Arlington Catholic Herald: Recent Episodes
Arlington Catholic Herald
The Catholic Herald informs, inspires and connects Catholics by sharing the faith story of the Arlington Diocese.
Ann Augherton, managing editor of the Catholic Herald, and cohost Christopher Gunty, associate publisher of Catholic Review Media in Baltimore, chat with Sr. Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul stationed in Rome, who is a media literacy education specialist, and John Mulderig, movie reviewer for OSV News.
In this week's episode, Ann Augherton and Anna Harvey discuss the Catholic Herald's latest stories from around the diocese.
Visit https://www.catholicherald.com to subscribe to a print copy or read more stories.
As election season heats up, the Virginia Catholic Conference is reminding the commonwealth’s Catholics that they have an obligation to participate in political life.
“We have an obligation to help shape the moral character of society for the common good,” said Jeff Caruso, executive director of the VCC, the legislative advocacy arm of both Virginia bishops — Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout.
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IHMs celebrate 100th anniversary of teaching at St. James in Falls Church; Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrates the Mass.
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Afghan refugees make a new home in Northern Virginia thanks to Catholic Charities Immigrant and Refugee Services. Read their stories of escape and rebuilding.
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Special Youth and College Section details how a local college helps pregnant students; spotlight on campus ministers; and safety walks help campus security efforts.
Read more in this week’s print issue or at catholicherald.com.
Managing editor, Ann Augherton, and staff writer, Anna Harvey, discuss this week’s headlines and behind the scenes at Ladies Night at Nats Park.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reds some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles of the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Managing editor, Ann M. Augherton reads a story from the Catholic Herald's latest issue on the origin story of the beloved humn, Silent Night.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist and managing editor, Ann Augherton and read some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
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Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer, Zoey Maraist, reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest issue.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reads some of the articles from the Arlington Catholic Herald's latest back to school issue.
Staff Writer Zoey Maraist interviews Catholic Athletes for Christ's Kevin O'Malley, a parishioner of St. Veronica Church in Chantilly, about his organization's new documentary, "Soul of a Champion: The Gil Hodges Story."
The Arlington Catholic Herald gets ready for the Oscars, which will be broadcast on ABC April 25, 8 p.m. EDT. Managing Editor Ann Augherton and co-host Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talk with two Catholic movie experts – John Mulderig of Catholic News Service and Daughter of St. Paul Sr. Rose Pacatte – about how the pandemic affected moviegoing in 2020. We get the experts’ takes on each of the nominees for Best Picture and get their prediction on which movie will win the coveted #BestPicture #Oscar.
An interview with Rob and Deb Stevens of St. William of York Church in Stafford, who were voted by the Catholic Herald staff as the paper's 2020 Herald Angels for their charitable works of service this year.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School moved from its Fairfax location to a brand new campus in Chantilly. Listen to students talk about their favorite features of the new school.
Staff writer Leslie Miller talks with Susan Infeld, parish nurse at St. John Neumann Church in Reston, about the challenges faced by families whose loved ones are inaccessible in senior care facilities locked down for months because of COVID-19.
Staff Writer Zoey Maraist talks to Page Gravely of Catholic Energies, a company that consults with local parishes on how they can install solar panels. Hear them talk about how solar energy and going green is in line with Catholic teaching!
Acting Editor Ann Augherton and Staff Writer Zoey Maraist discuss the ordinations, this year livestreamed due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Hear how safety precautions were the backdrop as five men were ordained to the priesthood for the Arlington Diocese June 6 and get a glimpse of the June 13 ordination to the transitional diaconate.
A group of Eucharistic ministers from St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax repurpose old altar candles and give them to homebound parishioners to aid their at-home worship and prayer life.
Deacon Peter McShurley, who assisted at the Easter Vigil, and Mary Aquino, who painted a portrait of a health care worker praying, join the show through long-distance interviews.
See the painting: https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonCatholicHerald/photos/a.237682523272/10159294593483273/?type=3&theater
https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Truths_of_Easter_unchanged_by_crisis,_Bishop_says_on_Vigil_livestream/
Every member of the Catholic Herald staff is working from home during this time of quarantine. Acting Editor Ann M. Augherton takes you behind the scenes to show you how our staff has adapted to bring you informative and inspiring news during the coronavirus pandemic.
Learn how to research and preserve your family history with Dave Miller, an expert in Irish genealogy.
St. John Neumann Church in Reston has for years been hosting Taize prayer services, though lately they have been held more frequently. These candlelight services are highlighted by their beautiful music. Take a listen for yourself.
Taize prayer finds following at St. John Neumann Church in Reston
At 16, Rebecca Pohlmeier paid for WorkCamp by opening her own Etsy shop, "GloryBePrints." Now she's released a board book for toddlers with Our Sunday Visitor.
Longtime Catholic Herald Editor and General Manager Michael F. Flach will retire Feb. 28. He shares his journey in the Catholic press, service to the four bishops of Arlington, and some exciting things that happened along the way. He also shares why Catholic news matters.
