The Church in the United States

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined 145 diocesan priests from September 15 to 17 for the 2026 Convocation of Priests in Avalon. The gathering focused on priestly well-being, fraternity, and mission renewal.

Father Patrick McDevitt, president and CEO of St. Luke Institute, served as the keynote speaker and gave presentations on maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health. During a Mass on September 16, Bishop O’Connell told the priests that their ministry must be rooted in charity and selfless love rather than just efficiency or competence.

Several priests noted the importance of personal health for effective ministry. Father Stephen Sansevere, pastor of St. James Parish in Pennington, St. George Parish in Titusville, and St. Alphonsus Parish in Hopewell, stated that priests must be well to help others. Father Mark Kreder, pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Parish in Toms River, added that self-care allows priests to better serve their people.

Petrus Tschickel, a canon and successor to Pius Parsch, suggests that Parsch might not have approved of the current Roman Rite liturgy.

Parsch originally launched the People’s Liturgical Renewal to bring Christ to the people through biblical and liturgical updates. While many in Austria and elsewhere responded positively, Parsch eventually became more cautious. He realized his efforts reached only a small audience, as the St. Gertrud chapel remained a small space that did not require him to move to a larger location.

The liturgy focuses on the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of all things in Christ, according to Andrew TJ Kaethler. Writing for Adoremus, Kaethler suggests that while Catholic focus often emphasizes the incarnation, the eschatological dimension – the study of the end times and God's ultimate purpose – is central to liturgical theology.

Kaethler draws on the work of Eastern Orthodox liturgical theologian Alexander Schmemann to explain that eschatology serves as a dynamic inspiration for the entire Christian faith. Schmemann argued that the liturgy reveals eschatology in its fullness.

In this context, the eschaton represents the conclusion of history when God transforms the cosmos into the image of Christ. Kaethler notes that while the liturgy is centered on Jesus Christ, it specifically emphasizes the end, where Christ acts as the ultimate goal for all creation.

The upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen highlights his life as an example of faith, obedience, and love for the poor, according to OSV News. The Church recognizes Sheen as a man of heroic virtue as he approaches this formal recognition.

Sheen maintained a deep personal commitment to Jesus Christ through daily prayer. Upon his ordination, he promised to observe this daily practice, which informed his preaching and writings. OSV News reports that this devotion to prayer and study provided the spiritual foundation for his ministry.

The bishop has several scheduled appearances from September 20 to September 26.

On Sunday, September 20, the bishop will celebrate the annual Saint Padre Pio Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Vineland. He will attend the Mass of the Holy Spirit at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Later in the week, the bishop will participate in the National Migration Week Evening of Prayer at Saint Thomas More Church in Cherry Hill on Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. He will conclude the week on Saturday, September 26, by celebrating a Mass for the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater is celebrating 50 years since it was officially established as a parish in 1976. Originally led by Redemptorists, the parish transitioned to leadership by archdiocesan priests in 1996.

The parish is now part of the Pastorate of Our Lady, which it joined with Our Lady of Sorrows in West River in 2018. Father Michael Triplett, who has served as pastor for two years, noted that between three weekend Masses, approximately 450 to 500 people attend. The church also celebrates a weekend Mass in Spanish to serve its growing Hispanic community.

The community's history dates back to 1939 when it functioned as a mission church for St. Mary in Annapolis. After celebrating Mass at various locations including Cape St. Rose and local restaurants, the parish opened its first church building in 1952 in Woodland Beach. It celebrated its first Mass at its current location on Easter Sunday in 1980. Today, the parish operates a weekly food pantry and maintains a Respect Life committee.

On the September 19, 2026, edition of Register Radio, Daniel Payne discusses his book, Be Fruitful, regarding the Church's vision for marriage and family, while Jonah McKeown examines why some Catholic schools are removing screens from classrooms.

Noelle Javurek serves as the campus ministry coordinator for Warhawk Catholic at UW-Whitewater. Originally from Rockford, Illinois, and St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park, Illinois, Javurek holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Loras College.

Javurek credits her high school youth group with teaching her that God desires a personal relationship with her. This experience led her to seek out Catholic communities at Loras College and through Brew City Catholic and Warhawk Catholic. She stated that her faith challenges her to surrender each day to God's will, which she says brings her freedom and joy during her encounters with others in ministry.

