Karen Sampson Hoffman

Karen Sampson Hoffman, a freelance writer for the Catholic Review, is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, New York, and taught journalism at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Karen has been a community reporter in Western New York and now produces a weekly newsletter for a voluntary health agency. She lives in St. Denis, Halethorpe, with her husband and is a member of the Catholic Community at Relay.

Matchmakers for Dundalk couple include School Sister of Notre Dame

August 4, 2021
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, It's about love, Local News, News

“Our faith has created a nice foundation for us to grow,” Kate said. “We’ve had a similar education, similar experiences. Having those experiences together has made it really easy for us to grow together.”

Married 50 years, Towson grandparents are rooted in faith

July 24, 2021
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, It's about love, Local News, News, Seniors

Stephen is a retired Baltimore City Schools administrator and Sandy is a former dental assistant and daycare worker. Raising children and taking active roles in their church community has kept them busy but they have always found time for one another.

CYO dance leads to 52 years of marriage

May 8, 2021
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, It's about love, Local News, News

They will celebrate 52 years of marriage this month, two days after this year’s Preakness. The secrets to a happy marriage, both agreed, are putting your spouse first and taking the other person’s feelings into consideration in everything you do.

Love connects China with Frostburg

March 10, 2021
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, It's about love, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

Francis Tam grew up in Macao, China, where his family tried to find a bride for him. After he took a teaching job at Frostburg State University and settled in Allegany County, he met Margaret McGann and realized that his family’s choices of prospective wives were not right for him.

Baltimore Archdiocese’s Life is Beautiful Mass honors Alvaré, Clarksville couple

January 25, 2021
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Catholic Review Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life, Video

“We gather to celebrate and to give thanks for the gift of human life and to proclaim and give thanks for its beauty,” Archbishop Lori said, “and to honor those who are apostles and missionaries of the message that life is beautiful.”

Good things come to couple that wait

October 15, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, It's about love, Local News, News

Newlyweds Courtney and Andrew Schmidt have taken every step together, intentionally.

New archdiocesan online learning program helps stave off ‘summer slide’

July 30, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

A new summer learning program in the Archdiocese of Baltimore aims to prevent the educational slide that normally comes during summer vacation, and has been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.

Five retiring school principals in Baltimore Archdiocese depart with cherished memories

June 22, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Smith retired after 15 years as principal and 40 years in education. Other principals retiring included Deborah Glinowiecki of St. Ursula School in Parkville, Patricia McDermott of St. Mary Catholic School in Hagerstown, Terry Weiss of St. Louis School in Clarksville and Raymond Kiddy of Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland.

Baltimore Archdiocese schools, families using 3D printers to help produce face shields

March 30, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are stepping up to aid health care workers by helping to produce face shields desperately needed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Catholic school learning continues at home

March 23, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Students across the Archdiocese of Baltimore are adjusting to at-home learning.

Honors for Monsignor Phillips, now Scout chaplain emeritus

March 3, 2020
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Scouting

Scouting and faith were celebrated at the annual Archdiocesan Scout Mass and Presentation of Awards March 1. Boy Scouts from troops across the archdiocese were invited to St. Katharine Drexel Church to receive religious awards earned in the past year.

St. Philip Neri parishioners continue to support outreach begun in their basement

September 4, 2019
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Eastern Vicariate, Feature, Local News, News, Video

Under the guidance of Leo Zerhusen, HOPE (He Opens Paths to Everyone) For All has turned empty houses into furnished homes and outfitted children for school.