Six archdiocesan schools earn Maryland’s top honor Ahead of pope’s surgery, Mexican bishops brought plight of country’s missing persons to pontiff Trump administration extends TPS for Ukraine, Sudan, but uncertainty remains Public school students transition to Catholic schools Canadian bishops express sorrow, pledge prayer following deadly military base fire Local News Six archdiocesan schools earn Maryland’s top honor Catholic Review Staff October 20, 2026 Six Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been named Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for 2026, accounting for a significant share of the state’s top-performing schools recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education. Public school students transition to Catholic schools Katie V. Jones October 20, 2026 When Aurora “Rorie” O’Brien started sixth grade in 2025 at Monsignor Slade Catholic School in Glen Burnie, she was nervous and worried about missing her friends. As a transfer student from a public school, she also wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of studies and classes. Archdiocese of Baltimore Soccer Program keeps rolling Nelson Coffin October 19, 2026 Archdiocese of Baltimore Soccer Program president Steven Bartomioli doesn’t want any prospective youth soccer player to be denied the opportunity to play “The Beautiful Game” this fall. Judging by the roughly 2,000 youngsters who have joined the league, there is plenty of room for players who want to pass, dribble and shoot in a competitive but faith-centered environment. This season, 156 teams will compete across the under-6 through under-14 age groups. Sister John Francis Schilling, St. Frances Academy’s biggest fan and transformative leader, dies at 81 Aline Behar Kado October 19, 2026 As an English teacher, counselor, principal and president, she helped transform the East Baltimore school by strengthening its counseling services, expanding its athletic programs and leading the construction of a gymnasium and community center that became a centerpiece of campus life. More Local News World News Ahead of pope’s surgery, Mexican bishops brought plight of country’s missing persons to pontiff David Agren October 20, 2026 Days before Pope Leo XIV announced that he would undergo surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Mexican bishops’ conference presented him with a book documenting the cases of people who have gone missing in the country. Pope Leo urges Ukraine-Russia humanitarian cooperation as Russian strike kills children at playground Junno Arocho Esteves October 20, 2026 Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that Ukraine and Russia will cooperate on humanitarian aid and evacuations for civilians in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, the Vatican said. Trump administration extends TPS for Ukraine, Sudan, but uncertainty remains Kate Scanlon October 20, 2026 The Trump administration on Oct. 18 extended protections from deportation to people from Ukraine and Sudan, allowing them to continue living legally in the U.S. for now. Canadian bishops express sorrow, pledge prayer following deadly military base fire Gina Christian October 19, 2026 Two Canadian Catholic bishops expressed sorrow and pledged prayer following a deadly fire at one of that nation’s military bases. More World News Commentary How to talk with kids about cancer Laura Kelly Fanucci October 20, 2026 With Pope Leo’s recent diagnosis and extra prayers for the Holy Father added to every parish’s Prayers of the Faithful, conversations on cancer have taken center stage. Adults might be wondering how to share such news with children, whether kids have heard prayers for the pope or a family member is facing a difficult diagnosis. Georgia martyrs and the American missionary spirit Father Anthony D. Andreassi October 17, 2026 Earlier this month on Oct. 3, Catholics around the world marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Not long after his death in 1226, his spiritual sons would carry the Gospel far beyond Italy to Africa, Asia and, eventually, to the Americas. And on Oct. 31, the Church will beatify five Franciscan missionaries from Spain who were martyred in 1597 in what is now the state of Georgia. Catholicism comes to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies Father Anthony D. Andreassi October 16, 2026 Across this vast region, the faith first took root through the work of missionaries among Native peoples before growing with the arrival of settlers and immigrants during the 19th century. Keeping the faith when dealing with mental illness Cecilia Cicone October 15, 2026 When you’re sick, it impacts nearly every aspect of your life. If you can’t get out of bed in the morning, you can’t go to work, you can’t socialize with other people and you can’t cook your own meals. It takes all of your energy just to heal. What we see in the sky Rita Buettner October 13, 2026 Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope. More Commentary Featured Video The Knights of Columbus hosted its annual Coats for Kids event at Cardinal Shehan School in Northwood Oct. 5, 2026. Hundreds of students from three schools received brand new winter coats for free.
