Think back to your own first holy Communion – and all the Communions since then. Why would you receive a minimal piece of bread and a sip of wine if not for what it truly is?

Whether it’s crocheting an afghan for the newest grandchild or attempting to shoot your age on the golf course, many spend retirement expanding or refining a hobby. Then there is Paula Gentile.

I have long been of the belief that good-hearted souls turn to service later in life when they are financially secure and can afford to put something back into the community. For me, it happened a bit differently.

I am hopeful that the racism initiative will assist with ending the pattern of disregard seen too often displayed for Black lives. I hope this effort is a journey for the Archdiocese of Baltimore instead of just a project.

As we watch our children grow up right before our eyes, we are reminded that time is limited and precious.

Paul McMullen ponders those who have gone before us, holding on to hope for eternal life.

In his new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship,” the pope addresses the ways the world has been divided and how certain trends hinder the development of universal fraternity.

Whatever the color of your skin, if you want to be part of the solution, a good place to start would be to participate in the town hall Oct. 26. Vote Nov. 3. And then take action in your community to make things better.

The church is in a unique position to offer forums for frank discussions of race and where we go from here.

Never again will a young woman have the opportunity to have a high school experience like mine, writes guest columnist Maura McCarthy.