NEWS

You’ve seen them: weathered faces lined with care, holding their cardboard signs by the side of the road, begging for help. You’re waiting for the light to turn green and try to avoid their stare. What to do?

Years of study and prayerful reflection, bolstered by the loving support of family and friends, will culminate June 28 when Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix ordains three men to the priesthood.

Dioceses throughout the country will be highlighting the Catholic Church's religious freedom in service to the poor and vulnerable during this year's "Fortnight for Freedom."

The body and blood of Christ, Pope Francis said, can give people eternal life because "the substance of this bread is love." Living the Catholic faith, the pope said, means "allowing yourself to be nourished by the Lord and building your life not on material goods, but on the reality that does not perish: the gifts of God, his word and his body."

The pope responded to hundreds of letters from inmates incarcerated for life as juveniles, assuring them of his prayers and that the Lord "knows and loves each one of them." A larger movement of people is working to reform the way in which juveniles are held accountable for crimes committed as youth.

Phoenix police announced hours before the requiem Mass for Fr. Kenneth Walker that they have a suspect in custody for the murder of Fr. Walker and assault on Fr. Terra.

One priest was killed and a second remains in critical condition after a deadly attack on a downtown Phoenix Catholic church June 11. Fr. Kenneth...

After the five-year mark of incarceration, 85 percent of inmates have no visitors or contact from friends or family. More are finding a connection to their heavenly Father, however, thanks to the efforts of local priests, deacons and faithful prison ministry volunteers.

"Present generations should express their full recognition to all those who made such a heavy sacrifice," the Vatican said in a message commemorating the June 6, 1944, invasion of Normandy. A Catholic Army chaplain made the ultimate sacrifice.

The gift of piety that the Holy Spirit gives us makes us meek; it makes us peaceful, patient and at peace with God in gentle service to others," Pope Francis said in his weekly general audience. He was continuing a series of audience talks about the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.