Eric Clayton was sitting in a barbershop when a viral photo of a seagull atop the Sistine Chapel sparked an idea. Weeks later, he had a children’s book — and a message about God’s love he hopes will reach kids, families, and maybe even the pope.

Through prayer and presence, Catholic missionaries in Baltimore walk alongside the homeless, forming relationships that bring dignity and hope.

The campaign includes $3 million for capital projects, $3 million for the Source of All Hope missionary program, $3 million for a capital trust and $1 million for the basilica’s music program, including the establishment of a school of sacred music for children.

Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain 14 men to the permanent diaconate during a 10 a.m. Mass May 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. A permanent deacon differs from a transitional deacon in that he is not later ordained to the priesthood.

Spirited music could be heard from the parking lot of Sisters Academy of Baltimore in Lansdowne May 2 as almost 100 lay leaders from parishes across Maryland involved in the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal Movement welcomed Archbishop William E. Lori, who attended one of their formation sessions for the first time. 

Neighbors, families and civic dignitaries got their first good look inside the Carolynn E. Fugett Intergenerational Center May 1, as the West Baltimore Catholic Charities center held an open house at the new $35 million facility.

Archbishop William E. Lori announces the following appointments:

Host Rita Buettner speaks with Emily Stimpson Chapman, a bestselling Catholic author, who explains how monks preserved and elevated winemaking after the fall of the Roman Empire

The Marriottsville-based Sisters of Bon Secours USA named Kathy Connerton as the congregation’s inaugural executive director of mission and business operations.

A bishop who began his episcopal ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore is among those stepping down as Pope Leo XIV announced a set of appointments May 1 affecting the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. A second bishop with Baltimore ties is also among those affected.