Father Joseph C. Simmons, the former longtime pastor of Holy Spirit in Joppa, who led major construction projects and was remembered for his presence to parishioners, died Feb. 25 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He had just turned 89 Feb. 19.

Archbishop William E. Lori issued a decree Feb. 22 for the merger of St. Leo the Great Parish in Little Italy and nearby St. Vincent de Paul Parish. The merger is effective July 1.

For 50 high-achieving high school students, the First Ascent program at Mount St. Mary’s University last summer was more than just a week on the Emmitsburg campus. It was a glimpse into college life, complete with academics, community building and personal growth.

For nearly 50 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s Social Ministry Convocation has been a staple for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, enabling it to inspire, educate and support the mission to fight systemic poverty.

A memorial Mass for Josephite Father Nixon Mullah will be offered Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke in Washington, D.C.

Joining Catholic Review Radio to talk about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and some special events that are coming up to honor the anniversary of her canonization is Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg and a parishioner of St. Mary in Hagerstown.

The 54th Baltimore Catholic League Tournament, presented by Brooks Financial Group, will tip off Feb. 27, featuring some of the best high school basketball talent in the nation.

The average tuition for Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore that charge traditional tuition was $19,098 in the 2024-25 academic year, an increase of 4.2 percent from last year’s expenses, according to the Catholic Review’s annual survey of nonpublic school tuition expenses.

A funeral Mass was offered Feb. 21 for Redemptorist Father Richard Knappik at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ephrata, Pa. Father Knappik, who ministered as an associate pastor in Annapolis and Baltimore, died Feb. 16, one day short of his 93rd birthday.

Archbishop William E. Lori announced Feb. 20 the appointment of School Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McCarron as the new archdiocesan superintendent of schools.