Parishes in the Diocese of Camden are adopting Family Evangelizing Catechesis to involve parents more directly in their children's religious education. This approach, also called family faith formation, moves away from traditional models where children attend separate classes while parents remain uninvolved.

Father John Picinic, pastor of Christ Our Light Parish in Cherry Hill, said his parish is transitioning more fully to this model in the coming year. He noted that while older methods helped children build peer relationships, they offered limited opportunities to build a wider community involving parents and the parish. Father Picinic said this new approach allows parents to reclaim their role as the primary teachers of faith to their children.

Bishop Joseph A. Williams established a new role for Laurie Power to serve as the diocesan coordinator for Family Evangelizing Catechesis. Power is responsible for supporting priests and parish catechetical leaders who want to implement family-based models.

Father Raymond J. de Souza wrote that Archbishop Fulton Sheen faced significant suffering within the Church with grace, viewing those challenges as a necessary part of his discipleship and holiness.

An editorial in the National Catholic Register describes a priest's experience during the Consecration at a school Mass in Minnesota to illustrate what occurs on the altar.

The Catholic Worker movement bases its principles on prioritizing human dignity over profit, according to a report by Patrick Grady for Catholic New York. These guiding principles, which have shaped the movement since the mid-1930s, draw from the Works of Mercy in the Gospel of Matthew, the doctrine of the common good from St. Thomas Aquinas, and a rejection of capitalist ideals in favor of God's justice.

The movement first explicitly outlined these aims in the May 1936 edition of its publication. In that edition, Dorothy Day called on readers to act upon the social justice doctrines found in papal encyclicals. A central principle established during this time was voluntary poverty, which encourages using excess resources to assist those in need rather than accumulating wealth. This frugal lifestyle was intended to mirror the lives of Jesus and his disciples to sustain the movement's work and publication.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the keynote address at the 81st Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on October 15, 2026. Archbishop Emeritus of New York Cardinal Dolan will speak at the Waldorf Astoria New York during the event, which Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks will host for the first time.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch will receive the 2026 Happy Warrior Award. The annual event raises money for charities that support women and children in the Archdiocese of New York.

Katie Prejean McGrady discussed the legacy of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and his impact on Catholic broadcasting ahead of his upcoming beatification in St. Louis.

In an interview with The Good Newsroom, McGrady, who hosts the Celebrate Sheen pre-Beatification Mass show on The Catholic Channel, recalled her early exposure to the archbishop. She noted that while visiting her grandparents in Pineville, Louisiana, she frequently heard his teachings on VHS tapes played in their home.

McGrady described Sheen's work as a significant influence on her own interest in broadcasting and her spiritual development. The beatification ceremony is scheduled to take place in St. Louis next week.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral will host an immersive experience called Luminiscence that uses 360-degree video mapping, music, and storytelling to showcase the cathedral's architecture and history.

The program features narration by Jonathan Roumie, an actor from The Chosen. Select performances during the event will include a live orchestra and choir.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan shared a video reflection on Ember Days, the traditional periods of penance observed in the fall and spring.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester addressed the distinction between respectful interreligious dialogue and aggressive proselytism during an interview on EWTN’s The World Over with Raymond Arroyo.

Speaking on a new Vatican document marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Barron argued that the Church's commitment to dialogue does not replace its mission to preach the Gospel. He noted that Pope Francis has previously described proselytism as obnoxious evangelization characterized by an overbearing approach. Barron suggested that while the Church should remain kind and tolerant, it must continue to announce Jesus in a friendly and nonthreatening manner.

Barron expressed a desire for Church documents to place more emphasis on proclamation rather than debate. He stated that the Church exists to proclaim the truth in love.

Father Brent Bowman clarified that his tears during the consecration were the result of a personal spiritual experience after some online observers interpreted the moment as a Eucharistic miracle.

Br. Andrew Lyons, O.P., notes that early interpretations of the parable of the prodigal son viewed the story as a representation of two groups of people rather than two individuals.

Writing for Dominicana, Lyons explains that the Glossa Ordinaria, a collection of medieval and patristic Bible commentaries, interprets the parable as a reference to the Jews and the Gentiles. According to the Glossa, God the Father is the creator of both groups. The older son represents the people of Israel who remained faithful to the worship of one God, while the younger son represents the Gentiles who had abandoned God to worship idols.

Lyons observes that modern readers typically interpret the parable through the lens of individual sin and self-righteousness, whereas the earliest commentaries applied the details of the story to the relationship between these two peoples.

