Every Easter Vigil, deacons throughout the archdiocese face one of the most challenging yet spiritually rewarding duties of their ministry: chanting the Exsultet.

Mercy Sister Paula Marie Phelan always began the first day of class as director of Mercy Medical Center’s School of Medical Technology with an admonition: If students wanted to make it through the session they would have to work hard – very hard.

When Maryland Catholics faced religious persecution in the early 1700s, Taneytown was an area where many found refuge.

“He reminded them that the life of every human being was no mistake,” Father Carey said. “God had wonderful plans for each of them.”

Sulpician Father Joseph C. Martin, a leader in the addiction treatment field who cofounded the Father Martin’s Ashley treatment center, died March 9. He was 84.

Mike Mandella opened the doors to the mostly darkened church and immediately looked in the direction of pools of bright light that spilled onto the floor from the two open reconciliation rooms.

As associate publisher/editor of The Catholic Review for 24 years, Mr. Medinger transformed a once-struggling newspaper into one of the most honored publications in the Catholic press.

Its transparent wings beating in a flutter of motion, the locust almost seems ready to jump from the calf-skin parchment on which it is painted. Resting on a delicately arching green leaf, the insect is a physical reminder of a passage in the sacred text that fills the page.

Concerned that the famous blonde is a bad role model who promotes a materialistic lifestyle and unnatural body image, many think parents should box Barbie and put her back on the shelf.

Daniel L. Medinger, under whose direction The Catholic Review won more than 350 national and regional awards, resigned as associate publisher and editor Feb. 9.