When Kathy Bendall reflects on her life, she does so with a sense of gratitude, peace, and earnestness in her speech. Her story is not defined by her mistakes; rather, it is evidence that by grace her heart was reshaped into new purposes. Bendall highlights the mercy of God and …

We do not hear much about the “last things” anymore. Death, judgment, heaven, and hell are often passed over. We hear even less about that state that many will experience before heaven, which is called purgatory. This purification after death has been a consistent part of Catholic teaching for hundreds …

(Note: The first installment of this 3-part series can be found in the November 2025 issue.) Some heard it as a child. Others were well into adulthood amid a lucrative career and serious relationship. That still small voice. That restless heart. That sense of emptiness despite having everything they thought …

Falling in love, getting engaged, and going through marriage preparation should be a beautiful, enriching experience. But ask Catholic couples married 25 years or longer about their marriage preparation, and many will respond that they met with their parish priest, completed a questionnaire, and attended a marriage preparation retreat; in …

Dear Lord, Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our …

For the prevention of suicide Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

“The men we want to become priests aren’t coming to us. We have to go out and find them.” I first heard these words three years ago, and the Holy Spirit has never let me forget them. They were shared by a friend, a former vocations director, expressing how hard …

Reverend John Robert Jack passed away on October 28, 2025, in Norwood, Ohio. He was born on January 24, 1965, in Middletown, Ohio and was baptized at St. John the Baptist Parish, Middletown. He received a B.A. from the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, a M. Div. from Mount St. Mary’s …

From Saint John the Baptist Parish: St. John the Baptist Church Fire Update October 25, 2025 ​What is happening with St. John the Baptist Church? Verdin Bell Company out of Cincinnati is currently assessing the bells. The large bell has a visible crack, likely caused by the intense heat of …

For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt. 16:25) “Your life is not about you,” our pastor said with a chuckle as he began his homily. “Sorry to disappoint.” I nodded in solemn understanding from the vestibule. …