For Karla and Jason De Los Reyes, preparing for their new life together involved a literal journey — traveling 74 miles on foot along the Camino de Santiago in the days leading up to their wedding in Spain.
Couple finds their 'Way' to marriage along the Camino de Santiago
The 92nd Academy Awards are coming up, and that means people are scrambling to watch all the Oscar-nominated films. In this episode, Managing Editor Ann Augherton talks with two acclaimed Catholic film critics to get their take on which films might win Oscars, including "The Two Popes." They also talk Oscar snubs and movie recommendations.
On the phone:
- Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP, Director for the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles
- John Mulderig, Assistant Director for Media Reviews at Catholic News Service in New York City
Charlie Mitchell, a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria, is enjoying the sport he loves — even after losing his vision. Here's what it's like to play blind hockey.
Blind hockey gives Alexandria Catholic a shot to play
In the spirit of the season, the Catholic Herald asked readers to nominate a volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond to help others as our first-ever "Herald Angel."
Rich Rouck, selected by our staff from more than a dozen nominations, is a volunteer driver for the transportation ministry at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale. Find out more about his outreach in this episode.
In 1939, Robert May was 35 years old, heavily in debt and depressed about the state of his life. He had an Ivy League education and had hoped to write the Great American Novel — but was instead writing catalog copy about men's white shirts for Montgomery Ward. Then he got the assignment that changed his life. Here's the true story behind the Christmas classic, "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer."
More: Rudolph to the rescue: The triumph of an under-deer
A local teenager has written music that has been officially approved for use in the Catholic Mass.
Matthew Brown, 15, a parishioner at St. Mark Church in Vienna, has played piano for Masses at the church since he was in sixth grade. Brown recently composed the “Mass of the Resurrection,” a four-part Mass setting, and St. Mark’s has started using his music for Masses.
More: Vienna teen writes original Mass music
Most everyone in Lebanon knows and loves St. Sharbel. He’s beloved by Christians, but Druze and Muslim people have reported being healed by him, too. Zoey Maraist takes us to Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Washington to learn more about the mysterious hermit turned miracle worker.
Elizabeth Foss is a longtime Catholic Herald columnist and founder of Take Up and Read, a ministry that encourages women to read and ponder the word of God. She shares more about her ministry and the benefits of engaging with sacred Scripture.
Related story: Elizabeth Foss releases a book for Advent prayer
Father Miserendino, who has played saxophone for 25 years, says "it’s time for the Catholic Church to reclaim support of the arts.”
Antonia Cummings is a 2015 graduate of Marymount University, and shortly after she graduated, she began mortuary school. Hear about why she felt personally called to the profession, and how she lives out the Catholic Corporal Work of Mercy to bury the dead.
Bishop Eduardo Kussala, of the Tombura-Yambio Diocese in South Sudan, visits the Catholic Herald and the Diocese of Arlington as part of a 2019 visit to the United States. He talked to staff writer Zoey Maraist about life in the war-torn country, and how he's using the Catholic faith to encourage peace.
The Blessing of the Animals is a popular tradition at many Catholic churches. But how did it all get started? What can we learn? Franciscan Fr. John O'Connor, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Triangle, shares the origins of the Blessing of the Animals, and some stories about St. Francis of Assisi's connection with the natural world.
Lawyer Lynda Rozell traded in her Fairfax townhouse for an Airstream trailer and now travels around the country, sharing her Catholic faith at campgrounds.
Learn more about Rozell's nomadic way of life — and why she calls herself the "Tin Can Pilgrim" — in our Sept. 26 print edition.
Ken Balbuena, a parishioner of St. Bernadette Church in Springfield and director of pilgrimages at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, survived two brain surgeries after a ruptured aneurysm. In this episode, he'll explain why he believes Knights of Columbus founder Fr. Michael J. McGivney, St. John Paul II and Our Lady of the Snows helped carry him through the ordeal.
Read more about Balbuena's story in the Sept. 12 issue of the Arlington Catholic Herald
Celebrating 40 years of bringing young people to an authentic and real encounter with Jesus Christ through parish and campus ministry youth programs, Fr. Jack Peterson shares how Youth Apostles hopes to grow in its next 40 years of service.
This episode was produced by Elizabeth A. Elliott.
This week, many of our local Catholic schools officially began the new school year, and more will begin in the next week or so. Earlier this week, Catholic Herald staff went to a couple Catholic schools in the area to take in the sights and sounds of the first day of school.
Catholic architect Erik Boostma, a former parishioner of the Diocese of Arlington who now works and lives in Richmond, primarily works on churches and renovations. His latest project is a little different — though still a center for spirituality and devotion — he’s designed a new shrine dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Gallup, N.M.
Sites such as the shrine being dedicated to the Native American saint — canonized in 2012 and the patron saint of Native Americans, Indigenous and First Nations peoples — help bring awareness and evangelization to a populace that may be otherwise ignored.
“People learn through symbols and things they see,” said Bootsma. “Architecture is a teaching tool.”
