Editors Note: Here’s an article about First Communion that’s both timely and informative from 2009 ARCHDIOCESE — With first Communion season upon us, children will be soon be donning their finery for the joyous event as parents plan festive family gatherings to celebrate. But there is more to the occasion …

The diaconate is a distinct ministry in the Church, with two forms: transitional and permanent. Transitional deacons are seminarians preparing for the priesthood, serving in this role before priestly ordination. Permanent deacons will remain deacons for life. Many are married and have careers, balancing their ministry with family and professional …

“The Body of Christ.” “Amen.” Step to the side. “The Body of Christ.” “Amen.” Step to the side… For most Catholics, this is the ritual at Mass. We are trained to, at the proper time, stand, fold up our kneeler, wait in line for our turn, receive Jesus, then walk …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Apr 27, 2025 / 08:00 am The unexpected death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, postponed the much-anticipated canonization of Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager who captivated a generation of young Catholics with his love of the Eucharist and passion for technology. Now, as …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Apr 26, 2025 / 05:03 am More than 400,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday as the world said goodbye to the first Latin American pope who led the Catholic Church for the past 12 years. Under the bright Roman …

Below is a select list of area parishes and institutions with Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations. St. Bartholomew, Springfield Twp./Finneytown Divine Mercy Sunday celebration at St. Bart’s, 2:00 p.m. 25th Annual Celebration of the Feast of DIVINE MERCY “On that day, the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I …

On April 26, 2025, in a moment both extraordinary and deeply personal, Chris Jasek and his son Daniel will be ordained to the diaconate: Chris as a permanent deacon and Daniel as a transitional deacon on the path toward the priesthood. A resident of Dayton’s southern suburbs since 1996 and …

The death of a Pope marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to the eventual start of a conclave and election of a new Successor of St. Peter. We lay out in detail the events that lead to the election of a new Pope. By Lisa Zengarini …

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of the ascertainment of death of Pope Francis and placement of his body in the coffin on Monday evening. By Vatican News The Holy See Press Office announced on Monday that the rite of ascertainment of …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 08:20 am The Vatican announced Monday that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis. “Following the death of Supreme Pontiff Francis, notice is hereby given that the Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Canonization of …