Citing regulations to circumvent Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s related Aug. 3 emergency order, Montgomery County’s health officer issued a new directive Aug. 5 again stating that due to increasing rates in the spread of COVID-19, nonpublic schools there cannot reopen for in-person instruction until at least Oct. 1.

Citing growing threats from the coronavirus pandemic, Loyola University Maryland announced Aug. 6 that instruction for undergraduate students will be offered only online for the fall semester. Graduate programs will also be offered mostly online.

Catholic parishes in Baltimore City expressed concern about the executive order Aug. 6 by Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young that tightened restrictions for indoor venues, including religious services.

During the week-long outreach, 33 volunteers worked at five job sites including a home in New Windsor.

The event, coordinated by Rachel Harkins Ullmann, GIVEN’s executive director, sold out in 48 hours to local parishioners and families from as far as Washington, D.C.

The Archdiocese of Washington and its Catholic Schools Office hailed the Aug. 3 emergency order by Maryland’s governor to override a Montgomery County Health Department blanket directive that would have kept nonpublic schools from reopening for in-person instruction through at least Oct. 1.

“I grieve when I think of the lost potential for Isaac’s earthly life, in his desire to pursue art, philosophy and theology, but above all in his potential to serve others,” Father Scharbach said, adding that Isaac also had a “seemingly irreplaceable role in our family, where he served as the primary balm who could soften, inspire and encourage each of us.”

While Deacon Ponton said that he “lived life, got kicked around a little,” the pastor who gave him his first holy Communion said that it is that background which will make him a “great” priest when he is ordained for the Archdiocese of Baltimore Aug. 22

COVID-19 made in-person camp for adults with physical or developmental disabilities, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, too risky, according to Deacon Bill Fleming, its director. An alternative, an online camp, has received an enthusiastic response.

Sister M. Isabel Schratwieser, 97, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died July 16 at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.