New Mexico's St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine honors patron saint of Native Americans
Produced by Stacy Rausch. Production assistance by Elizabeth Elliott and Mary Stachyra Lopez.
Immaculée Ilibagiza's seemingly serene native town of Kibuye, Rwanda, became a site of mass murder during 100 days of genocide in 1994, led by Hutu extremists against the Tutsi minority tribe. Ilibagiza hid in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for three months, even as neighbors-turned-killers searched the house. When she emerged, her entire family, except for a brother in another country, had been killed. Ilibagiza has spent decades working for reconciliation in her country and around the world and testifying to the power of God's presence even in the worst of situations.
Go to immaculee.com to register for her Aug. 10 retreat in Fairfax.
Episode produced by Elizabeth Elliott and Mary Stachyra Lopez.
Photo by Victor Aleman, Archdiocese of Los Angeles | CNS
There's a huge need for housing for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Northern Virginia. Walter Purdy, a volunteer with Marian Homes, talks about the Knights of Columbus Council 8600's project to provide those homes.
Thousands of kids from around the Diocese of Arlington are enjoying summer camps filled with faith and fun.
Middle schoolers harvest corn for needy during faith-filled 'boot camp'
Vocations camp for Hispanic youths
Campers, staff perfect skills and faith at SASH Camp in Winchester
FIAT Campers 'made for greatness'
Quo Vadis offers a taste of seminary life
Plus, Editor and General Manager Mike Flach shares some news about the Herald: it is shifting from a weekly to a biweekly newspaper, with a focus on digital media.
New vision, new era for the Catholic Herald
The Catholic Herald won 28 awards this year in the Catholic Press Association’s media awards competition, including first place in the General Excellence category for weekly diocesan papers with a circulation of more than 25,000. Our podcast also won an honorable mention.
Find links to feature stories here.
Sturdy walls. Front porch steps. A bathroom sink. A home provides the backdrop to life — the structure that quietly keeps its inhabitants safe and dry, cool or warm. It’s easy to forget all the comforts a house provides, until it is gone.
Some 850 teens from around the Diocese of Arlington traded the familiar surroundings of their own homes for a classroom floor, a communal bathroom and a school cafeteria. From their home base at King George High School, half an hour east of Fredericksburg, they traveled out to 110 homes that needed a little fixing up June 24-28. The annual WorkCamp is run by the Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries and dozens of volunteers.
Related story:
Hands-on faith at WorkCamp
Christopher Gunty, associate publisher and editor of the Catholic Review in Baltimore and CEO of its parent publishing company, The Cathedral Foundation/CR Media, joins the show to explain what is going at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting in Baltimore this week. Plus, managing editor Ann Augherton and staff writer Zoey Maraist share the latest Catholic headlines from around Northern Virginia.
James Senson, music director, joins our show to share an innovative new program training high schoolers in an ancient music tradition.
Related:
Sacred music is catechesis
The Trappist-Cistercian sisters at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Albemarle County have made cheese for decades. But the calls really started pouring in after an article ran recently about their work. "Truly the best Gouda I have had! Made with love," one reader wrote on the Catholic Herald's Facebook. Sister Barbara Smickel says that is, indeed, the secret ingredient baked in every two-pound wheel of Gouda. She joins the show to share more about Trappist spirituality -- and the process of turning thousands of gallons of milk into hundreds of pounds of cheese.
God's Gouda: Sisters in Albemarle County make cheese, by Erin Edgerton
Staff writer Zoey Maraist shares updates on the news of the week, including new norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable in protecting minors, as well as in protecting members of religious orders and seminarians from abuse. Also hear how a Vienna woman is creating whimsical wigs for kids with hair loss.
In this episode, the Catholic Herald's Ann Augherton and Zoey Maraist, talk about this week's news, including Maraist's recent trip to a medium security prison for a Kairos retreat that offers cookies and hope to inmates.
Here's the full story: https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Catholic_Living/Kairos_retreats_share_God_s_love_with_those_on_the_inside/
Sarah Wessel, a senior math major at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, shares her excitement at entering the church during the Easter Vigil.
Links:
During Holy Week, embrace actions that glorify God, Bishop Burbidge says
Parishioners celebrate Palm Sunday in Woodbridge
Email circulation@catholicherald.com to subscribe.
The Catholic Herald staff has spent the last week covering pro-life events. Staff writer Zoey Maraist explains the reason for the pro-life momentum and Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey joins the show to talk about the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
Related stories:
March for Life in Richmond
Bishop, pro-life advocates gather in Richmond
Virginia's uncertain pro-life future
Podcast: Melissa Ohden survived an abortion at 7 months gestation
"Unplanned" movie shows turning point for former Planned Parenthood employee
Melissa Ohden survived a saline abortion at seven months gestation in 1977. She is the founder of the Abortion Survivors Institute, and this week, she speaks at the Virginia March for Life in Richmond. In this episode, she shares her journey to peace and forgiveness. Learn why why she not only advocates for the unborn — it's part of her mission to be a voice of forgiveness for men and women suffering after an abortion.
