Prison ministry changes lives inside and outside prison walls October 1, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Evangelization, Feature, Local News, News, Prison Ministry, Social Justice Behind prison walls, unexpected encounters are changing lives. For incarcerated men and women seeking hope and the ministers who accompany them, prison ministry is a powerful source of faith, healing and human connection.
With 66 seminarians in formation, Archdiocese of Baltimore sees vocations surge September 28, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: CR Radio, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview, Vocations The Archdiocese of Baltimore is preparing for a milestone not seen in more than half a century: the ordination of 12 new priests in a single year.
St. Bernadette’s relics draw hundreds of pilgrims to Emmitsburg despite heavy rain September 23, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Saints, Western Vicariate Despite driving rain and some of the worst road conditions she said she has ever encountered, Brooke White left her home in Wayne, Pa., at 6 a.m. Sept. 22 for the two-and-a-half-hour trek to Emmitsburg.
Archbishop Lori urges women religious to model renewal of American political culture September 19, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: America's 250th anniversary, Archbishop's Ministry, Consecrated Life, Feature, Local News, News, Saints At a time of deep political division and declining trust, Archbishop William E. Lori told a national gathering of women religious leaders that renewing American political culture requires more than better politics. It requires a renewal of human character, relationships and spiritual life, a task to which he said women religious make a unique contribution.
Priests connected to Archdiocese of Baltimore were on the front lines on 9/11 September 9, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: 9/11, Feature, Local News, News When a hijacked airliner carrying 64 people struck the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001, then-Father F. Richard Spencer’s first instinct was to reach Walter Reed Army Medical Center, expecting the injured to be taken there. He stayed until 10 p.m., but only four injured people arrived.
Josephites elect new superior general August 20, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized After several years as the order’s vicar general, Father Bomberger, 82, was elected in late July to succeed the late Bishop John H. Ricard as leader of the society. He will serve the remainder of Bishop Ricard’s term, which ends in June 2027, when a new superior general will be elected.
The day O.J. Brigance testified that every life has value August 18, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, Respect Life, Sports, The Narthex Brigance, who died Aug. 17 at age 56, was largely incapacitated by ALS and unable to speak without the aid of a computerized voice. Addressing lawmakers considering the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, he spoke passionately about the value of life.
Archdiocese of Baltimore regroups parishes into eight regions August 11, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Seek the City to Come Reflecting the parish mergers and boundary changes that emerged from the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Seek the City to Come pastoral planning initiative, as well as other mergers that followed, Archbishop William E. Lori has regrouped parishes throughout the archdiocese into eight regions, replacing the previous 10.
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.
