Shayne Smith was born into a world of organized crime. He and his three brothers endured abuse at the hands of their step-father and ultimately took after him as full members in a motorcycle gang. Robbery and violent crime became their full-time jobs.  But then, Smith and his brothers chose …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton Jan 4, 2026 / 04:00 am Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? These letters and numbers actually have a great significance. Traditionally on the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by …

As the holiday lights begin to dim and the New Year settles in, a centuries-old tradition marks the transition from Christmas to the vibrant spirit of Carnival. Twelfth Night, falling on January 5 or 6, 2026, is the official herald of the King Cake season. The Meaning of Twelfth Night Twelfth Night …

by David Cooley Sacred music holds a central place in Catholic worship. An integral element of the liturgy, it elevates the soul toward God, fosters communal unity, and deepens the faithful’s encounter with divine mysteries. Rooted in Scripture and Church tradition, it beautifies prayer, promotes contemplation, and distinguishes itself from …

As the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Christmas, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day’s Gospel reading. By Jenny Kraska The Gospel of Matthew tells us that “…Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?’” (Mt 2:1-2). These Wise Men …

As Tamara (pseudonym) drove to her abortion appointment, the radio played an ad for Pregnancy Center Plus (PCPlus). Her eyes welled with tears. In that moment, she changed course and drove directly to PCPlus. She was 12-weeks pregnant, her boyfriend had recently died in a car crash, and she was …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” In his analysis of Ephesians 5:21-33, Pope St. John Paul II highlighted St. Paul’s use of analogy. This passage of Ephesians compares the relationship of Christian spouses with the relationship between …

Christian Anthropology | Andrew J. Sodergren, M.T.S., Psy.D. Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” For Part One click here We have been following Pope St. John Paul II’s meditations on the Letter to the Ephesians in which …

INTO YOUR HANDS | Archbishop Robert G. Casey In the delightful classic movie The Bells of St. Mary’s, Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman star as a priest and a religious sister serving at the above-mentioned parish and its school. Ingrid Bergman plays Sr. Benedict, a school principal with both principles …

Exploring love, family, and faith across the stages of marriage by Lisa Fletcher Marriage is a journey of love, faith, and grace. Across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Catholic couples have been discovering that the true beauty of marriage lies in more than companionship: it is a living sacrament, a daily …