Catherine Gietka, foundation president and mother of $183 million lottery winner, dies July 21, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries 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.
Sister Kathleen Marie Engers, beloved founder of Baltimore’s Pumpkin Theater, dies at 101 July 16, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Colleges, Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Marie Engers, whose Pumpkin Theater introduced generations of Baltimore-area children to the performing arts, died June 10 at age 101. A longtime Notre Dame of Maryland professor, she viewed the theater as a ministry that inspired a lifelong love of the arts.
A quiet vigil with Jesus July 16, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Eucharist, Feature, Local News, News In the quiet hours before dawn, while most Marylanders slept, Janine Sterner kept watch in perpetual adoration at Immaculate Conception in Towson. Her story reflects the enduring devotion of those who answer the call to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.
Backyard diamond July 7, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature, Sports, The Narthex George Matysek’s backyard may never win landscaping awards, but the dirt where his sons play baseball has become a place where memories, family bonds and faith take root.
Powerful experience at adoration helps lead Calvert Hall grad to the priesthood June 16, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2026, News, Vocations After graduating from Tulane University with a degree in chemistry, Deacon Kulik put aside medical school acceptance to serve two years as a missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. The experience deepened his sense of purpose and pointed him toward seminary.
Bishop F. Richard Spencer, former Baltimore priest, retires after dedicated service to Archdiocese for U.S. Military Services June 12, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop F. Richard Spencer, a 75-year-old former priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore who served as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for U.S. Military Services since 2010.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage features a blessing for Baltimore from atop the Washington Monument June 10, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Baltimore Basilica, Eucharist, Feature, Local News, News From one of Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks, the Eucharist was lifted in prayer over the city as part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
Archbishop Lori will ordain 12 transitional deacons May 16 May 12, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Vocations Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain 12 transitional deacons during a 10 a.m. Mass May 16 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.
‘Presentes’: el arzobispo Lori ordena a 14 diáconos permanentes en una misa solemne y llena de alegría May 11, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: En Español El arzobispo William E. Lori ordenó a 14 diáconos permanentes para la Arquidiócesis de Baltimore en una misa llena de alegría en la Catedral de María Nuestra Reina. Entre ellos estaba un hombre que desafió un diagnóstico devastador para cumplir su vocación, y otros 13 con sus propias historias de fe, familia y perseverancia.
‘Present’: Archbishop Lori ordains 14 permanent deacons at solemn, yet joy-filled Mass May 10, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Vocations Archbishop William E. Lori ordained 14 permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Baltimore at a joy-filled Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Among them was a man who defied a devastating diagnosis to fulfill his calling – and 13 others with their own stories of faith, family and perseverance.
A seagull on the Sistine Chapel inspires a story about being loved as you are May 7, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Books, Feature, Local News, News Eric Clayton was sitting in a barbershop when a viral photo of a seagull atop the Sistine Chapel sparked an idea. Weeks later, he had a children’s book — and a message about God’s love he hopes will reach kids, families, and maybe even the pope.
Young Catholic missionaries bring hope to Baltimore’s homeless population May 6, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Baltimore Basilica, Evangelization, Feature, Local News, News Through prayer and presence, Catholic missionaries in Baltimore walk alongside the homeless, forming relationships that bring dignity and hope.
