NWI Catholic Stories

Newly ordained deacons from the Pontifical North American College carry offertory gifts during their ordination Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Sept. 28, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
18 U.S. seminarians ordained deacons in St. Peter's Basilica
Jen Fulwiler, a standup comic, bestselling author and mother of six, is pictured in an undated publicity photo. Fulwiler told OSV News that her brand of Catholic observational comedy is the fruit of "an enormous amount of work" and deep faith. (OSV News photo/Tigerman Management)
'Hard work' of standup comedy a labor of love, faith for Jen Fulwiler
This is an original copy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's "The Following of Christ" (commonly translated as "The Imitation of Christ”). The book testifies to her love of Jesus and the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Pennsylvania agreed to loan it to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md., for display in the shrine's new $4 million museum and visitors center opening Sept. 22, 2023. (OSV News photo/courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton)
'The Following of Christ': The 'hidden' book that helped make Mother Seton a saint
Richard Carrillo poses Aug. 9, 2023, in front of the altar in the chapel of St. John Neumann Church, Miami, where he directs the choir. He's organizing a Mass that blends Aztec and European heritages, "Mass of the Americas," by Los Angeles composer Frank La Rocca, and it will have its Miami premiere the evening of Oct. 3 at Epiphany Church, also in Miami. (OSV News photo/Jim Davis, Florida Catholic)
For student, producing 'Mass of the Americas' blends a faith experience with music experience
Pope Francis greets the crowd from the popemobile as he arrives for Mass at the Vélodrome Stadium in Marseille, France, Sept. 23, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Take leap of faith and dare to love your family, those in need, pope says
Diocesan faithful Ernie Anderson (left), 22, Mitchell Bolda (center), 25, and Joey Topor (right), 25, savor moments from their military and commercial aviation responsibilities. Anderson, an Andrean High School graduate, recently joined the Air Force; Bolda, a Holy Spirit parishioner, is a pilot for Envoy Air; and Topor, a St. Thomas More School graduate, flies a corporate jet for executive clients. (Composite photo by Anthony D. Alonzo)
Young diocesan pilots bring skills, personality, faith to jobs
Pope Francis receives a stuffed bear, a symbol of Ukraine's suffering, from Andrii Yurash, Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See, during a meeting in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Sept. 22, 2023. The bear survived a Russian missile strike in Dnipro, Ukraine, that killed 46 people, including three children, and wounded 75 others. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Ambassador gives pope a stuffed bear as symbol of 'suffering Ukraine'
Meeting Bishop Robert J. McClory (right) in 2020 at a reception hosted by Ss. Monica and Luke in Gary were (from left) Deacon Martin Brown and Holy Name of Jesus parishioners Anita Torok and Carol Hoffman from Cedar Lake. Hoffman serves with several ministries, all centering on the Eucharist. (Provided photo)
Retired nurse now fulfilled serving fellow parishioners
A statue of St. Michael the Archangel is seen at the Church of St. Michael in New York City in this file photo from October of 2017. (OSV News Photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
What makes the St. Michael prayer so powerful?
