NEWS

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.

Fr. Dan Connealy’s first few months as a priest may have him feeling like life came full circle.

“I die the King’s good servant; but God’s first.” These were the last words spoken by St. Thomas More, a 16th-century politician and martyr, who died defending the Catholic faith. The life of St. Thomas More and his close friend St. John Fisher, like many other saints, illustrates the necessity of having courage when religious freedom is attacked.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Just after 10 a.m. East Coast time June 27 in Washington, Kristan Hawkins, director of Students for Life, made an announcement to her small rally in front of the Supreme Court: “Women across America just lost!”

Fr. Sheunesu Bowora’s first year of priesthood will tangibly seal his religious vocation.

It’s a faith-filled recipe for growth — spiritual, intellectual and personal — that both children and their parents want to try again and again, even beyond the standard five-day format.