The challenges and threats facing humanity and the planet can be confronted effectively if all people come together in “a spirit of solidarity,” said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, in an appeal also supported by three Vatican dicasteries.

Trust in God has led Niky Quezada on the defining journey of her young life.

The Vatican synod hall became a stand full of cheering fans, pumping fists, clapping and shouting encouragement as instructed by Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, who led some 200 people in a group exercise.

As players dust off their pads, a sort of culture shock awaits many high schoolers as they climb that ladder for the first time at Baltimore area Catholic schools.

As the NFL regular season nears its kickoff, several former Baltimore-area Catholic high school players are battling for spots on pro football rosters.

Yogi Berra, Gil Hodges, Derek Jeter, Babe Ruth, Whitey Ford and Connie Mack were among the first-place winners Catholic voters chose in online balloting for an all-time Catholic baseball all-star team.

Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, best known for his 67 seasons calling games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, died at his home in the Hidden Hills section of Los Angeles Aug. 2. He was 94.

An online exhibit sponsored by the Knights of Columbus shows some of the many connections between the Catholic fraternal organization and the national pastime.

Father Casey Cole, 33, and Father Roberto Serrano, 35, are traveling 17,000 miles in less than three months this summer, visiting all 30 Major League Baseball parks on a mission to introduce fans to the Catholic Church. The trip included a stop at Oriole Park at Camden Yards June 7.

Imploring God to shine over Baltimore and the Preakness with the “brightness of a Black-eyed Susan,” Bishop Bruce Lewandowski toured Pimlico May 19 and offered prayerful reflection to hundreds gathered for an almost 100-year-old racetrack tradition.