Bell Tower Demolition Marks Turning Point in Future of St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein
Today, the bell tower of St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein is being carefully demolished following the collapse of the west wall of the church on Monday, December 29, 2025. Seven months after a fire ravaged St. John the Baptist Church, the west wall of the church collapsed …
Holy Door closes as faithful prepare for special 2033 jubilee marking Jesus’ death and resurrection
By Tessa Gervasini Jan 6, 2026 / 06:00 am As Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, and the 2025 Jubilee Year comes to an end, the Catholic Church begins to anticipate another jubilee — one that will mark …
Pope Leo XIV closes St. Peter’s Holy Door, concluding Jubilee of Hope
By Victoria Cardiel Vatican City, Jan 6, 2026 / 07:00 am Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing the ordinary holy year to an end — a time of grace that invited Catholics to conversion, reconciliation, and hope. The pontiff processed toward the Holy …
‘As men, you’re called to act!’ speaker says to a packed room of young men at SEEK 2026
By Amira Abuzeid Jan 6, 2026 / 07:00 am Hundreds of young men at the SEEK 2026 conference in the Fort Worth, Texas, Diocese this weekend filled a cavernous room to learn about what it means to be a man formed by “Jesus Christ and his Church.” John Bishop, founder and …
Bishops invite faithful to pray novena for the unborn
By Tessa Gervasini Jan 6, 2026 / 14:00 pm The United States bishops have invited Catholics to pray an annual Respect Life novena for the protection of the unborn. The Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is sponsoring the “9 Days for Life” prayer that will begin on Friday, …
From Criminal to Comic
Shayne Smith was born into a world of organized crime. He and his three brothers endured abuse at the hands of their step-father and ultimately took after him as full members in a motorcycle gang. Robbery and violent crime became their full-time jobs. But then, Smith and his brothers chose …
Pope on Venezuela: Overcome violence, safeguard country’s sovereignty
At the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV calls for the good of the Venezuelan people to prevail, for the rule of law to be upheld, and for the human and civil rights of all to be respected. Vatican News Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern on Sunday over recent developments …
How to bless your home on the feast of Epiphany 2026
By Francesca Pollio Fenton Jan 4, 2026 / 04:00 am Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? These letters and numbers actually have a great significance. Traditionally on the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by …
Twelfth Night and the King Cake: A Season of Royalty and Revelry
As the holiday lights begin to dim and the New Year settles in, a centuries-old tradition marks the transition from Christmas to the vibrant spirit of Carnival. Twelfth Night, falling on January 5 or 6, 2026, is the official herald of the King Cake season. The Meaning of Twelfth Night Twelfth Night …
Dr. Christopher Holman Hopes to Continue Long-standing Tradition of Musical Excellence
by David Cooley Sacred music holds a central place in Catholic worship. An integral element of the liturgy, it elevates the soul toward God, fosters communal unity, and deepens the faithful’s encounter with divine mysteries. Rooted in Scripture and Church tradition, it beautifies prayer, promotes contemplation, and distinguishes itself from …
