Catholic Scouting in US has new name, same adventurous mission Journalists launch initiative to bring letters from Venezuelan quake survivors to Pope Leo XIV Young American missionaries get papal shoutout during summer in Rome Father Blaine Burkey’s new book aims to get history right Venezuelan bishops urge faithful to reject superstitious view of earthquakes Local News Father Blaine Burkey’s new book aims to get history right Katie V. Jones July 24, 2026 Now 90, the Cumberland native has self-published “The Cumberland Mission,” a 316-page archival study of the Catholic Church’s efforts to minister to Catholics in Western Maryland during the region’s frontier period from 1778 to 1853. Father Burkey said he began writing the book about 20 years ago, drawing on archival research he had accumulated over decades. Ann Teresa O’Neill, whose confirmed miracle led to the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, dies at 78 Katie V. Jones July 22, 2026 O’Neill, a 78-year-old Easton resident, died in the early hours of July 17 surrounded by her family. She had suffered a stroke a few days prior and was making progress before her health declined again. Catherine Gietka, foundation president and mother of $183 million lottery winner, dies George P. Matysek Jr. July 21, 2026 Catherine “Kate” Gietka, who as president of her family’s charitable foundation helped direct nearly $2 million in grants to local parishes, pro-life causes and other nonprofit groups after her daughter won a $183 million lottery jackpot, died July 17. New book fills in gaps of history of Mount St. Mary’s Katie V. Jones July 20, 2026 For a university founded in 1808, Emmitsburg’s Mount St. Mary’s University has surprisingly few books telling its story. That bothered alumnus John Singleton, Class of 1986, enough that he wrote one himself. More Local News World News Catholic Scouting in US has new name, same adventurous mission Kimberly Heatherington July 24, 2026 In June, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting announced it has a new name: Catholic Scouting America. While the original name will remain the same for legal purposes, the new public name is meant to both clarify and strengthen the organization’s 100-plus-year commitment to faith, family and adventure through the values-based lessons of Scouting — all grounded in the Catholic faith. Journalists launch initiative to bring letters from Venezuelan quake survivors to Pope Leo XIV Junno Arocho Esteves July 24, 2026 Since the pontificate of St. Paul VI, journalists covering the Vatican have had the unique privilege of direct access to the Vicar of Christ at 30,000 feet. Young American missionaries get papal shoutout during summer in Rome Courtney Mares July 24, 2026 When Jack Lebon, 15, returns to his Texas high school in the fall, he will be able to share a summer experience few can match: a handshake with Pope Leo XIV. Venezuelan bishops urge faithful to reject superstitious view of earthquakes Junno Arocho Esteves July 23, 2026 The bishops of Venezuela called on the faithful to reject the superstitious notion that the twin earthquakes that struck the country were a divine punishment. More World News Commentary Ukraine and the limits of dialogue George Weigel July 22, 2026 Russian strikes are deliberately aimed at civilian sites, and while Ukrainian air defenses shoot down some of the missiles and drones, others get through. Innocents are killed and families lose their homes because of this campaign to intentionally inflict civilian casualties. The Joy of a Train Ride Rita Buettner July 21, 2026 Trains are magical, and steam locomotives are full of history. And a train ride is exhilarating. The growing weaponization of the abortion pill Katie Yoder July 21, 2026 Rosalie Markezich smiled when she realized she was pregnant in 2023. The young woman from Louisiana waited a week before telling her then-boyfriend, who was initially supportive. Then, she says, he changed his mind. Question Corner: Are weddings at SSPX chapels valid? Jenna Marie Cooper July 21, 2026 What is the current situation with marriages and the SSPX? I have heard different things about whether or not weddings at SSPX chapels are valid. Sheen remembered Archbishop William E. Lori July 20, 2026 Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a prominent priest and bishop of the 20th century. He was a brilliant philosophy professor at The Catholic University of America, the kind whose lectures drew students from all over campus. In the 1930s and ’40s, he hosted a weekly national radio program, “The Catholic Hour.” Millions listened to his talks. More Commentary Featured Video Should the Catholic Church rethink just war theory? Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington says the topic was discussed during the recent consistory of cardinals in Rome, where he argued the Church’s teaching needs to be revisited in light of modern conflict.
