From Baghdad to Bishop: A Soldier-Priest Called to the Front Lines of Faith September 2, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Appointments, Feature, Local News, News On one of the bloodiest days of the Iraq War, Father F. Richard Spencer stood on a trash can in a concrete bomb shelter and offered absolution as mortar shells fell. Now, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed him the first auxiliary bishop for the U.S. military able to enter war zones — a role he knows all too well.
Father O’Malley brought people together in Emmitsburg August 19, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, News, Uncategorized, Western Vicariate Father O’Malley arrived in Emmitsburg at a time when St. Joseph was suffering significant divisions.
Faith sustains Merzbacher abuse survivor August 19, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Child & Youth Protection, Local News, News Murphy insisted her story is not one of rape and betrayal. It’s about the “awesome healing power of a gracious God,” she said.
Two Emmitsburg parishioners die in accident August 12, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Western Vicariate Vincentian Father Vincent J. O’Malley had just preached on Sunday’s Gospel reading, warning that no one knows the hour when the Son of Man will come. Moments later, as the priest greeted people outside St. Joseph in Emmitsburg following the 10:15 a.m. liturgy, an automobile struck and killed two Mass-goers and seriously injured a third.
A school grows in Haiti: Deacon Mortel, 76, keeps boosting his hometown August 5, 2010By Paul McMullen Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, Missions, News Deacon Rodrigue Mortel, the director of the Missions Office for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is an authority on defying perceived limits on one’s potential.
Archbishop O’Brien opposes Merzbacher’s release August 5, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien is joining survivors of sexual abuse in opposing the possible release of John J. Merzbacher, a former teacher at Catholic Community School in South Baltimore who is serving four life terms for child rape.
Lithuanian nun with ties to Baltimore on path to sainthood August 5, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, News, Saints A nun who walked the halls of St. Alphonsus School in Baltimore is on her way to becoming a saint.
Letters unlock doors for priest with Alzheimer’s July 29, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, Ministry, News After attempting suicide several years ago at a Cumberland penitentiary, a prisoner spent his days lying alone on the floor of his tiny cell. Staring at the ceiling and speaking few words, the man seemed lost.
Catholic artist inspires with personal paintings July 15, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Local News, News D’Adamo hopes to share his Catholic faith and help others find a closer connection with their faith through art. His work, which includes gripping images of God, Moses and moments from the life of Christ, was featured in an art exhibit last fall at St. Ignatius in Baltimore.
Camp St. Vincent offers fun, enrichment for homeless children June 24, 2010By Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News When Lynette Voss resided in a homeless shelter during the summers of 2008 and 2009, the Baltimore resident wanted her children to have something to do during the day, as opposed to sitting around the shelter idly.
St. Joseph in Taneytown creatively honors 21 pastors June 23, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Saints St. Joseph in Taneytown has had a host of illustrious pastors over the course of its 213-year history.
Archbishop O’Brien ordains father to priesthood June 17, 2010By George P. Matysek Jr. Filed Under: Local News, News As the solemn chants of hundreds of people reverberated from the stone walls, Deacon Gregory Rapisarda laid prostrate on the sanctuary floor of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland June 12. Worshippers called on saints of all generations to pray for the 62-year-old father of four just moments before Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien would ordain him to the priesthood.