Fr. Stefan Starzynski, chaplain of Inova Fairfax Hospital, explains why the Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament of Healing. He dispels some popular misconceptions and shares some examples of how it has changed lives in remarkable ways.
Why Anointing of the Sick matters
Bishop urges sick to offer their suffering for the church
Abby Johnson joins the Catholic Herald podcast to talk about the movie "Unplanned," which shares her journey from working at a Planned Parenthood clinic to pro-life activist.
Read Elizabeth Elliott's review.
Start your subscription today by emailing circulation@catholicherald.com.
Father Bob Cilinski, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Burke, joins Catholic Herald staff — Ann Augherton and Zoey Maraist — to talk about his friendship with Mother Maria Bernardetta de la Inmaculada, an Italian sister under consideration for sainthood. Mother Bernadetta cared for seminarians in Richmond, including Fr. Cilinski, and later moved to Argentina, where she became friends with Pope Francis.
Read more.
"Intelligent Lives," a film soon to be screened at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, highlights inclusion. Listen in to hear how that works in the classroom and out.
Link to film homepage: https://intelligentlives.org
The Catholic Herald rolls out the red carpet in a special podcast featuring prolific movie reviewer Sister Rose Pacatte, and John Mulderig, a movie critic with Catholic News Service. The two give their takes on big-name films such as "Black Panther" and "A Star is Born," and their own personal favorites that didn't make it to the Oscars.
See our past interviews with Sister Rose and John.
Blind since infancy, 11th-grader Andrea Darmawan, a parishioner of St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax, loves to lector and in this episode you get to hear her describe what the experience of reading Scripture is like for her.
Read more to find out more about Darmawan: https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Catholic_Living/Blind_lector_overcomes_obstacles/
And here's the link for the Xavier Society for the Blind, which provides the Braille text: http://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
As Valentine’s Day draws near, Alex Wolfe from the Arlington diocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life provides some useful tips for newly married couples to build a life together.
On this episode, Stephen Ng and Valerie Repetski of "The Restless," a band based in Vienna, Virginia, share how their Christian faith influences their music.
Related:
Songs for the restless
In this week’s episode, three people who participated in today's March for Life: Carly Muzik, a young adult from Louisiana, Chris Stefanik, a public speaker and author, and Daniel Rice, a seminarian with the Diocese of Arlington, share how they would counsel a women considering abortion.
In this episode, Eric Carlson, a parishioner of St. Leo Church in Fairfax and a student at Notre Dame, delves into his creative process in illustrating Lisa M. Hendy's book, "I am God's Storyteller."
The Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria will host the incorruptible heart of St. John Vianney, Curé of Ars and patron saint of priests, Jan. 15-16 as part of its national tour across the U.S.
But why send a heart across the U.S.? Matthew Tsakanikas, chair of the theology department at Christendom College in Front Royal, joins the show to explain why Catholics are fascinated by relics and the spiritual benefits.
Sheila Cowling, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville, vividly remembers the smells of the Christkindl market of West Berlin: the air filled with the scent of spiced cider, mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. Inspired by the fragrant treats, Cowling began baking her own.
In the 30 years since her time in Berlin, she’s created a variety of gingerbread structures — a carousel, a haunted house, even a gingerbread veterinary clinic with candy animals peeking out of the windows. As she’s learned from experience, “You can make anything out of gingerbread.”
Read the full story.
Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte, the founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, explains how she became an award-winning film journalist. Later in the episode, she shares why she dislikes films that exist "to hit you over the head with a message," and talks about her favorite movie reviews. She also explains why she became involved with a series on Turner Classic Movies called "Condemned," which took a historical look at movies condemned by the Catholic Church and the Legion of Decency. Also, Sister gives her take on three popular movies out right now.
In this episode, Ann Augherton surprises the Herald staff by calling each of them into the studio and asking, "What are you thankful for?"
For the past 34 years, the Edward Douglass White Knights of Columbus Council in Arlington, Va., has hosted Thanksgiving for folks in the community who might need a little help or a little company.
In this episode, Marijo Galvin, the Thanksgiving coordinator, talks about prepping for this Thanksgiving meal in which 2,400 people will be fed.
Read the related story: Not the first Thanksgiving, but the 34th
In this episode, Catholic News Service editor-in-chief Greg Erlandson talks about how the U.S. bishops have addressed the abuse crisis to date, the current challenges they are facing, and what's on the agenda during their Nov. 12-14 general assembly in Baltimore.
Helpful links:
Bishops to focus on abuse crisis, discernment
Protecting God's Children (scroll down for Q&A about abuse crisis)
This is what changed after the 2002 abuse crisis
Former Army Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer risked his life to treat injured soldiers in Afghanistan after a mission went horribly wrong.In this episode, Catholic Herald Staff Writer Zoey Maraist interviews Shurer, a parishioner of Church of the Nativity in Burke.
