Today my son was diagnosed with autism – or ASD. I wasn’t terribly surprised. If anything, I was relieved.

We are grieving the loss of a young and much loved husband, father of four, brother-in-law, son, brother, and uncle.

Two weeks ago when I was praying a novena to St. Therese, I asked her help on a number of things. I explained to her about our children’s transition to their new school.

In recent months we have seen the destructive power of water, especially in Texas and then Florida. Yet, we are born in water. And we know that we can all live longer without food than without water.

Our 4th grader is learning the state capitals. If you’ve never had a child learning the state capitals, maybe that doesn’t sound like an excuse. But I consider it a part-time job.

My folks showed the face of Christ to those they met. They instilled respect for life in us.

It seemed as if I had all summer to hunt for a statue, and though I kept my eyes open, I couldn’t find the right one in time for his birthday.

I am proud that the ministries of this Archdiocese accept this invitation every day of every year.

St. Francis of Assisi must be one of the best-known saints. But I didn’t feel a special connection to him until 14 years ago when I went on a retreat.

The Catholic Review sits down with with William J. McCarthy Jr., executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore and parishioner of Church of the Nativity in Timonium.