Last year was the deadliest per capita in the history of Baltimore City, and 2018 is proving just as tragic. Families left behind work to ensure that they themselves do not become spiritual casualties.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has removed the priestly faculties of a part-time chaplain at St. John’s Catholic Prep, an independent Catholic high school in Frederick County, after learning the priest has recently been accused of committing child sexual abuse in Manassas, Virginia, in the 1970s. 

On the second full weekend in October, the town of Thurmont transforms to welcome autumn visitors. The 55th annual Catoctin Colorfest, one of the largest outdoor craft shows in the East, drew an estimated 100,000 Oct. 13-14.

Michael Martin’s attitude towards running mirrors his attitude towards overcoming his addiction. The 45-year-old recovering heroin addict is among the thousands of runners who will don athletic attire, lace up their sneakers and pound the pavement Oct. 20 for the 18th annual Baltimore Running Festival.

Healing of the church can be brought about by all faithfully living their God-given vocations, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore told Catholics in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston during a visit to the statewide diocese in early October.

A month after a neighboring fire displaced Esperanza Center, a program of Catholic Charities, its outreaches continue to operate just around the corner out of Assisi House at St. Patrick in Fells Point.

Good Samaritan Hospital came into existence thanks to the generosity of Thomas J. O’Neill, a merchant who famously asked Carmelite nuns to pray that his store be spared during the Great Baltimore fire of February 1904.

Approximately 350 students gathered at the Baltimore Basilica Oct. 10 to learn about Our Lady of Fatima, pray the rosary and tour America’s first cathedral as part of the archdiocesan Rosary Congress.

“We are sending a clear message, that people have a right to be safe,” the archbishop said. “People have a right to live in a city where they see each other as neighbors and friends, rather than strangers and enemies.
Baltimore’s interim police commissioner, Gary Tuggle, addresses questions from the media Oct. 10 outside Sacred Heart of Jesus-Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Highlandtown about a new parish identification card. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Deacons and candidates for that ministry alike agree that the timeless call to serve transcends any crisis facing the Catholic Church. That was among the takeaways from a Deacon Day of Enrichment Oct. 6 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Howard County, where approximately 25 deacons of the Archdiocese of Baltimore renewed their vows, and another 13 entered their admission to candidacy for holy orders.