Full story:
Burke Catholic receives Medal of Honor
Fr. Augustus Tolton is believed to be the first black priest in the U.S. In this episode, Jim Coleman, the actor who plays Fr. Augustus Tolton in "Tolton: From Slave to Priest" shares the story of this largely unknown American who is on the path to sainthood.
Exquisite artwork can be seen in basilicas around the world, and its ability to bring people closer to God has been expounded upon in church documents new and old. But to better understand good art, painter Andrew de Sa wanted less theory and more practical tips. “I wanted to demystify the creative process,” he said.
As creative director of the Carl Schmitt Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the legacy of the 20th-century Catholic artist, de Sa decided to organize an Oct. 27 seminar. “Defining the Role of the Catholic Artist Today: A Symposium” will showcase a panel of talented Catholic creators as well as a group of scholars.
Read the feature story for more information.
Communication between Koreans in the north and south is nearly impossible, and many are left wondering the fate of the loved ones they have left behind. Many immigrant families in Virginia cling to the hope that they can see their long-lost relatives in North Korea before they die. Staff writer Zoey Maraist explains more about her story, The tale of two Koreas, in this episode.
In this episode, Catholic Herald Multimedia Journalist George Goss interviews Porto Charities' Leo Alonso; Caitlyn Donovan, a special needs student; and others about how "inclusive education" became one of the biggest successes for Arlington diocesan Catholic schools.
Stacy Rausch, the Arlington Catholic Herald's production coordinator, hosts this week's news recap and shares some exciting news: every issue since the Herald's first, published on January 8, 1976, is accessible via digital archive. Listen to find out how to use the digital archive.
Listen in as Fr. Hoyos describes how he and other delegates to this weekend's V Encuentro aim to develop a game plan for the Church's Hispanic community.
In addition to the week's top news, this episode includes excerpts of Catholic Herald Staff Writer Zoey Maraist's interviews with a mother struggling with the loss of her son due to an overdose, as well as two men who are fighting heroin addiction.
Listen in as the Catholic Herald staff interview folk artist of the year in Ireland, Aoife Scott and feature the live recording of her hit song, "All Along the Wild Atlantic Way."
Renee White, assistant superintendent of enrollment and marketing for diocesan schools, shares what is new in the Diocese of Arlington.
In this episode, Catholic Herald Staff Writer Zoey Maraist interviewed Deacon Marques Silva of the diocesan Child Protection Office and Dr. Frank Moncher of the diocesan Victims Assistance Office to find out what additional safeguards have been implemented in the Diocese of Arlington since 2002.
Fr. Kevin Larsen, pastor of St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg, explains why he thinks it’s important to “bee” near God in nature — and shares the stories of a few saints associated with bees. Be sure to check out our companion story in the Aug. 23 edition of the Catholic Herald.
Salvadorans gathered at St. Anthony Church in Falls Church for the Savior of the World celebration. Staff Writer Zoey Maraist has all the details on how one parishioner created a model world — pneumatic lifts and all — for a statue of Jesus to ascend from.
Also in this episode, adult children of divorce share their experiences of trauma.
Deacon Nicholas LaDuca of Holy Spirit Church in Annandale and Deacon Paul Ochenkowski of St. Veronica Church in Chantilly share their recent experience meeting up in New Orleans with more than 1,300 deacons from around the nation. During the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the United States, the two explain the role of a deacon and the future of this vocation.
Three top stories as presented by social media coordinator, Mary Stachyra Lopez. The Diocese of Arlington is united in prayer for the people of Nicaragua; a local priest makes a 1,000 mile bicycle journey around the Gulf Coast; and Arlington Catholic Herald contributor Russell Shaw judges the prospects of President Donald J. Trump's latest Supreme Court nominee making it to the bench.
FIAT Days could be described as a week of a thousand prayers — daily holy hours, Mass, a pilgrimage to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, time alone with God. It also includes sports, games and giggles alongside 17 religious sisters in their habits representing different communities.
This week's other stories include the new St. Jude Church in Fredericksburg and Fr. Paul deLadurantaye's assignment to the Vatican.
Matt and Terry Owens, the third and fourth of a family of four boys, are both public servants in Arlington County. Matt's a policeman, Terry's a firefighter/paramedic. Both agree that their Catholic faith is what enables them to come to work day after day. Read the full story in this week's print edition, or online.
Also this week: learn how the Diocese of Arlington is helping ensure that people with special needs are able to receive religious instruction and the sacraments, and participate fully in the life of the church.
In honor of the Fourth of July and all who served our nation, Father Jim Hinkle of St. Theresa in Ashburn, Virginia, talks about being a submariner. Read about his full vocation story and info on his new assignment in the U.S. Navy here.
Also in this episode:
Sister Pauline Quinn, O.P., wants to help both rescue dogs and hardened criminals heal. She's accomplishing this on a global scale through her prison ministry program that pairs prisoners with service dogs in need of training. Listen in as she shares her own story of abuse and redemption through the help of a dog named Jonie.
Trading cell phones for hammers and saws, 830 youths came together at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg for the 32nd diocesan WorkCamp June 23-29, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries.
