NWI Catholic Stories

Pope Francis, seated in his wheelchair, blesses a young man seated in a wheelchair at the end of his weekly general audience Aug. 9, 2023, in the Vatican audience hall. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
WYD pilgrims showed the world faith can lead to peace, pope says
Shoppers at a supermarket in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, find shelves lacking items in this undated photo amid a regional food shortage. The shortage is the result of a blockade in the Lachin corridor linking Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-populated enclave surrounded by Azerbaijan. (OSV News photo/courtesy Siranush Sargsyan, via ONE magazine)
Catholic agencies say blockade is creating humanitarian crisis in contested region of Caucasus
Bishop with Mom and Child
Abortion ban has parishes stepping up to support mothers and babies
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The Role of a Dean
Duties and responsibilities of deans help bishop serve the faithful better
May Crowning Mary
Catholics celebrate Our Lady’s journey to heaven
WYD 2023
Indiana youth reflect on 'life-changing' experience in Lisbon
Sisters of Life
Honored by Knights, Sisters of Life founding superior shares 'secret of loving' behind a culture of life
Pope confession WYD
Pope hears young people's confessions in WYD 'Reconciliation Park'
Discussing the Beatitudes at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville on July 18, Nancy LaMagdeleine (right) suggests personal acts of mercy that Catholics can aspire to on a daily basis. "Sometimes you are half-listening to someone, and then you realize that they are really reaching out to you," she said, encouraging her study group to be more attentive to the needs of others. LaMagdeleine and Mary Ann Adamson (left) were among about 30 attendees at the first of four sessions in a Little Rock Scripture s
Eager adults line up for summer Bible Study lessons
At Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville, Tenn., Victoria Sanchez, 9, looks over an exhibition created and designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis that explains every Eucharistic miracle documented around the world. The 156-poster display is currently being shown on five different continents and has miracles listed across 20 countries and witnessed by multiple saints and beatified individuals. (OSV News photo/Katie Peterson, Tennessee Register)
Beatified teen's Eucharistic miracles display inspires devotion in Tennessee youths, adults
Bishop Robert J. McClory (second from right) speaks to Paul Young (center) and others gathered at the American Legion Post 403 in Wanatah for a Pub Theology presentation about the Eucharist sponsored by the Catholic Communities on July 20. The bishop provided an overview of the Kerygma - or a proclamation of the Gospel truths of salvation - as well as apologetics regarding the institution of the Eucharist. (Anthony D. Alonzo photos)
Bishop tells faithful ‘Gift of the Eucharist’ continues to nourish
Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho of Leiria-Fátima, Portugal, left, welcomes Pope Francis to the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon for vespers with Portuguese bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and pastoral workers Aug. 2, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Awaken the 'weary' church by becoming 'restless,' pope says in Portugal
Flames rise next to a firefighting truck as a wildfire burns near the village of Vati, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, July 25, 2023. Heat waves all over the globe have seen Greece, Italy and Spain record all-time high temperatures with the heat index in several Middle Eastern countries reaching 152 degrees Fahrenheit, near the limit of human survival. (OSV News photo, Nicolas Economou, Reuters)
As record heat scorches the globe, climate advocates urge Catholics to take action
Next to the gazebo that graces the parish campus, the Summer Gazebo Reflections group at St. Helen in Hebron has been meeting this summer to discuss the "Holy Moments" described in the book of the same name by Catholic author Matthew Kelly. Led by Laura Roeske (from left), the group on July 10 included Cathy Mezzacapo, Dawn Mayhew, Jackie Reed (not shown) and Pat Hren, all St. Helen parishioners. The final sessions are set for 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Aug. 7 and 21. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Outdoor reflections series inspires patience, kindness and caring
Father Mick Kopil, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church visits with parishioners as they make their way through the food line during the parish picnic on July 16. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Picnic brings parishioners together as they celebrate anniversary
Sister Giovana of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (squatting) joins Sister Samaritan of Scourged Love (left) and Sister Maria Clara of the Crucified in giving food to a man near Lexington Market in Baltimore May 3, 2023. (OSV News Photo/Kevin J. Parks, Catholic Review)
Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ bring love to troubled streets
Pope Francis, alongside a young person who was going to attend World Youth Day and his grandmother, speaks to visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican before praying the Angelus July 23, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Open yourself to God, pope tells marginalized youth ahead of WYD
Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, N.Y., blesses the congregation with holy water as he celebrates a send-off Mass at Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, N.Y., July 23, 2023, for the more than 300 pilgrims from his diocese who will attend World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 1-6. Bishop Brennan will be among the nearly 29,000 U.S. pilgrims and more than 60 U.S. bishops who will attend the worldwide gathering. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
US set to have fifth largest delegation at World Youth Day
Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German bishops' conference, addresses Pope Francis in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace during the bishops' "ad limina" visits to the Vatican in this Nov. 17, 2022, file photo .