Pope Francis attends a session of the Synod of Bishops on young people in the Vatican synod hall in this file photo from 2018. The October assembly of the "synod on synodality" has been moved to the larger Vatican audience hall where members will sit at round tables, rather than in rows. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Inside, outside: Synod to focus on the church and its role in the world
Leonard Kulasa displays his original U.S. Army garrison cap and the medals that adorn it more than 50 years after he served in the Vietnam Conflict as a Specialist E4 with the 244th Airborne Company during 1967-68. Active in both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars veterans organizations, he visited Washington D.C. on July 12 as an Honir Flight visitor. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Veteran continues serving comrades throughout his life
Ninety-seven-year-old Philip J. Schouten (front, second from right) of Schererville is gathered with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and in-laws at the Inspiring Presence event at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond on Aug. 26. Schouten, a WWII Purple Heart recipient and double amputee, participated at the diocesan conference, which included Mass presided over by Bishop Robert J. McClory, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and presentations by guest speakers including author Dr. Scott Hahn. (Anthony D. Alon
WWII veteran leads family-oriented, faith-filled life 78 years after injury
A statue of St. Joseph is seen as Pope Francis celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican in this May 1, 2020, file photo. The Vatican has released the pope's message for the 2021 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, celebrated April 25 and dedicated to St. Joseph. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Praying for vocations means understanding church's needs, pope says
Migrants are pictured Sept. 17, 2023, at the port on the Italian island of Lampedusa while waiting to be transferred to the mainland. (OSV New photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters)
Residents on Italian island of Lampedusa tirelessly help migrants, cry out for more resources
Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, who died April 17, 2015, is pictured during a 2010 interview in Washington. A Sept. 14, 2023, panel at The Catholic University of America in Washington examined the cardinal's life and legacy with biographer Michael Heinlein, Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez and Mary FioRito, attorney and former executive assistant to Cardinal George. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Bob Roller)
Cardinal George remembered for humility, compassion and brilliance at CUA panel
Bishop Robert J. McClory blesses the faithful at St. Mary's in Otis during the recessional following mass on Sept. 10. The parish celebrated their 150th anniversary. (Bob Wellinski photo)
First Polish parish gathers for anniversary celebration
judges bow heads
Catholic Foundation prepares for annual free seminar for lawyers, judges, financial professionals
Gathering at Ss. Monica and Luke in Gary for 'Grand' Family Sunday to celebrate Grandparents Day on Sept. 10 are (from left) parishioner Kay Roos of Gary, grandson Noble Sullivan of Grand Rapids, Mich., grand niece Phyllis Hinton and niece Barbara Hinton, whose husband, Phillip Hinton, Roos' nephew, sings in the choir. A number of guests joined their family members for the Mass and luncheon. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Parish welcomes ‘grand’ guests for Grandparents Day liturgy
Thousands attend the Sept. 10, 2023, beatification Mass of the Ulma family, who were martyred in Markowa, Poland, for sheltering Jews under German occupation during World War II. Józef and Wiktoria and their seven children were proclaimed "Blessed" by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, papal envoy, who concelebrated the Mass in Markowa. The Ulmas' seventh child was born as Wiktoria was executed. (OSV News photo/Patryk Ogorzalek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl via Reuters)
Love of life, family are at the heart of the Ulmas' beatification
Bishop Robert J. McClory gives his homily during the Green Mass at St. Ann of the Dunes on Sept. 6. (Bob Wellinski photo)
St. Ann of the Dunes is fitting location for Green Mass to celebrate God’s creation
Emergency workers look for survivors in Amizmiz, Morocco, Sept, 10, 2023, in the aftermath of a deadly magnitude 6.8 earthquake. An aftershock rattled Moroccans that day as they mourned victims of the nation's strongest earthquake in more than a century Sept. 8, killing more than 2,000 people, a number that is expected to rise. (OSV News photo/Nacho Doce, Reuters)
Church in Morocco, pope offer prayers after quake; death toll rises to more than 2,800
Children dressed in traditional clothing arrive in procession for a Spanish-language Mass celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Suyapa, patroness of Honduras, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City Feb. 5, 2023. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
Observing Hispanic Heritage Month as Catholics