Clemens Cavallin explores the historical and theological role of sacrifice in his new book, Sacrifice: Religion and the Revitalization of Christian Life.

Cavallin argues that modern civilization attempts to eliminate sacrifice, which has weakened the understanding of sacrifice within Christian churches. He suggests that some within the Church try to reconstruct Christianity without it, but contends this effort will fail because humans have a fundamental need for sacrifice, a priestly office, and mediation with the supernatural.

The book examines how modern culture creates an illusion that peace can exist without addressing evil. Cavallin notes that when suffering and violence occur, many modern Christians feel bewildered because they rely on a secular narrative of steady material and social progress. He concludes that Christians must recover the centrality of sacrifice to understand civilization honestly.

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., attended an annual formation course for new bishops in Rome from September 2 to 13, 2026. The program, titled Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, gathered approximately 150 bishops who were ordained within the past year to discuss the theme of being guardians of human dignity during times of transformation.

The course included formal presentations led by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops covering different aspects of episcopal ministry. These sessions included discussions where participants shared their pastoral experiences, hopes, and concerns. Bishop Emilio noted that the event allowed him to connect with bishops from various cultures and pastoral settings to recognize their shared mission in the Church.

Carl Peters describes how the professional and courteous behavior of hospital staff provided a sense of compassion during a recent medical procedure. While waiting for a relatively minor surgery, Peters noted a sharp contrast between the distressing news he read on his phone and the attentive atmosphere maintained by the hospital workers.

Peters observed that the staff, including a valet attendant, receptionists, nurses, technicians, and doctors, acted with kindness and professionalism despite difficult weather or their own private concerns. He noted that the medical team treated him as if he were the center of their attention during his stay.

The Diocese of Venice partnered with Sarasota County Emergency Services to hold a commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery marking 25 years since the September 11 terror attacks. The event featured speakers including Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter from Engine 10, who described his experience arriving at the World Trade Center and his ongoing health struggles from inhaling toxic dust at Ground Zero.

Survivors and first responders spoke about the importance of marking the anniversary to honor those who died and to thank military members, veterans, and first responders. Father Jacob Gwynn of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples provided the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota led prayers of condolence in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes also participated in the service.

The 40 Days for Life campaign begins in Southwest Florida on Sept. 23, 2026, and runs through Nov. 1. Pro-life advocates will participate in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful public witness to support unborn children, mothers, and those affected by abortion.

The campaign starts with kickoff events in Fort Myers and Sarasota. The Fort Myers rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 in front of Planned Parenthood at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. In Sarasota, participants will gather at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24 in Father Fausto Hall at St. Martha Parish, located at 200 N. Orange Ave.

Organizers noted that the Naples Planned Parenthood facility is currently listed for sale. While this has provided hope that abortion services in Collier County may eventually close, local volunteers stated that the need for prayer remains high to help bring a permanent end to abortion in Naples.

The annual Hunger Bowl football game between Reitz Memorial and Mater Dei high schools raises tens of thousands of dollars for a local food pantry in Evansville, Indiana.

Msgr. Charles Pope wrote a guide for the Christian life that uses the vineyard as a lesson for staying faithful.

Scott Blackwood, the new head of school at Way of the Shepherd, shared his conversion to the Catholic faith during an episode of the program Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.

Blackwood, who grew up in southern California without a religious upbringing, said his interest in the Church began during college. He noted a fundamental difference in the lives of his Catholic friends compared to his atheist friends. His interest deepened after learning in a music class that Western musical traditions stem from Gregorian chant. He said the Church's music played a key role in his spiritual engagement.

Blackwood sought an institution with the full integrity of the faith and the correct doctrines guided by the Holy Spirit. He decided to explore the Catholic Church first due to encouragement from an Orthodox Catholic friend and the historical role of the Church.

Bishop David P. Talley will celebrate a Mass to honor all married couples in the Diocese of Memphis on Saturday, October 10. The vigil Mass begins at 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cordova.

The celebration includes a recognition of all married couples. A reception with food and desserts will follow the Mass in Room 108 at the parish.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As the first school in the Cristo Rey Network, it pioneered a model that has since expanded to 41 schools across the country.

Jackson Goodman shared a reflection on the meaning of the word family for Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time.