With a goal each year of making homes warmer, safer and drier, 160 crews from 43 parishes will repair eight roofs, install hundreds of windows, and build decks and wheelchair ramps at 135 project sites in eight counties: Stafford, Spotsylvania, Carolina, Culpeper, King George, Hanover, Louisa and Orange.
Staff writer Elizabeth Elliott shares some of her experiences at WorkCamp this week. Read the story here.
In this episode, Kevin Bohli, director of the diocesan Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries, explains what to expect during next week's WorkCamp: a diocesan initiative to help those in need through service projects. Hundreds of youth participate in it each year.
The Catholic Herald had another great year in the Catholic Press Association’s Catholic Media Awards competition. We have the entire list of awards, 31 of them, on our website. One of our favorites was a video that our multimedia designer Ashleigh Kassock created about a world champion whistler — with a performance of the Ave Maria delivered entirely through whistling.
Do you love movies?
In this episode, meet John Mulderig, the man who sees 150 movies a year and reviews them so you can make an informed decision when buying a ticket at the box office.
Here is his film review of Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.
Five men are ordained deacons; a parish in Sterling will bid farewell to their Franciscan fathers; and hear from a speaker at the Catholic #MeToo movement discussion talking about “Second Thoughts on the Sexual Revolution.”
In Fairfax County, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee has proposed changes that Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge calls “almost unbelievable,” including removing clergy from a list of trusted adults students can turn to for advice, and replacing “biological sex” with “sex assigned at birth.” School Board Member Elizabeth Schultz, a mother of four and a parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, sat down to talk about what parents can do to have their voices heard.
Staff Writer Zoey Maraist interviews Anthony Jones, a college sophomore and Fairfax native, who was in Dublin last week assisting the country’s pro-lifers — the Love Both campaign.
Despite the outcome, the overturning of the constitutional ban on abortion, Jones found reason to hope in an unlikely place: a woman who had an abortion many years ago and yet decided to vote no.
Listen in to these stories and more in our latest episode.
Father Jose Hoyos, the keynote speaker at the V Encuentro regional meeting at The Catholic University of America in Washington last Saturday, shares his insights into how the church is welcoming all people.
Also in this episode:
Our 56-page print issue features a robust Grad Section complete with profiles on graduating seniors who are leaving a mark on their alma maters.
Of all the rolling fields of Fauquier County, a quarter-acre plot belongs to Melanie Lawrence, for now. Listen in as the enterprising 18-year-old farmer and parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville shares her experience of participating in the Fauquier Education Farm program,an initiative that allows people to try their hand at farming before purchasing their own land and equipment.
Also in this week's episode:
In proposed VA budget, millions to go to contraception
Paul VI Catholic High School beams with pride
50th Episode Special:
The Catholic Herald podcast has come along way since the early days of recording in a soundproof closet!
In this episode, Ann Augherton highlights several of the most popular episodes as well as the latest diocesan news.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist interviews Fr. Stephan Starzynski, a hospital chaplain, about a miracle involving a patient with brain abcesses.
Also, in the lead up to World Communication Day May 13, George Goss, the Herald's multimedia journalist, talks with Patricia Garcia, the USCCB's director of the Catholic Communication Campaign.
This week's episode includes a news recap as well as a discussion about L'Arch community.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Elliott wrote about a new documentary called, “Summer in the Forest.” It’s about the founder of L’Arche community for people with special needs. The film about Jean Vanier shows viewers how people with intellectual or physical disabilities live with able-bodied people who share their lives and treat them as equals. Segment with Randall Wright begins at the 5:30 mark
Links:
Summer in the Forest trailer
Summer in the Forest traces the founding of L'Arche
In this episode, we interview nationally recognized motivator of young people Katie Prejean McGrady.
Prejean McGrady, the keynote speaker at BASH, took to the stage at Bishop O'Connell High School this past Saturday, driving home the importance of fostering a close relationship with Jesus to nearly 1,000 middle schoolers.
“It is extremely rare for over 900 middle schoolers to hang out with Jesus for a day so give yourselves a round of applause,” Prejean McGrady said.
Also in this episode, it is prom season and promposals are all the rage. Listen in and find out what they are.
This week's guest, Father Jose Hoyos, shares how he helped organize events at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More involving Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge, visiting Salvadoran bishops and 800 members of the Salvadoran community.
Arlington bishop welcomes Salvadoran prelates, reaffirms diocesan support for immigrants
Also in this episode:
Mass under the lights honors UMW student athletes
Science rules annual diocesan science fair
Saint Joseph Church in Herndon hosted a Polka Mass April 7. Here's an excerpt from the article by our social media coordinator Mary Stachyra Lopez, the guest on this week's show:
The popularity of Polka Masses grew within a few years, thanks to the influence of Father Frank Perkovich, a Minnesota pastor whose Polka Mass recordings have sold more than 100,000 copies. Though some critics said that secular music, even paired with religious lyrics, did not belong in church, Polka Masses were a hit at ethnic festivals and many parishes. The height of the Polka Mass’ fame may have been in 1983, when Father Perkovich, accompanied by 80 pilgrims from the Midwest, celebrated a Polka Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. “We’ll polka our way to heaven,” he said at the time, according to an Associated Press report. Days later, he performed for Pope John Paul II at a general audience. Father Perkovich was later inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame.
