward radical views that sacrifice the whole Gospel.

The pope encouraged professors and students to view their academic work as a service to the Church and the search for truth. He stated that reason and the willingness to ask questions, when guided by Scripture and Church tradition, are indispensable to the Christian faith.

Youth leaders from the four Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church eparchies in the United States gathered at St. Basil Seminary in Stamford, Connecticut, for a forum from October 9 to 11, 2026.

The Metropolitan Youth Committee organized the event, which Bishop Bohdan Danylo, the Ordinary of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, led. The forum included the Divine Liturgy and sessions for prayer and discussion among the representatives.

Superintendents of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the dioceses of Davenport and Des Moines issued a guest editorial regarding the state's investment in all students.

The Leaven reports that efforts are underway to improve how schools serve all students to ensure they are places where everyone is welcomed.

Priests gathered for a week of education and brotherhood, concluding the convocation with a business day, according to The Leaven.

The Donovan Catholic girls volleyball team defeated St. John Mary Vianney on Oct. 13 to end the Holmdel school's 41-match winning streak. The victory moved the Toms River team to a 15-3 record, marking the best start in the program's history.

Coach Glenn Jansen earned his 400th career victory during the match, which saw the No. 16 ranked Lancers overcome the No. 1 ranked Griffins. After losing the second set, the Lancers won the third set 25-19 to secure the upset. Jansen noted that the team showed resiliency by starting the final set with an 8-0 run.

The defending state champions enter the remainder of the season with several players appearing among state statistical leaders.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio reports that historical immigration restrictions contributed to the Great Depression by reducing the annual migration rate from over 800,000 people before 1922 to approximately 300,000.

This decline in arrivals caused a collapse in new construction because there were fewer immigrants seeking rental housing. Labor shortages in the manufacturing, construction, and agricultural sectors led to decreased salaries and a smaller labor pool. Additionally, slower population growth meant fewer consumers were available to purchase American goods, further depressing the economy.

DiMarzio connects these historical lessons to modern labor market effects caused by ICE enforcement. He cites studies from the Wharton School and the National Bureau of Economic Research regarding these effects, as well as a Brookings Institute study. That study found that in 86 surge cities involving 52,000 arrests, job losses extended beyond those removed; American-born workers and permanent residents lost nearly four times as many jobs as the individuals deported.

Emilie Townes explores the Christian practice of offering sufferings to God in a piece for U.S. Catholic. The discussion addresses how people respond to various levels of hardship, ranging from minor inconveniences like traffic to significant life events such as job losses or tragic personal losses.

Saint Monica Parish in Atlantic City has launched a new program called AC Gulls (God’s United, Loving, Lifelong Servants) to provide local seniors with fellowship, learning, and social activities. The program consists of weekly three hour meetings where participants can share their faith, listen to guest speakers, and play games.

A committee of five seniors, including parishioner Blanche Toole, designed the program to help older adults meet new people and spend meaningful time together. The idea began this past summer when Toole and other women in the parish expressed interest in playing Mahjong and requested to use the parish hall from pastor Father Robert Hughes.

The AC Gulls program is open to seniors of all religious backgrounds, including Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims. Parishioners Marilyn Kirkland and Maryanne Martin stated the program is designed to be inclusive to follow the call to love neighbors.

The film The Sheep Detectives, directed by Kyle Balda and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, offers a humorous perspective on Christian beliefs through the voices of sheep.

According to Nathaniel Hunter of U.S. Catholic, the movie features sheep describing God as an invisible shepherd and a lamb that builds things like a beaver and is made of bread.

Sr. Jennifer Wilson writes that people often miss meaningful moments because they prioritize phone use over simple gestures like a smile or a greeting.

Stephanie J. Peddicord writes in the National Catholic Reporter that Catholic voters should consider the protection of national parks as a specific Catholic issue during midterm elections.

Several United States Catholic bishops have issued statements regarding the importance of protecting voting rights ahead of the midterm elections on November 3.

Catholic activists are emphasizing the importance of voting and maintaining peaceful polling sites, stating that democracy is sacred and every vote should count.

Michael Sean Winters writes that Catholic higher education must engage with culture without becoming complicit in it to address the challenges of post-modernity, post-liberalism, and artificial intelligence overreach.

The Archdiocese of Newark will host a Thanksgiving and Farewell Mass for Bishop Michael A. Saporito at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A reception will take place afterward in the Archdiocesan Center Auditorium.