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The theme for the 2016 Fortnight for Freedom, "Witnesses to Freedom," unfolded as faithful Catholics in Phoenix, the nation's Capitol and beyond spent part of their July 4 holiday in prayer.

Durante el Youth Catholic Congreso (YCC) “Congreso de Jóvenes Católicos” 2016, los aproximadamente 700 chicos y chicas que asistieron, recibieron un llamado vehemente a la santidad los 11 y 12 de junio en el Centro de Convenciones de Phoenix.

The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference oppose the campaign to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Arizona because it is harmful to both children and families in Arizona.

The love of a father for his children and his wife is captured in a four-letter word: with. We see this in the life of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Even though he is mentioned a number of times in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, no words of his are recorded. What mattered was that Joseph was there, present to Mary and Jesus, always ready to listen and to encourage, to protect and to provide.

It was always there — the calm, hushed murmurings to Fr. David Loeffler’s heart as he felt God’s love drawing him to the priesthood. He took his faith seriously, sharing it with his family when he would play Mass at home, to the point of reprimanding them if they fell asleep during his “homilies.”

Francesca Thomas has been working with little kids since she first graduated from college. “I went to church pretty faithfully, but I don’t think my faith was particularly deep at that time. I sort of went, doing what you’re supposed to do, but I really was captivated by this whole putting-your-faith-into-action thing,” Thomas said.

All matters of great importance should first be discerned on the knees. The diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry, and the priesthood is the second. Both require years of formation and discernment, a process aided by support from the annual Charity and Development Appeal.

Fr. Ryan Lee grew up in Arizona as the oldest child in his family, but only by 60 seconds. He’s got a twin brother and a younger sister and he might be the only priest in the Diocese of Phoenix who knows how to care for an elephant or an orangutan.

There’s no telling what a lunchtime meeting twice per month can do for the soul. The impact on those they pray for during that meeting — their top agenda item — is equally immeasurable. The main order of business: pray for and network with priests, religious and those in discernment.

QUEBEC CITY (CNS) — Faith and tradition were the highlights of this year’s First Nations Sunday at the Basilica of Sainte Anne-de-Beaupre.