Most days, John Van Hook works alone performing maintenance. After nearly three decades at St. Leonard Faith Community and eight more at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Centerville, he knows every corner of the church buildings. His days are filled with quiet service, such as setting up for weddings, …

According to a recent Pew Research study, half of U.S. adults say that science and religion are “mostly in conflict,” while 47 percent say that science and religion are “mostly compatible.” Three percent said “I don’t know” or refused to answer. The harmony (or apparent lack thereof) between Christian doctrine …

Deacon Robert Michael “Mike” Knight, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died on August 29, 2025 at the age of 78. Deacon Knight was ordained September 23, 1995 by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk. He served the Archdiocese as a permanent deacon for twenty-nine years. Upon ordination, he was assigned …

A youth minister heard something at a men’s formation breakfast at his parish that changed his life. He hadn’t expected to get much from the morning. Having had a powerful encounter with Christ as a teenager and now working as a minister for almost a decade, he felt he had …

We are primed for another NFL season, which makes this a natural moment to review the perennially confusing question: can we really “pray for a Bengals win?” As the Cincinnati Bengals Catholic Chaplain, my answer regarding prayers for sports teams is “that depends on your intention!” If your desired outcome …

In 1975, my wife (born and raised Catholic) and I began our adult journey of seeking Christ, the Savior of the world. Although raised in a southern Methodist family that was strongly rooted in prayer and singing sacred songs, I was never baptized. It was a time in our lives, …

On a Sunday afternoon in July, St. Raphael Church in Springfield hosted a larger and more diverse crowd than usual. While the St. Rose Family of Parishes in Clark County is no stranger to diversity, regularly celebrating Masses in both Spanish and Haitian Creole, it is most unusual for everyone …

On Saturday, August 30, Archbishop Robert Casey took to the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Great American Ballpark ahead of the Reds versus Cardinals game. With a steady arm and big smile, he sent the ball straight into the glove of Fr. Alex McCullough, pastor of …

For the second consecutive year, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is celebrating “Together Sunday,” a day set aside for Families of Parishes to especially focus on becoming more welcoming and hospitable communities. This year, Together Sunday will take place Sept. 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In …