Bishops from Mexico, the United States, and Canada met in Cuernavaca, Mexico, from August 30 to September 4 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across North America. According to a joint statement, the participants addressed shared challenges including migration, evangelization, and maintaining human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

The bishops noted that while the three nations have different histories, millions of Catholics across these borders share the same faith and belong to one Church. They stated that national borders should not act as barriers between hearts. Migration was a primary topic of discussion, with the bishops agreeing it is a common challenge for all three countries. They reviewed the experiences of migrants in their home countries, during transit, and upon reaching their destinations.

The meeting included Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, president of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference, and Bishop Pierre Goudreault, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was Vice President Bishop Daniel E. Flores. Other attendees included Bishop Óscar Cantú, who leads the USCCB subcommittee on Hispanic and Latino affairs, and Bishop Eugenio Lira Rugarcía, who heads the human mobility ministry for the Mexican bishops.

Young Catholic Professionals Fairfield County and Catholic 203 hosted the second annual Young Adult Masquerade Gala at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. More than 220 young adult Catholics attended the event to raise money for the Foundations in Education Hardship Fund.

The gala raised over $16,000, which will provide full funding for four scholarships. These scholarships assist children in Catholic schools who are experiencing extreme or life-changing events.

The evening included a cocktail hour, a buffet dinner, and music from a DJ. Father Sam Kachuba, the Episcopal Vicar for Young Adult Ministries of the Diocese of Bridgeport, performed a short violin piece during the event.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated the funeral Mass for Msgr. Michael J. Walsh on Sept. 14 at St. James Church in Pennington. During the Mass of Christian Burial, Bishop O’Connell described Msgr. Walsh as a man who kept the faith throughout more than 53 years of priestly life.

Msgr. Walsh served as the pastor of St. James Church from 2012 until his retirement in 2021. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including members of the Walsh family, approximately 60 priests, and various deacons and laypeople from the diocese. Those who could not attend the service in person watched a livestream on the diocesan YouTube channel.

Archbishop William E. Lori blessed a new altar at Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Md., during a Mass on Sept. 11, 2026.

The school designed the altar specifically for use during all-school Masses. The new addition serves as part of a plan to improve the reverence of liturgies held for the student body, which can include 1,000 students gathered in a gym.

Archbishop William E. Lori dedicated the renovated St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fulton, Maryland, on September 17, 2026.

During the dedication ceremony, Archbishop Lori noted that the blessing of the worship space coincided with the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. In his homily, the archbishop referenced the saint's history of rebuilding the abandoned church at San Damiano to highlight the significance of the renovation.

Pope Leo XIV has repealed the salary cuts for cardinals and senior Vatican officials that were originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The papal decree, which the Pope signed earlier in September, was published on Sept. 14.

The decision ends measures established by Pope Francis in March 2021 through the decree A Sustainable Future. Those measures included a 10% salary reduction for cardinals serving in the Curia, an 8% reduction for heads and secretaries of dicasteries, and a general 3% reduction for other employees.

In his motu proprio, Pope Leo XIV noted that while the previous salary containment measures were necessary to address the pandemic, the Holy See and Vatican City State can now ensure economic sustainability through different means. He stated that he made the decision after consulting the Secretariat for the Economy. These provisions had previously undergone a partial amendment in June 2025.

Pope Leo XIV met with people during his weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 16, 2026. Colleen Dulle of America reports that the Pope and the Catholic Church demonstrate a strong ability to gather diverse groups of people to address essential human concerns.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio released a weekly message on September 18, 2026, encouraging people to seek mercy and let go of resentment.

The Archbishop noted that human hearts often struggle with restlessness and the burden of grudges. He referenced Saint Augustine to explain that God pursues people with patience and mercy. García-Siller stated that people should not let injuries or grudges define them, as their true identity is found in belonging to God.

The message also included a recent reminder from Pope Leo XIV that forgiveness prevents hatred from taking root in the heart. García-Siller concluded by asking Our Lady of Guadalupe to help people remember the mercy they have received.

The Archbishop's weekly messages are published in The New Messenger, a Friday morning newsletter for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Bishop Olson criticized the language used by Texas politician Bo French, calling it racist and sinful rhetoric. In an interview with America, the bishop stated that French's comments seek to cause harm and division.

The remarks follow an image that provoked a reaction from French, a candidate for public office. Bishop Olson said the comments are disturbing and noted that an apology is called for.

St. Bakhita House in Milwaukee joined Thrive for Life as its fourth House of Studies and its first location serving women on August 29. The ministry provides a supportive community for women who have survived human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and incarceration.

Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey R. Haines blessed the Peace and Healing Garden at St. Bakhita House during a celebration that included Mass at St. Martin de Porres. The garden serves as a space for prayer and reflection and features a new statue of St. Josephine Bakhita.

Anne Haines founded the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House in 2022. The ministry follows the Catholic Worker tradition of Dorothy Day to support women as they rediscover their dignity, identity, and hope.

Students at Marquette University High School are gaining media experience through the Hilltopper Media Collective, a student-led program advised by faculty. The group recently completed a three and a half hour live YouTube broadcast of a soccer game between the Hilltoppers and Kenosha Bradford at Hart Park in Wauwatosa on August 28.

The collective grew from a conversation in spring 2024 between students and faculty member Sean Raffaelli. While Tom Mussoline, who runs the MUHS Broadcasting Homeroom, originally planned to start broadcasts during the 2024-25 winter season, the group expanded its activities after the school hosted the 2024 Jesuit Soccer Classic. The program uses hands-on media work to help students develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence.

John Dougherty reports that the film Catherine Called Birdy, directed by Lena Dunham, highlights the shared human experiences between modern people and their medieval ancestors.

Catholics hold differing views on the rapid development of artificial intelligence, with some supporting calls from tech leaders to slow progress while others question those motives and warn of unintended consequences, according to Jonah McKeown of the National Catholic Register.

Ryan Franklin has started a new role as the director of sacramental formation at the Parish of Saint John Neumann in Cape May, New Jersey. A former environmental lawyer who practiced in Virginia, Franklin began his position this summer after spending several years teaching religious education and directing music at Wildwood Catholic Academy.

Franklin stated that a solo pilgrimage to Fatima in 2004 led him to begin discerning a call to the priesthood. He noted that after more than a year of serious discernment, he returned to New Jersey last December to serve his parish.

In his new role, Franklin will implement a new curriculum called Spirit of Truth, which utilizes sacred art and the personal testimonies of teachers. He expressed gratitude for the support from the parish community following the long tenure of his predecessor, Sister Kathleen Nuckols, IHM.

Rob Weinert-Kendt describes the Broadway production of Paranormal Activity as a spiritual event where the audience serves as the primary reason to attend.

Bishops, catechetical leaders, and publishers met at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois from June 29 to July 2 for the annual Convocation of the Institute on the Catechism. Sponsored by the USCCB, the event focused on how to support parents in their role of leading their families in faith through evangelizing catechesis.

The gathering addressed the importance of the family as a primary place where faith is shared and nourished. Participants discussed methods for helping families move beyond simple instruction to achieve a deeper communion with Jesus Christ.

Paul VI High School senior Grace Gutowski returned to running after recovering from stress fractures in both of her tibias. The injury was discovered following a poor performance at the New Balance Nationals in March, where she finished 218th in the 800 meters.

Gutowski underwent an emergency MRI that night, which revealed the fractures in her shin bones. She spent nearly four months resting and rehabilitating through swimming and biking. During her recovery, she focused on schoolwork and her involvement in the school's Italian Club and various music bands.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Turnersville recently held a celebration to honor parishioners aged 80 and older. During the Mass, members of the Faith In Action team greeted each octogenarian with a flower and escorted them to their seats.

Parish pastor Father Yvans Jazon told the attendees that they serve as the foundation of the parish community. He noted that while aging may make it difficult to attend Mass or participate in activities, their importance to the community remains unchanged. Father Jazon thanked the group for their years of prayer, worship, volunteering, and for raising their families in the faith.

The honored guests, along with their spouses and caregivers, attended a lunch in the Parish Center that included music and a time to share memories.

Bishop Robert Barron appeared as a guest on the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo Von, prompting viewers to share personal spiritual reflections in the episode's comment section.

According to Word on Fire, commenters expressed gratitude for the conversation, with some reporting that the podcast encouraged them to return to the Church or seek the sacrament of confession. One viewer noted that the discussion led them to attend Mass and go to confession after a long absence. Another listener, who recently converted to Catholicism, credited Bishop Barron's YouTube videos, sermons, and books as the reason for their conversion.

Jonathan Liedl reports for the National Catholic Register that the growing membership and political influence of the Democratic Socialists of America raise questions for Catholics regarding the Church's stance on socialism.

Pope Leo XIV has praised Dorothy Day for her commitment to social justice and her work with marginalized groups. In his May encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the pope listed Day among several figures whose dedication helped make history more humane.