Vatican officials meet German bishops to continue dialogue on Synodal Path
Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor performs on stage during the Positivus music festival in Salacgriva, Latvia, July 18, 2009. The July 26, 2023, death of the acclaimed 56-year-old singer and songwriter has seen an outpouring of tributes from all walks of Irish life. (OSV News photo/Ints Kalnins, Reuters)
Sinéad O'Connor, iconic Irish singer and victim of child abuse, dies at 56
Women bring offertory gifts to the altar during the African National Eucharistic Congress Unity Mass July 22, 2023, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Archdiocese of Washington)
Eucharist should inspire work for justice, Cardinal Gregory says at Unity Mass for African National Eucharistic Congress
Pope Francis greets 100-year-old Lucilla Macelli before celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, marking World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly July 23, 2023. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope to young people: To tackle life's ups and downs, look to the elderly
Kathleen Mishow of Gitchitwaa Kateri in Minneapolis holds a shawl with a picture of her daughter, Kateri Marie Mishow, sewn on the back during the first day of the Tekakwitha Conference July 20, 2023, in Bloomington, Minn. Kateri has been missing since 2007. (OSV News photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)
Tekakwitha Conference opens with calls to protect Indigenous women and girls from violence
Pope Francis poses for a photo with children in the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall July 18, 2023. About 250 children of Vatican employees are attending a summer program July 3-Aug. 4. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope visits summer camp for kids of Vatican employees
Metropolitan Police Department personnel are seen Dec. 10, 2019, on the campus of The Catholic University of America in Washington. The Catholic University of America has requested emergency meetings with Metropolitan Police, following off-campus attacks July 13 and July 17, 2023, days after a Kentucky teacher was killed in front of a university building. (OSV News photo/Tyler Orsburn)
Catholic University calls for emergency meetings with Washington police after nearby attacks
Vitya, a retired music teacher seen in this photo from June 29, 2023, became an unlikely catechist after Russian troops occupied his village near Borodyanka, Ukraine, for several weeks. He sheltered a woman raped by a Russian soldier and taught her and husband prayers; he also tried to "plant a seed" of humanity in the hearts of the Russian soldiers with whom he spoke. (OSV News/Gina Christian)
Invoking Mary's protection, Ukrainian villager shared faith under brutal occupation
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Diocese of Gary planning an inspiring event for all ages
Visitors gather in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis July 16, 2023. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Sow seeds of faith, even when their fruits are not immediate, pope says
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ACTS XXIX video presentations ignite faith in parishioners
Jim Caviezel in Sound of Freedom Movie
'Sound of Freedom' Movie Review
Outreach LGBT Mass
Global synod's first-ever discussion of 'LGBTQ+ people' raises important pastoral questions
Pope Francis greets Archbishop Robert F. Prevost, a Chicago native, during a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 12, 2022. The pope will elevate Cardinal-designate Prevost, who is prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, to the College of Cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Sept. 30. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope names 21 cardinals, including U.S.-born Archbishop Prevost
St. Joseph Soup Kitchen volunteers Mary Jo Mazur (left), of Hammond, and Marge Kovacik (center), of Schererville, greet a visitor at the door of the church in Hammond on July 3. The food-for-the-needy initiative was launched in 1985 and now, due to public health concerns, offers to-go lunches. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Soup kitchen volunteers guide ministry to fourth decade
Migrants from Venezuela and Haiti get ready to board a boat in Necoclí, Colombia, April 28, 2023. (OSV News photo/Manuel Rueda, Global Sisters Report)
Religious congregations help US-bound migrants stranded near the Darién Gap
Everyone checks the numbers on their bingo card to see if they are still in the game during the Religious Sisters Picnic hosted by the Serra Club of NWI on June 30 at St. Bridget in Hobart. Club members were joined by more than a dozen nuns who serve in the Diocese of Gary, as well as several seminarians and theur families. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club fetes religious sisters with dinner and games
Discalced Carmelite Fathers including (left to right) Father Bronislaw "Bruno" Socha, O.C.D., Second Councilor Father Franciszek “Francis” Czaicki, O.C.D. and Prior Father Andrzej “Andrew” Gbur, O.C.D. pray the Litany of the Hours in the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy in Munster on June 30. Serving Region faithful since the World War II era, the Polish-born priests and brothers assist local clergymen with sacramental duties and, on their picturesque monastery grounds, host Masses, Confessions and cultural cel
Munster friars continue to serve Poles, faithful with new leadership
Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrats the Liturgy of the Eucharist during the St. Josemaria Feast Day Mass at St. Mary the Immaculate Conception on June 26. (Mary Wellinski photo)
Mass celebrates the life and ways of St. Josemaria Escriva
Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, gives the annual Cardinal Darden Lecture at The Catholic University of America in Washington April 26, 2023. Pope Francis will elevate Cardinal-designate Pierre to the College of Cardinals during a consistory at the Vatican Sept. 30. (OSV News photo/Patrick Ryan, The Catholic University of America)
USCCB 'rejoices' at announcement of two cardinals-designate with 'deep ties' to U.S.
