Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
While the extraordinary challenges of our times generally rule our news feeds—particularly in recent weeks—I find hope in the resilience and faith of our brothers and sisters overcoming tragedy. Dozens of you have sent me links, for example, to Erika Kirk’s remarkable address at her husband’s memorial service, expressing Christ-centered forgiveness for the man who had taken the life of her husband and the father of her children. That’s resilience. Or think about the Annunciation students and teachers who have returned to school this past week. That too is phenomenal resilience.
But I have also been finding hope in the quiet but powerful work of renewal happening throughout our community. The recent impact report from the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) illustrates the tremendous effect your generous donations this year are having in this local church. This includes investments in our next generation, ranging from scholarships that help give children access to a Catholic education to funding for our 63 current seminarians in formation. Because of your generosity, moreover, corporal and spiritual acts of mercy are faithfully being carried out, spanning from service to the poor and unhoused on the one hand to ministering to the imprisoned and the sick on the other. I know that the impact of your CSA donations is also being felt in exciting discipleship and evangelization efforts, encouraging deeper renewal at each parish and in the heart of each Catholic. That’s faith in action that sustains us as pilgrims of hope.
I’m excited, moreover, by what lies ahead as we begin to see the first signs of success and early fruits of the archdiocesan-wide Lord, Renew Your Church campaign. I met last week with the director of the St. Lawrence Newman Center, serving University of Minnesota students, and was excited to hear about his campaign-related plans for broadening the reach of ministry to our young adults showing such hunger for Christ. I am so grateful that the Lord seems to be bringing success in the first wave of the campaign, just as he had blessed the pilot phase.
Whether you’re supporting these broader renewal efforts or those at your parish through your prayer, talents or generosity, know of my deep appreciation. You are pivotal partners in our mission as together, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, we work to make Jesus known and loved. Thank you.
Aly Aleigha’s voice, alluring & haunting like sea smoke rising after a storm, along with poetic & heartfelt lyrics inspired by her faith & many adventures, have captivated listeners since she released her debut record in 2015.
Monsignor Martin Schlag will be exploring a fresh perspective on Pope Pius XI’s vision of society’s essential institutions—building on Pope Leo XIII’s legacy and proposing a fourth pillar: the world of work and economic exchange.
Why I am Catholic - Heather Christman
I decided to stop trying to come up with a particularly unique response to the question of “why I am Catholic” and instead steal G.K. Chesterton’s response: “The difficulty of explaining ‘why I am a Catholic’ is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true.”
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Hill-Murray sports chaplain brings her Benedictine spirituality to all teams
The Hill-Murray varsity football team had just finished an intense practice Aug. 26. In three days, the Pioneers would open the regular season.
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Witnesses of hope: From saints of our time to champions for life
What does holiness look like in today’s world? Archbishop Bernard Hebda explores the lives of newly canonized saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati—two powerful witnesses for young Catholics. Then, Pam Baker, executive director of Abria Pregnancy Resources, shares how her team is offering life-affirming support to women and families in need.
Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
175th Snapshot: Father Stephen Theobald
In 1910, Father Stephen Theobald was ordained a priest, the first black priest in Minnesota. As pastor of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul for 22 years, he was beloved by his parishioners and advocated for civil rights.
Father Stephen Theobald
Watch for Archdiocesan Passport Adventure updates and snapshots from our 175-year history in each Weekly Word!
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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Sept. 22, 2025