Melissa Dan, president of Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minn., and Aiden Kelly, a sophomore this year, hold equipment used in the school's virtual reality lab Aug. 18, 2023. (OSV News photo/Dave Hrbacek, Catholic Spirit)
Catholic educators help students, families form healthy relationships with technology
This is the official logo for a nine-month U.S. tour of a relic of St. Jude the Apostle that begins in Chicago Sept. 9, 2023. (OSV News photo/courtesy Father Carlos Martins)
Relic of St. Jude, apostle and patron of desperate causes, begins US tour
Presider Bishop Robert J. McClory right) delivers his homily from the Franciscan Health Amphitheater in Crown Point to St. Mary faithful and guests seated mainly in the shady environs of the Bulldog Park pavilion on Aug. 20. More than 800 parishioners and guests gathered for the fellowship meal and Mass in the park just off of the city square. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Hundreds of St. Mary faithful gather for outdoor Mass, fellowship
Raynelle Howlett (left) attend St. Teresa of Avila's outdoor Mass in downtown Valparaiso on Aug. 27, with her daughter Malia Howlett, 15, son Ryan Howlett, 10, and father Ray Brown. Chairs were set up at the William E. Urshel Pavilion for the 11 a.m. Mass, which was attended by more than 500 people. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Downtown Valparaiso Mass is a visible sign of faith to the community
Downtown Valparaiso outdoor Mass is a visible sign of faith to the community
Father Terry Bennis and 14-year-old Brielle Brunicon attempt to hula hoop during the Ss. Cyril and Methodius and All Saints parish picnic on Aug. 19 in North Judson. Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrated Mass in the park and visited with the faithful during the picnic. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Parishioners and guests celebrate Mass, enjoy food and games
Brother Eric Kalimbiriro Kadalikashereza renews his vows and is blessed by Crosier Father Laurentius Tarpin, master general of the order, during a special Mass at Holy Cross Priory in Onamia, Minn., Aug. 18, 2023. (OSV News photo/Dianne Towalski, The Central Minnesota Catholic)
Congolese religious brothers celebrate vows at Crosiers' Minnesota priory
Children including Josie Schwartz, Colette Ummel, Grace Usdowski and Rylee Krupa wait to participate in the a portion of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program during the Diocese of Gary event that focused on the Eucharistic Presence at Bishop Noll on Aug. 26. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Teens and children encouraged to grow in relationship with Eucharistic Lord
Women weep while they attend the last Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Peace in New York in this file photo dated July 31, 2015. Seventeen Catholic churches across New York City celebrated their last Masses that day as the Archdiocese merged 112 of its 368 parishes into 55, in part because of a shift in Catholic population in some areas. (OSV News photo/Eduardo Munoz, Reuters)
How to heal after your parish merges or closes
Children wait to see Pope Francis as he arrives at the Steppe Arena to celebrate Mass in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Sept. 3, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Message from 'heart of Asia': Pope's words go beyond Mongolian borders
Pope Francis answers questions from journalists aboard his flight back to Rome from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Sept. 4, 2023, after a four-day visit to the Asian country. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Synod assembly won't be secret, but won't be open to press, pope says
Members of United Mine Workers of America and other labor leaders bow in prayer while picketing July 28, 2021, outside BlackRock's headquarters in New York City as part of the union's strike at Warrior Met Coal Mine. (OSV News photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters)
Americans are talking about labor issues, unions more now than in recent past, experts say
Rock formations and mountains are pictured near Los Alamos, N.M., Nov. 21, 2020. Opening with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Sept. 1, 2023, the Season of Creation is a monthlong ecumenical period for prayer and action to promote ecological principles. It ends Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis Assisi. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Bob Roller)
US Catholic dioceses are leading the 'green revolution' championed by popes
Wiktoria Ulma (holding a child) stands with her six children in front of their house in Markowa, Poland, in this undated photo. (The identity of the woman standing next to Wiktoria is not known.) The Ulma family and Jews they were sheltering were murdered by the Germans March 24, 1944, when the Nazi occupiers were informed that Jews are sheltered in their home. Wiktoria and her husband, Józef, their seven children (including the couple's unborn baby) will be beatified Sept. 10, 2023, in Markowa. (OSV News p
Polish family's beatification highlights debate over church's wartime role