In the past two issues, the Catholic Herald reported extensively on beautiful sawdust carpets: one at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Palm Sunday and the other at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church on Good Friday.
At the latter, the living Stations of the Cross procession ended in the church courtyard where Guatemalan parishioners had created nine religious images using colored sawdust, rice and sand. The alfombra, or carpet, was lush with colors and images of sacred art.
In this exclusive interview, the head of Alfo-Conce, the group that created the carpets, explains the process behind the artwork.
Palm Sunday, members of the Alfo-Conce group at St. Anthony Church in Falls Church, bring a form of street art to the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. Sawdust in nearly every shade of color is masterfully used to create carpets of liturgical art in the parking lot.
Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge stopped by to see the art after celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral March 25. In his homily, he urged Catholics to intentionally disengage from digital distractions to help make this week holy.
The big news this week is the naming of three Monsignors by Pope Francis:
Msgr. Robert Avella is pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington; Msgr. John Cregan is retired pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria; and Msgr. Stanley Krempa is pastor of St. Bridget of Ireland Church in Berryville.
Staff writer Zoey Maraist reports. Maraist also covered last weekend’s women’s conference, which drew 700 women to St. Joseph Church in Herndon. The two main speakers were Sister of Life Grace Dominic, a former Catholic Herald staff writer and Diane Foley, the mother of slain journalist Jim Foley.
And last Saturday evening the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria hosted an Irish Hooley. The Herald’s multimedia designer, Ashleigh Kassok, reports.
Next week we’ll cover the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria as well as the Mass for Healing sponsored by the Knights and Dames of Malta coming up this Saturday, March 17.
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on iTunes.
After powerful gusts of wind swept through the region March 2 - 3, some parishes in the Diocese of Arlington were left with damaged property, others celebrated Mass by candlelight or canceled it altogether, and still others took the opportunity to help people left without power.
Also this week, find out how the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Northern Virginia is launching an alternative loan program to help people who qualify escape debt due to a payday loan.
A 77-year-old Virginia native made diocesan history by becoming the first consecrated hermit in the Diocese of Arlington Feb. 21. Catholic Herald multimedia designer Ashleigh Kassock recounts Fr. Clarence M. Trinkle's day of consecration.
Also in this episode, Catholic Herald reporter Zoey Maraist shares how two brothers, one of whom is autistic created a farm from a shipping container.
Our Catholic College section highlights how Catholic University held a Hackathon to address the problem of homelessness. We’ve discovered a subculture of alumni from Franciscan University in Steubenville; and construction has started on the new Paul VI Catholic High School in Loudoun County.
Guests arriving at the Night to Shine Feb. 9 were greeted by a cheering crowd lining a red carpet. As they came inside the hall at All Saints Church in Manassas, each was given a white rose boutonniere or corsage. Young men had their shoes shined while ladies had their makeup and hair touched up by volunteers. Limousines offered guests a spin around the parking lot. And that was all before the dancing began.
Night to Shine, a dinner dance for teens and adults with special needs, was created by Tim Tebow, a former NFL quarterback, and continues to be sponsored by his foundation. This year, 90,000 guests attended Night to Shine events at 537 churches around the world. The All Saints dance drew 95 guests, more than 100 parents and family members, and 175 volunteers, who helped with parking, served as buddies for the guests, ran registration and helped with cleanup and setup.
https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Manassas_church_hosts__Night_to_Shine__for_people_with_special_needs/
A youth center for at-risk kids in Manassas that is being forced to find a new home. Staff and volunteers tutor kids after school, keep them busy with activities and off the street. But the center that rents them space is going in a different direction and the Youth Apostles-led program is searching for a new home.
A parish in Arlington is putting music behind their Stations of the Cross to transform the Lenten devotion. The music group came up with a simple melody to link all the stations, and put each station into its own sung prayer. You can experience the sung stations at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21 at 7 p.m.
https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Manassas_church_hosts__Night_to_Shine__for_people_with_special_needs/
Love is in the air this week with our annual Wedding Section. If you’re planning a wedding, or you’re a newlywed, or maybe just a romantic at heart, you’ll love this issue.
We have tips on designing the perfect wedding photo album, either a do-it-yourself or through a pro. Read how parish wedding coordinators help couples get through the big day without a hitch.
We asked couples married in the Arlington diocese last year to share their wedding photos. See the happy couples at their parishes. And a Burke psychologist shared four phrases to help couples communicate. Hint, one phrase is, yup, you guessed it, “I’m sorry.” See what else he suggests to foster trust in a marriage.