The pope previously spoke about Day during a gathering of Jubilee pilgrims last November. He described her as a small but great American woman with fire within her, noting that she stood up for workers, migrants, and those discarded by the economy because she recognized that the country's development model did not provide equal opportunities for everyone.

Eric Cyr describes how indie rocker Craig Finn uses songwriting to build miniature worlds centered on broken characters. In an essay for Word on Fire, Cyr compares Finn's songwriting to J.R.R. Tolkien's concept of sub-creation, where artists act as little makers by working with the materials of God's handiwork.

While Finn does not use magic or invented languages, Cyr notes that the musician sketches detailed lives and environments within short songs. On Finn's latest album, Always Been, the songwriter expands these details to build a larger narrative around a single narrator. This character is a failed preacher and husband who describes losing his faith, his marriage, and his connection to the Church.

Shannon K. Evans of Franciscan Media suggests that people should reach out to a friend this week to combat loneliness and disconnection. The reflection notes that humans require friendship and camaraderie, yet often fail to seek connection when it is most needed.

The reflection includes a prayer asking the Holy Trinity for the strength to reach out to others and find communion. To put this into practice, Evans suggests contacting one friend to arrange a long conversation, either in person or by phone, within the next few days.

French writer Georges Bernanos authored the novel Diary of a Country Priest while living in Majorca in 1932. The book follows a sickly young curate who struggles with stomach cancer and the perception of being a drunkard because he can only consume bread and wine.

The protagonist experiences various challenges within his pastoral community, including parishioners who are bored and a countess who rages against God following the death of her infant son. The priest also faces a failed attempt to help a young girl who responds by trying to seduce him. Throughout the story, the priest deals with personal doubts regarding his ability to pray and his frequent mistakes.

Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood appointed David Nurnberg as its new athletic director in August. Nurnberg replaces Mike McCleary, who held the position for 28 years. McCleary will remain the boys' varsity basketball coach and a physical education teacher.

Molloy President Richard Karsten said Nurnberg is a Catholic school educator whose values align with the Marist tradition. Karsten described him as a respected leader and communicator who is committed to celebrating the school's history and alumni legacy.

Nurnberg is a native of Columbus, Georgia, and brings experience as a coach and athletics administrator to the school.

The Catholic Church requires the ashes of the deceased to be placed in a grave, a mausoleum, or a columbarium rather than being scattered. According to the Guidelines for Christian Burial in the Catholic Church, prepared by the National Catholic Cemetery Conference, ashes should not be scattered or disposed of in any way other than dignified interment or entombment unless a diocesan bishop directs otherwise.

The Order of Christian Funerals approved for the United States by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See includes prayers that refer to burying or entombing the ashes and returning them to the earth. While burial at sea is permitted for a body or ashes, federal law prohibits such burials within three nautical miles of land.

The Diocese of Scranton will host the sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Mass and Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Brodheadsville. The event brings together Hispanic Catholics from northeastern and north central Pennsylvania during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will serve as the principal celebrant for the noon Mass. Following the liturgy, a Marian procession will honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. International Catholic evangelist and speaker Salvador Gómez will attend to share a message of faith and hope with families and young people.

The celebration continues into the afternoon with a youth soccer tournament and fellowship involving food, music, cultural activities, and folkloric dance. This year's theme, "Unidos Somos Más" (United We Are More), highlights the diversity of the various countries and cultures represented within the diocesan Hispanic communities.

The Diocese of Scranton has launched its 2026-27 Catholic Ministries Appeal with a fundraising goal of $4.5 million. This marks the 40th annual appeal for the diocese.

The funds support various ministries across 11 counties, including Catholic schools, social services, media and communications, and parish life. The appeal also provides support for vocations and seminarians, which this year includes the reestablishment of Saint Pius X Seminary at the former Cathedral Convent in Scranton.

Parishes will hold Commitment Weekend to encourage donations. The diocese invites parishioners to visit AnnualAppeal.org to contribute or to learn more about the specific ministries the appeal funds.

The Diocese of Scranton presented Saint John Paul II Awards to three educators on Sept. 14, 2026, to recognize their 25 years of service in Catholic schools. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera and Kristen Donohue, the diocesan secretary for Catholic education and superintendent, presented the awards during the annual Diocesan Teachers’ Institute at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre.

