by John Stegeman Based on the Combined Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion this year, 1,096 people intend to proceed to the Sacraments of Initiation. It will mark the highest number of people joining the local Church in more than 15 years. Of the total, 556 are catechumens …

A traditional, religious Easter (Pascha) basket is assembled by lining a wicker basket with a white, often embroidered, cloth to hold foods blessed for Easter Sunday. It features paska bread, eggs (pysanky), butter (often lamb-shaped), meats (sausage/ham), cheese, salt, horseradish, and a white candle, covered in cloth. Prepare the Basket …

Mary Magdalene and the red egg is one of the most beloved Easter traditions in many Christian cultures. It’s a powerful legend that connects the message of the Easter with a simple symbol of new life. The Tradition Explained According to Christian tradition, after the Resurrection of Jesus, Mary Magdalene …

by Deacon Michael Trimpe In my career as a forensic scientist at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Crime Laboratory, I often thought of the pain and suffering our Lord Jesus Christ experienced during His Passion. We know His manner of death was authorized by Pontius Pilate to be crucifixion. But what …

Reverend William H. Cross, Jr., died on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on October 19, 1946, in Cincinnati. He was baptized at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati. He did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary and studied theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary …

Praying the Steps at Holy Cross – Immaculata Parish on April 3, 2026 . Where do I start the steps? There are three phases of the Good Friday steps. The most popular phase begins on St. Gregory and ends at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church – Phase One: from Riverside Drive (at …

How to return to confession If you have been away from the church, or if you have been reluctant or unable to see a priest for confession, you are invited to experience the reconciling peace of Christ through the grace of this sacrament, also called the sacrament of reconciliation. Peace …

Tenebrae (“shadows” or “darkness”) is a Holy Week service that is at least 1,000 years old. Originally held in after midnight but later held at a variety of times, Tenebrae would be sung each day of the Triduum in a church lit only by 15 candles. These were extinguished one …

On Tuesday, March 31 the Chrism Mass will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains at 4:00 p.m., with Archbishop Robert G. Casey as celebrant. At the Chrism Mass, the archbishop is joined by the priests of the diocese. This Mass manifests the unity of the …

Why do Catholics wave palms on Palm Sunday, wash each other’s feet on Holy Thursday, or kiss the cross on Good Friday?