Father Blaine Burkey’s new book aims to get history right Katie V. Jones July 24, 2026 Now 90, the Cumberland native has self-published “The Cumberland Mission,” a 316-page archival study of the Catholic Church’s efforts to minister to Catholics in Western Maryland during the region’s frontier period from 1778 to 1853. Father Burkey said he began writing the book about 20 years ago, drawing on archival research he had accumulated over decades.
Ann Teresa O’Neill, whose confirmed miracle led to the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, dies at 78 Katie V. Jones July 22, 2026 O’Neill, a 78-year-old Easton resident, died in the early hours of July 17 surrounded by her family. She had suffered a stroke a few days prior and was making progress before her health declined again.
Catherine Gietka, foundation president and mother of $183 million lottery winner, dies George P. Matysek Jr. July 21, 2026 Catherine “Kate” Gietka, who as president of her family’s charitable foundation helped direct nearly $2 million in grants to local parishes, pro-life causes and other nonprofit groups after her daughter won a $183 million lottery jackpot, died July 17.
New book fills in gaps of history of Mount St. Mary’s Katie V. Jones July 20, 2026 For a university founded in 1808, Emmitsburg’s Mount St. Mary’s University has surprisingly few books telling its story. That bothered alumnus John Singleton, Class of 1986, enough that he wrote one himself.
Catholic Scouting in US has new name, same adventurous mission Kimberly Heatherington July 24, 2026 In June, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting announced it has a new name: Catholic Scouting America. While the original name will remain the same for legal purposes, the new public name is meant to both clarify and strengthen the organization’s 100-plus-year commitment to faith, family and adventure through the values-based lessons of Scouting — all grounded in the Catholic faith.
Journalists launch initiative to bring letters from Venezuelan quake survivors to Pope Leo XIV Junno Arocho Esteves July 24, 2026 Since the pontificate of St. Paul VI, journalists covering the Vatican have had the unique privilege of direct access to the Vicar of Christ at 30,000 feet.
Young American missionaries get papal shoutout during summer in Rome Courtney Mares July 24, 2026 When Jack Lebon, 15, returns to his Texas high school in the fall, he will be able to share a summer experience few can match: a handshake with Pope Leo XIV.
Venezuelan bishops urge faithful to reject superstitious view of earthquakes Junno Arocho Esteves July 23, 2026 The bishops of Venezuela called on the faithful to reject the superstitious notion that the twin earthquakes that struck the country were a divine punishment.
Ukraine and the limits of dialogue George Weigel July 22, 2026 Russian strikes are deliberately aimed at civilian sites, and while Ukrainian air defenses shoot down some of the missiles and drones, others get through. Innocents are killed and families lose their homes because of this campaign to intentionally inflict civilian casualties.
The Joy of a Train Ride Rita Buettner July 21, 2026 Trains are magical, and steam locomotives are full of history. And a train ride is exhilarating.
The growing weaponization of the abortion pill Katie Yoder July 21, 2026 Rosalie Markezich smiled when she realized she was pregnant in 2023. The young woman from Louisiana waited a week before telling her then-boyfriend, who was initially supportive. Then, she says, he changed his mind.
Question Corner: Are weddings at SSPX chapels valid? Jenna Marie Cooper July 21, 2026 What is the current situation with marriages and the SSPX? I have heard different things about whether or not weddings at SSPX chapels are valid.
Sheen remembered Archbishop William E. Lori July 20, 2026 Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a prominent priest and bishop of the 20th century. He was a brilliant philosophy professor at The Catholic University of America, the kind whose lectures drew students from all over campus. In the 1930s and ’40s, he hosted a weekly national radio program, “The Catholic Hour.” Millions listened to his talks.
