Retired Bishop John H. Ricard, the first Black bishop of both the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Fla., and a nationally respected advocate for racial justice, May 20. He was 86.

Loyola University Maryland has received a $500,000 Trust in Practice Award from the Aspen Institute’s Alliance for Social Trust and Allstate to launch Rooted in Trust, a new initiative aimed at strengthening social trust along the York Road corridor in North Baltimore.

Taryn Langley, a sixth grader at Sacred Heart School in Glyndon spelled stimuli and serrated correctly to win the 2026 Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Spelling Bee at St. Joseph School in Cockeysville May 18.

Gaining firsthand experience in a career before committing time and money can offer valuable insight for students still weighing their futures. Through high school internship and mentorship programs, students can explore a range of fields while learning more about their own interests and strengths.

Their ordination as transitional deacons is the final step before they are expected to be ordained to the priesthood next year. 

Mark Viviano talks with Gregg Landry, founder of Blue Rock Productions and president of the Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, about how a single reflection question at a men’s faith group – what have you said no to that could have been a blessing? – led Landry to eucharistic ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore and, eventually, prison ministry.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore recognized three teachers of the year May 7 with surprise visits to their classrooms by their principals and Gregory Farno, chancellor for archdiocese schools.

A long-time advocate for St. John Vianney Center in Philadelphia, Archbishop William E. Lori was given the center’s first-ever Ambassador Award May 8 during its 80th anniversary breakfast.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore submitted a proposed plan for reorganization May 15 in an effort to complete its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, with the goal of equitably compensating victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and others affiliated with the Catholic Church in Maryland.

High school athletes often face more than wins and losses. Injuries, setbacks, pressure and disappointment can test their confidence and identity. Coaches, parents and Catholic school mentors say those struggles can also become opportunities for growth in faith, resilience and character.