The honorees include Deborah Brady from Holy Rosary School in Duryea, Candice Lee from La Salle Academy in Jessup, and Jeanine Queralt from Our Lady of Peace School in Clarks Green. Assistant Superintendent Christopher Tigue introduced the awards, noting that these educators serve as witnesses to the faith by leading students to know and serve God.

The celebration began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Bambera and included a keynote address and various sessions for teachers. Brady, who teaches sixth through eighth grades, noted she has observed significant growth during her time at Holy Rosary School.

Queen of the Apostles Parish held its annual Blue Mass and 9/11 Memorial Service on Sept. 11, 2026, to honor victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The event in Avoca brought together parishioners, local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, elected officials, and families for an evening of prayer and remembrance.

The procession through the streets included Boy Scouts from Troop 316 and Pack 316 carrying colors, alongside first responders in full dress. A bagpipe escort led the start of the Mass, which featured a framed photograph of the FDNY firefighters who died during the attacks displayed near the ambo.

Father Thomas Petro, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish, said the community has gathered for the past 25 years to pray for the victims and heroes of the attacks. He noted that the annual Mass serves as an act of gratitude and a spiritual responsibility.

La Salle Academy students in Jessup began their school year on September 10, 2026, by participating in both Roman Catholic and Byzantine Catholic liturgical traditions. The school identifies as a bi-ritual Catholic institution and believes it is the only elementary school in the United States with this distinction.

The students started their day at Saint Michael Church, the main worship site for Queen of Angels Parish, for a Roman Catholic Mass. Father Andrew Kurovsky, the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, celebrated the Mass, while Father Roman Vasylynka, the administrator of Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, concelebrated.

Students then visited Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church located next to the academy. Father Vasylynka and parochial vicar Father Bert James Olechnowicz provided a special blessing and introduced the students to the Byzantine Catholic tradition. Principal Shaina Aquilina stated that the school's bi-ritual heritage enriches its Catholic identity.

Eighty-four young adults from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at Lackawanna State Park on Sept. 4, 2026, for the second annual Young Adult Rosary Hike. Organized by the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, the event brought together participants from various communities, including Scranton, Conyngham, Drums, and Meshoppen.

The group walked a 2.7-mile route along the Turkey Hill Trail and portions of the Abington Trail, pausing to pray the Rosary during the hike. Bridget Maille, the program coordinator for family life in the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, said the event was designed to help young adults integrate their faith into regular activities and build community.

Organizers moved the event to Lackawanna State Park this year after holding the previous hike at Rickett’s Glen State Park. Maille noted that the change in location attracted a new group of participants and received a positive response.

Pope Leo XIV met with Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., on Sept. 10, 2026, in the Vatican Synod Hall. The meeting occurred after Bishop Biosca completed the Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, which ran from Sept. 2 to Sept. 10.

The two hour audience included an hour of greetings and a free exchange of questions and comments. Bishop Biosca said the Pope asked about the priests, deacons, religious, and faithful in his diocese and promised prayer and support for the people.

The formation course was organized by the Dicastery for Bishops under the theme "In Christ, Guardians of the 'Magnifica Humanitas' in Times of Transformation." During the ten day program, newly appointed bishops from around the world attended 16 formal presentations regarding the vocation and mission of a bishop. The event concluded with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica where the bishops venerated the relics of St. Peter the Apostle.

About 150 young men and women from various parishes attended a daylong Catholic retreat on Sept. 5, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. The St. John Paul II Young Adult Group organized the event in both English and Spanish to help participants grow in faith through the Holy Scriptures.

The 12 hour retreat followed the theme of surrender and included prayer, Mass, reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and a procession with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Participants also took part in group discussions, games, and breakout sessions for men and women. A group of Capuchin Franciscan friars accompanied the attendees during the activities.

Father Thomas Faiola, O.F.M. Cap., led the Capuchin friars and spoke during the concluding Mass about deepening a relationship with Jesus Christ. He explained that the Church is the living body of Christ rather than just an institution of buildings and rituals, noting that the Vatican, the diocese, the parish, and the faithful all form part of that body.

The Diocese of Venice is offering two ongoing programs at many parishes to support the spiritual needs of Catholic men and women.

Women can participate in the She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) series, which is available to all women at no charge. The program includes video presentations, fellowship, and small-group discussions designed to help participants gain insight into Sacred Scripture and theological truths. The series aims to help women imitate the ten virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and improve their relationships with God and others.

