Putting Ray Herrmann on stage is like uncorking a bottle of champagne.
All together now: ‘I love my cross, I love my beads’
Published in 1925, the yellowed and crumbling “Manual of Select Catholic Hymns and Devotions” had been tucked away on a dusty choir-loft shelf alongside stacks of old, unused sheet music. The hymnal’s binding had been broken long ago – a sign of frequent use in a parish that was once among the largest and most […]
Historic St. Michael Church closes in Fells Point
Despite Deacon Richard Novak’s familiar injunction to “go in peace to love and serve the Lord,” few parishioners seemed eager to leave following the July 31 morning Mass at St. Michael in Fells Point.
Father Hemler, Fallston pastor, mourned at 74
Father Edward B. Hemler, longtime pastor of St. Mark in Fallston and a former leader in Catholic education, died July 24 after suffering years of declining health.
Special report: Deep-rooted Polish faith faces secular challenge
Poland, one of Europe most Catholic nations, is facing new challenge in the practice of the faith as more people turn to Western secularization.
SPECIAL REPORT: Baltimore has special connection to popularizing devotion to the Infant of Prague
Every year, more than 1 million pilgrims from around the globe travel to the Czech Republic, praying in front of the Infant of Prague. They carry on a practice that stretches back hundreds of years.
Our Lady of the Butterflies
An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child is made out of African butterfly wings. (CR Staff/George P. Matysek Jr.) One of the great joys of my recent pilgrimage to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland was meeting Father Anastasio Roggero. The Carmelite priest, who shepherds the Church of Our Lady Victorious […]
Father Hilgartner helps nation’s Catholics prepare for new translation of Roman Missal
Father Richard B. Hilgartner’s jaw dropped the first time he read bits of a draft of the new English translation of the Roman Missal – the book of liturgical prayers that is scheduled to be introduced in parishes Nov. 27.
‘And with your spirit’: Father Hilgartner previews liturgical change
The Latin is, “Dominus vobiscum et cum spiritu tuo.” It contains no verb. It’s as much a statement of fact as it is a greeting, Father Hilgartner said.
Archbishop O’Brien ordains 14 permanent deacons
The newly ordained men represent the largest class of deacons for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in more than a decade. All married, they hail from as far west as Oakland in Garrett County and they include the president-CEO of a hospital, a scientist, a social worker and a biomedical research manager.
Cumberland town meeting addresses need for parish restructuring
CUMBERLAND – In an April 28 town meeting marked by a combination of hopefulness, apprehension and anger, approximately 250 people gathered at St. Mary in Cumberland to ask questions about a proposal to create a new area parish out of five existing ones.
Letters that made a difference
Father Milton Hipsley holds his rosary at his Mercy Ridge residence in Timonium last year. (CR/Owen Sweeney III) Father Milton Hipsley’s letters started arriving on my desk in the summer of 2009. Very neatly written in all capital letters, the notes always seemed focused on the importance of kindness and of taking time for