Woodworking has run through the Otmar family line for more than five generations. For Josef Otmar V, however, the craft became more than a trade—it is a vocation, one that serves the Church by creating sacred spaces for Eucharistic worship. Otmar’s journey into woodworking began early, when he entered an …

Origins and Mission Serra Club International is a lay apostolate of the Catholic Church that aims to promote vocations and foster a culture of vocation awareness. Named after Saint Junípero Serra, the Spanish missionary who founded several missions in California during the 18th century, Serra clubs worldwide embody his spirit …

We do not hear much about the “last things” anymore. Death, judgment, heaven, and hell are often passed over. We hear even less about that state that many will experience before heaven, which is called purgatory. This purification after death has been a consistent part of Catholic teaching for hundreds …

Falling in love, getting engaged, and going through marriage preparation should be a beautiful, enriching experience. But ask Catholic couples married 25 years or longer about their marriage preparation, and many will respond that they met with their parish priest, completed a questionnaire, and attended a marriage preparation retreat; in …

Dear Lord, Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our …

For the prevention of suicide Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

In a visually saturated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become desensitized to beauty. Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” encourages us to slow down and engage in visual contemplation, using art as a profound tool for connecting with the Divine. A Guide to Visio Divina Begin by making …

“The men we want to become priests aren’t coming to us. We have to go out and find them.” I first heard these words three years ago, and the Holy Spirit has never let me forget them. They were shared by a friend, a former vocations director, expressing how hard …

Reverend John Robert Jack passed away on October 28, 2025, in Norwood, Ohio. He was born on January 24, 1965, in Middletown, Ohio and was baptized at St. John the Baptist Parish, Middletown. He received a B.A. from the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, a M. Div. from Mount St. Mary’s …

For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt. 16:25) “Your life is not about you,” our pastor said with a chuckle as he began his homily. “Sorry to disappoint.” I nodded in solemn understanding from the vestibule. …