The Church in Vermont

David Young, the Catholic school superintendent for the Diocese of Burlington, described vocation as an ongoing journey rather than a single decision. In a reflection published by the diocese, Young noted that a person's calling is shaped by their relationships, challenges, and experiences.

Young observed that these paths differ for everyone in Catholic school communities, including teachers, administrators, parents, and students. While some individuals identify their professional calling at an early age, others find their direction through unexpected opportunities or the encouragement of others.

The superintendent stated that a vocation involves more than a person's job. He explained that a teacher's calling extends beyond the classroom, a principal's responsibility reaches beyond the office, and a parent's vocation goes beyond the home. According to Young, people discover their vocation by recognizing their God-given gifts and finding ways to share them through service, kindness, and faith.

Dawn Eden Goldstein explores the history and meaning of the Sacred Heart devotion in her book, The Sacred Heart: A Love for All Times, published by Loyola Press. In her work, Goldstein examines how the devotion has inspired various saints and individuals throughout Church history, ranging from well-known figures like Augustine, Margaret Mary Alacoque, and Faustina Kowalski to less familiar people such as Julia Greeley, Catherine De Hueck, and Eddie Doherty.

The book arrives following the June 11, 2026, consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This act, intended to honor the 250th anniversary of the country's founding, serves as an expression of trust, repentance, and gratitude while praying for societal and moral renewal. Goldstein connects these modern practices to historical precedents, such as Pope Leo XIII's 1899 consecration of the entire human race to the Sacred Heart. The author begins her study by looking at the Gospel of St. John and the letters of John to establish the scriptural foundations of the devotion.

The Vermont State Council of the Knights of Columbus honored Gilles Berard with the 2026 Anchor Award during a dinner on Saturday, September 12, in Newport. Berard is a past Grand Knight of the Most Holy Trinity Council 7763 in Orleans, Vermont.

The event, hosted by the Most Holy Trinity Council 7763 at The Dancing Sail Banquet Room, drew more than 100 guests, including family and friends from Connecticut, Florida, and Canada, as well as Brother Knights from across Vermont. George Piette, Grand Knight of the Fr. Meany-Fr. St. Onge Council 7943 in Troy, served as master of ceremonies.

The program included a presentation of colors by the Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard led by District Master Normand Raymond. Piette also led a tribute to the 46 members of the Knights of Columbus who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks. This tribute featured a memorial wreath presented by State Deputy Bill LaCroix and his wife, Michelle LaCroix, followed by a moment of silence and the playing of TAPS.