In this June 29, 2023 image, Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich and Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia inspect a memorial near Irpin, Ukraine made of cars shelled by Russian troops as Ukrainian civilians attempted to flee the area in 2022. (OSV News photo/Gina Christian)
Ukraine 'inspires us all to stand in solidarity' for freedom, says Cardinal Cupich
Father Benny Chittilappilly stands in his garden plot in Newport, Vt., May 25, 2023, before planting. For Father Chittilappilly, a Vocationist priest from southern India, gardening is about more than growing vegetables. (OSV News photo/Cori Fugere Urban, Vermont Catholic)
In gardening and parish life, 'we need God's grace to add to the effort,' says priest
Bishop Robert J. McClory gives his homily during Holy Family Parish's Mass in the Park on June 25. The Mass, followed by a parish picnic, was held at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in LaPorte's Fox Park. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Holy Family Parish, Bishop McClory celebrate Mass in the Park
A sizable crowd of 40+ Catholics took an in-depth look at the Beatitudes thanks to a Theology Uncorked program presented by Father Greg Bim-Merle at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville on June 27. He explained each of the eight statements taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, saying "We should want to follow them, because there is a reward connected to each one," Father Bim-Merle, administrator of St. James the Less in Highland. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Beatitudes hailed as ‘The greatest of Jesus’ sermons’
Margie Slamkowski, Kim Milner and Gina Faith begin to bag grocery items that were distributed as part of the food panty at Nativity of Our Savior in Portage. The pantry assists more than 400 individuals/families each month. (Erin Ciszczon)
Faith and generosity lead to growth of parish food pantry 
Pope Francis gives his homily during Mass for the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican June 29, 2023. The pope wore red vestments to recall the martyrdom of the two saints. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Pope institutes commission to share the stories of new martyrs
A child's bicycle, seen in a still image from video, lies on a lawn as a police office walks down a residential street in Baltimore July 2, 2023, after a mass shooting at a Fourth of July holiday weekend block party. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore asked for prayers for the victims after the mass shooting left two dead and injured more than two dozen others, most of whom were teens. (OSV News photo/Reuters)
Baltimore archbishop asks for prayers for victims of mass shooting at a neighborhood block party
People who fled their homes due to fighting between the Afar Special Forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front in Berhale, Ethiopia, wait for food near a makeshift compound in Afdera district, Feb. 23, 2022. (OSV News photo/Tiksa Negeri, Reuters)
Bishop: Suffering from war, hunger 'beyond human imagination' in Ethiopia's Tigray region
Diaconate candidates who were instituted as lectors include front row:Anthony Bondi, Brad Hendrickson, Frank Gasaway, Ruben Ortiz, Rob Petro, Pete Wood, Paul Wilk, Bob Sandilla, and Gilbert Sanchez. Back row: Albert Burgos, Doug Noveroske, Robert Gromala, Bill Grimes, Bishop Robert J. McClory, Father Leo Gajardo, Bill Zientarski, Jeff Smolinski, and Bob Wellinski.
Bishop McClory confirms 16 diaconate candidates into ministry of lector
Pope Francis blesses an ambulance to donate to the Ukrainian city of Lviv, in this file photo taken at the Vatican March 26, 2022. Also pictured is Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, who drove the ambulance to Lviv. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Aid to Ukrainians tops charity funded by Peter's Pence in 2022
Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro, Ky., greets a small child in a receiving line of Burmese parishioners outside Holy Spirit Church in Bowling Green June 18, 2023. The Myanmar community was celebrating 14 years of being part of the parish. (OSV News photo/Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, The Western Kentucky Catholic)
Myanmar community celebrates 14 years in Kentucky parish with joy, 'spirit of love'
Diane McKern (left), vice president for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, District Council of Gary, views homemade family art with her husband Dan McKern (right) at the couple's home in Hammond on May 25. A convert to the Catholic faith and longtime charitable advocate, Diane McKern is recignized by Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioners and faithful throughout the diocese as a generous and innovative leader. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Local Vincentian with big heart delivers care, compassion