Six archdiocesan schools earn Maryland’s top honor Catholic Review Staff October 20, 2026 Six Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been named Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for 2026, accounting for a significant share of the state’s top-performing schools recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Public school students transition to Catholic schools Katie V. Jones October 20, 2026 When Aurora “Rorie” O’Brien started sixth grade in 2025 at Monsignor Slade Catholic School in Glen Burnie, she was nervous and worried about missing her friends. As a transfer student from a public school, she also wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of studies and classes.
Archdiocese of Baltimore Soccer Program keeps rolling Nelson Coffin October 19, 2026 Archdiocese of Baltimore Soccer Program president Steven Bartomioli doesn’t want any prospective youth soccer player to be denied the opportunity to play “The Beautiful Game” this fall. Judging by the roughly 2,000 youngsters who have joined the league, there is plenty of room for players who want to pass, dribble and shoot in a competitive but faith-centered environment. This season, 156 teams will compete across the under-6 through under-14 age groups.
Sister John Francis Schilling, St. Frances Academy’s biggest fan and transformative leader, dies at 81 Aline Behar Kado October 19, 2026 As an English teacher, counselor, principal and president, she helped transform the East Baltimore school by strengthening its counseling services, expanding its athletic programs and leading the construction of a gymnasium and community center that became a centerpiece of campus life.
Ahead of pope’s surgery, Mexican bishops brought plight of country’s missing persons to pontiff David Agren October 20, 2026 Days before Pope Leo XIV announced that he would undergo surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Mexican bishops’ conference presented him with a book documenting the cases of people who have gone missing in the country.
Pope Leo urges Ukraine-Russia humanitarian cooperation as Russian strike kills children at playground Junno Arocho Esteves October 20, 2026 Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that Ukraine and Russia will cooperate on humanitarian aid and evacuations for civilians in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, the Vatican said.
Trump administration extends TPS for Ukraine, Sudan, but uncertainty remains Kate Scanlon October 20, 2026 The Trump administration on Oct. 18 extended protections from deportation to people from Ukraine and Sudan, allowing them to continue living legally in the U.S. for now.
Canadian bishops express sorrow, pledge prayer following deadly military base fire Gina Christian October 19, 2026 Two Canadian Catholic bishops expressed sorrow and pledged prayer following a deadly fire at one of that nation’s military bases.
How to talk with kids about cancer Laura Kelly Fanucci October 20, 2026 With Pope Leo’s recent diagnosis and extra prayers for the Holy Father added to every parish’s Prayers of the Faithful, conversations on cancer have taken center stage. Adults might be wondering how to share such news with children, whether kids have heard prayers for the pope or a family member is facing a difficult diagnosis.
Georgia martyrs and the American missionary spirit Father Anthony D. Andreassi October 17, 2026 Earlier this month on Oct. 3, Catholics around the world marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Not long after his death in 1226, his spiritual sons would carry the Gospel far beyond Italy to Africa, Asia and, eventually, to the Americas. And on Oct. 31, the Church will beatify five Franciscan missionaries from Spain who were martyred in 1597 in what is now the state of Georgia.
Catholicism comes to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies Father Anthony D. Andreassi October 16, 2026 Across this vast region, the faith first took root through the work of missionaries among Native peoples before growing with the arrival of settlers and immigrants during the 19th century.
Keeping the faith when dealing with mental illness Cecilia Cicone October 15, 2026 When you’re sick, it impacts nearly every aspect of your life. If you can’t get out of bed in the morning, you can’t go to work, you can’t socialize with other people and you can’t cook your own meals. It takes all of your energy just to heal.
What we see in the sky Rita Buettner October 13, 2026 Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope.
