Pope Leo XIV warns against gambling, which ‘ruins many families’
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú Dec 30, 2025 / 10:45 am Pope Leo XIV warned about the danger that gambling poses to many families during a Dec. 29 audience with members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities. At the beginning of his address, delivered in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the …
Jonathan Roumie tells Father Mike Schmitz: ‘Everything in my life has prepared me for this role’
By Francesca Pollio Fenton Dec 29, 2025 / 17:21 pm In a new sit-down interview with Father Mike Schmitz, who is best known for the “Bible in a Year” podcast and YouTube videos on Ascension Presents, actor Jonathan Roumie spoke in depth about his role portraying Jesus in the hit series …
The Popes and the new year: a time for thanksgiving and hope
As 2026 approaches, Vatican News revisits some reflections by the Popes on this transitional period between the end of 2025 and the arrival of the new year. By Amedeo Lomonaco As the year comes to an end and a new one is set to begin, the Church’s perspective on this …
Obituary: Deacon Mark Westendorf
Deacon Mark J Westendorf, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died on December 23, 2025 at the age of 72. Deacon Westendorf was ordained April 24, 2010 by Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr. He served the Archdiocese as a permanent deacon for fifteen years. Upon ordination, he was assigned to …
Before the Tailgate
This Sunday, January 3, 2026, The Cincinnati Bengals host the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium at 1:00 p.m., bringing down the curtain on the 2025 Season. Before the tailgate or enjoying downtown Cincinnati, head to Mass at our beautiful downtown catholic churches on this Feast of the Epiphany, and enjoy all …
SEEK 2026 set to kick off in 3 cities
By Amira Abuzeid Dec 31, 2025 / 09:00 am The annual SEEK conference is set to simultaneously get underway Jan. 1–5 in three U.S. cities: Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and Fort Worth, Texas. “To the Heights!” is the theme of this year’s conference, which is organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students …
When does Christmas actually end?
by Christine Rousselle Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 5, 2022 / 17:00 pm How many days is Christmas? When should you finally take those lights off the porch, or remove the tree? Read on for some of the arguments for and against commonly agreed-upon end dates for Christmas. Christmas is one day This, …
December 31 – Saint Sylvester, Pope
Saint Sylvester was born in Rome around the year 250. Not much is known about him, but legends surround him. Some legends state that at a young age, Sylvester was put under the care of a priest to be formed in the practice of religion and sacred literature. He enjoyed …
Bishop of Columbus grants Mass dispensation to immigrants who fear deportation
By Amira Abuzeid Dec 29, 2025 / 14:18 pm The bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, has granted a dispensation from Mass for parishioners who fear deportation by immigration enforcement officers, who have increased activity in the area since mid-December. Bishop Earl Fernandes announced in a letter and video last week that those who …
Lord’s Day Reflection: The blessings of family life
As the Church marks the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr Luke Gregory reflects on how divine guidance shepherds families through challenges. By Fr Luke Gregory OFM Family life is an integral aspect of human existence, deeply embedded in our societal structures and individual experiences. It is within the family …