Senior priest Father Alphonse Skerl (left) pays tribute to the late Bishop Dale J. Melczek as Judy Holicky (center) Jacob Werhowatz-Nieman, 5, (right) look on at the third bishop of Gary's crypt during the Mass of Remembrance at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on Aug. 25. Family, friends and clergymen gathered to pay tribute to and offer prayers for Bishop Melczek, who died on Aug. 25, 2022 after serving in the Diocese of Gary for 30 years. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Friends, clergy gather at memorial Mass on anniversary of bishop’s passing
Ken and Tina Kruse stand next to their apartment in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Aug. 30, 2023, after the area was flooded by the Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm. It unleashed devastation along a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast, submerging homes and vehicles, turning streets into rivers, unmooring small boats and downing power lines before sweeping into Georgia. (OSV News photo/Greg Lovett, USA Today Network via Reuters)
As 'hands and feet of Christ,' Catholic Charities helps Floridians ravaged by Idalia
Gaudencio Martinez (right), a native of Mexico, strums his guitar along with a group of novice musicians who perform liturgical songs during a Sunday evening Mass on Aug 6. at St. Casimir in Hammond. The instrumentalists and singers ranging from young children to seniors began training in June with Martinez, who has brought his musical crash course to St. Casimir for more than 15 summers. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Mexican native visits St. Casimir to offer youth music instruction
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Workers repair utility lines in the fire ravaged town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui Aug. 15, 2023. (OSV News photo/Mike Blake, Reuters)
Amid ongoing recovery after wildfires, getting children back to school is a priority, principal says
Flathead Lake near Rollins, Montana, is seen in this file photo from July 24, 2023. Pope Francis announced he will release a new document on the environment Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden)
Pope confirms 'second Laudato Si'' will be an apostolic exhortation
A suicide prevention sign is pictured on a protective fence on the walkway of the George Washington Bridge in New York City Jan. 12, 2022. (OSV News photo/Mike Segar, Reuters)
Mental health crisis demands church's integrated response, says Virginia bishop
Late evening sun illuminates rock formations at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 23, 2020. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
Laudato Si' Animators Program forms Catholic advocates for 'ecological conversion'
Bishop Robert J. McClory (front, right) raises the monstrance during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Bishop Noll Institute on August 26. About 1,000 area faithful joined the diocesan gathering where Bishop McClory celebrated Mass before an estimated gathering of 1,000 in Hammond, and, later, nationally-known guest speakers presented Catholic perspectives on faith matters. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Many hundreds gather to live out the Eucharistic revival
Friends Rosemary Swank (left) and Meredith Babcock, both of Lowell, head to their car with their purchases after visiting the Holy Name Local Market on Aug. 12 in Cedar Lake. Babcock, a parishioner, bought books and jewelry and praised the "friendly atmosphere" at the fundraiser for parish ministries, a first-time event that will likely become annual. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Parish hosts first Holy Name Local Market to combine fundraising
Volunteers at the kids' tent (left to right) Emma Peterson, 5, mom Jill Petersen, Sydney Petersen, 9, and Leah Dumezich, superintendent of Griffith Public Schools, gather near the ring toss game set for the Western Days fair on the grounds of St. Mary in Griffith on Aug. 16. The St. Mary church festival debuted in 1972 and, during its 50th running, parishioners and guests took stock of the volunteerism that has helped make it a highlight of many local residents' summers. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Volunteers integral to St. Mary Western Days’ longevity 
Katherine Carlson joins Keith Burke, service and outreach coordinator, and Father Declan McNichols on Aug. 8 at St. John the Evangelist. The trio is planning opportunities for parish partners to go on mission trips domestically and internationally. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Midwest missionary has found a new home to share her faith and evangelize
A family mourns on Independence Day in Lviv, Ukraine, Aug. 24, 2023, as they visit the tomb of a relative, a Ukrainian serviceman who was killed in a fight against Russian troops amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. (OSV News photo/Roman Baluk, Reuters)
Ukraine's Independence Day 'like a July 4th,' says archbishop
Pope Francis talks to visitors about Our Lady of Guadalupe and the importance of inculturating the faith during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Aug. 23, 2023. Msgr. Leonardo Sapienza, an official of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, looks on. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Guadalupe shows how faith is shared simply, with respect, pope says