Men can join the That Man is You! (TMIY) program, which provides a forum to address modern cultural pressures and temptations, particularly regarding roles as husbands and fathers. The program seeks to help men build a relationship with Jesus Christ and support one another in their responsibilities to their families, the Church, and society.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme honored first responders during the Diocese of Wichita’s Blue Mass on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.

Bishop Kemme thanked the attendees for their courage, dedication, and efforts to keep communities safe. He noted that the diocese holds the Blue Mass near Sept. 11 to remember the terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people. The bishop said the tragedy demonstrated the service of police, firefighters, and EMTs who risked their lives to save others. He added that many first responders died during those attacks while prioritizing the safety of others over their own families.

Capuchin friars have experienced a warm welcome from the local community during their first year in the Diocese of Wichita, according to members of the order. Fr. Charles Polifka and the friary guardian, Fr. Donald Rank, noted that the bishop, clergy, and parishioners have shown significant kindness and interest in the Capuchin Franciscan way of life.

The friars arrived in the diocese from Denver in July 2025. This followed the blessing of the new St. Carlo Acutis Capuchin Friary in North Wichita by Bishop Carl A. Kemme on September 7, 2025. Fr. Polifka observed that the diocese contains many young families and a high number of young people interested in religious life and the priesthood. Fr. Rank expressed hope that the friars will continue to build connections with the people in the area.

The Diocese of Wichita’s Office of Evangelization, Discipleship, and Stewardship has released a document titled Discipleship Lived in Stewardship. The text summarizes the basic expectations and understanding of the Stewardship Way of Life within the diocese.

Fr. Jarrod Lies, the Vicar for Evangelization, Discipleship, and Stewardship and principal author of the document, stated that the content is not new but is presented in a new format. He explained that the document outlines the mechanism of United Catholic Stewardship, which describes how a parish relates to the diocese, how the diocese relates to the universal Church, and how parishes relate to their parishioners. While the term United Catholic Stewardship may be unfamiliar to many laypeople, Fr. Lies noted it is the formal title for the operational aspect of the Stewardship Way of Life.

Fiat Ministries held retreats for 157 eighth graders from three schools in late August at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The daylong event provided separate retreats for boys and girls to help them understand their identity as children of God.

Participants attended reflections, small group sessions, and time before the Blessed Sacrament. While the recreation portions varied between the groups, religious sisters, priests, and monks joined the students during the retreats.

This marks the third year Fiat Ministries has conducted these middle school retreats. Foundress Emily Savage developed the program after noticing that many young people struggle to hear or pursue religious vocations due to identity and virtue challenges during their teenage years.

Lance Mudd shared his journey of prioritizing faith over professional success during a September 8 meeting of the Wichita chapter of Legatus at Newman University.

Mudd, a former professional rodeo athlete and business owner, told the group that his early life focused on worldly achievements. He recalled that during his college years, he attended the campus Newman Center and went on spiritual retreats, but he prioritized rodeo season and social activities over his faith. After leaving college to pursue professional rodeo, he later founded a solid waste company that required him to work six or seven days a week.

Mudd described how his business responsibilities often distracted him even during religious services. He noted that he would frequently focus on meal plans for his family during Mass or leave the service to answer business calls. He stated that his eventual realization that professional and business success failed to satisfy him led him to seek a life centered on God.

Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will celebrate a jubilee Mass for six women religious on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in St. Augustine. The Mass begins at 4 p.m. and honors the combined 305 years of consecrated life served by the jubilarians.

The honorees include Sister Enda Egan, RSM, and Sister Andrea Zbiegien, SFCC, marking 65 years of service. Sister Victora Will, SND, celebrates 60 years, Sister Carol Stovall, SSJ, celebrates 50 years, Sister Rea Wurmnest, SSJ, celebrates 40 years, and Sister Abu Rivera, DJBP, celebrates 25 years.

These women represent five religious congregations within the Diocese of St. Augustine: the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the Disciples of Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Sisters of Christian Community. A reception will take place in the parish hall following the Mass.

Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will lead a workshop titled The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: In Light of the Second Vatican Council to help Catholics understand the sacred mystery of the liturgy. Sponsored by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, the session addresses questions regarding the Mass as a sacrifice, the importance of silence, the meaning of active participation, and how the Eucharist affects life outside the church.

Letty Valentin, chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, stated that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The workshop follows a period of increased interest in the Eucharist, including growing attendance at Eucharistic processions, adoration, and pilgrimages.