When Teddy Schwab talks about the accident, he doesn’t mention pain or fear, or the weeks it took him to learn how to walk and talk and write again. The cheerful sixth-grader talks about the other children who were in the hospital with him, the ones who lived, and the souls he and his family still pray for. He talks about the basketball championship game he watched with his family as he slowly regained his strength. He talks with gratefulness about finally getting to sleep in his own bed.
https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Catholic_Living/After_a_terrible_crash,_a_community_of_faith_rallies/
It was a banner week for the pro-life movement and we’ve got all the coverage in this week’s issue. The Life is VERY Good rally Jan. 18 drew 7,300 people to EagleBank arena. Teens from throughout the country and just down the road gathered for an evening of music and prayer. The Christian pop-punk band, Hawk Nelson, pumped up the crowd with their hits, including their new single, “Miracles.”
The big news is that St. Mary Church in Alexandria has been named a basilica. Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge made the announcement at the end of Mass Jan. 14. The reaction among the parishioners was one of surprise and delight with smiles and spontaneous applause.
If you were at last weekend’s annual seminarian basketball game, you might have taken a doubletake while watching the referees. Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge was one of three referees for the annual game that pits diocesan seminarians against young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. In a customary black-and-white-striped shirt, armed with a whistle, the bishop held his own among fellow referees Fr. Chris Vaccaro from Mary Washington University and Paul Klein of St. Veronica Church in Chantilly. Father J.D. Jaffe, diocesan vocations director, kicked off the event with a prayer and a warning to the players: “Don’t argue with the refs.”
Find out about the life of Dominican Sister John Eudes who inspired the character of Mary Clancy in the 1966 movie “the Trouble with Angels” staring Hayley Mills as Clancy. Sister Eudes served as Librarian at Christendom College in Triangle and as a pastoral minister at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Triangle. She died Dec 22 at the age of 95. All are invited to watch Bishop Michael Burbidge don a striped uniform and silver whistle as he referees the annual seminarians vs. Quo Vadis basketball game at Saint John Paul the Great High school January 7th. Cheer for your team and listen to vocation testimonies after the game. See coverage in our next issue on January 11. Also in our next print issue, learn about the indulgences granted for attending March for life, what bills to look out for on the VCC’s 2018 legislative agenda and the stories of the people helped by St. Francis House in Triangle during these cold winter months.
New traditions, old keepsakes, memories of smiling faces and hopes for years to come all rest on the still-moist branches of our tree.
The new dome at the Shrine in DC; a Lego priest; and preparing for Encuentro by Arlington Catholic Herald
Check out this devotional monument in an Alexandria backyard by Arlington Catholic Herald
Alcoholism affects nearly 16 million people in the United States, and each year, 88,000 people die from alcohol-use disorders, making it the third leading preventable death in this country. These 2015 stats, the latest available from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, illustrate how widespread the problem of alcohol addiction is. But this week, we put a human face on what many consider a disease. Kate Schulze shares the personal, painful story of her brother’s addiction. She writes about the rollercoaster her family rode for more than two decades as her brother’s alcoholism chipped away at the core of her family’s function. She shares the letter she wrote her brother while he was in rehab. “I love you. You are brave. You are worth fighting for. So please, just fight. Fight with all your power to beat this addiction. Fight when you get out of rehab to make every day a sober day. Fight for every one of your family members that love you. Fight for me. “And while you fight, know that I will keep praying for you, supporting you, and loving you every single day of your life. Your story creates my story. Having an addiction is not just about you. It’s about everybody that surrounds and loves you. So while you fight the biggest fight of your life … please, please fight for us.” Her brother’s story doesn’t end well, but Kate said she shared his story, her story, her family’s story to help others.
We lost a good friend and beloved pastor this week with the death of Fr. Gerry Creedon, pastor of Holy Family Church in Dale City. He died Nov. 16 from complications following heart surgery. He was 73. Originally from County Cork, Ireland, the fourth of 14 children was ordained a priest for the Richmond Diocese in 1968. He served in parishes in Alexandria, McLean and Arlington before being assigned to start the diocesan mission in Bánica, Dominican Republic, in 1995. Living among the Dominicans on the remote frontier on the Haitian border, the dynamic priest re-established a relationship between the church and the community. His impact on the small Caribbean nation will likely never fully realized. As much as the Dominicans loved their Irish priest, he found a home and sustenance there bringing the sacraments to the people in the rugged far-off corners, and working to mobilize the community for much-needed advancements.
See what request the pope made that turned into an annual global day of awareness; and other headlines from this week's Catholic Herald.
I found myself seated at one of two long dining tables set with Limoges china, silver knife rests, crystal glassware and candlesticks that looked like something out of the Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast.” The setting was a dinner in the formal dining room of Chateau de Laprée, the home of Edouard-François and Sarah de Lencquesaing, that dates back several centuries, and has been inhabited by the same family all these years. The dinner was a celebration of a successful weekend for the nearby town of Saint-Omer in northern France. The town was marking the 275th anniversary of a young American boy’s arrival at the College of the English Jesuits in Saint-Omer. The boy was Daniel Carroll, one of the few Catholic Founding Fathers of the fledgling nation. A delegation of Catholics came from Baltimore to mark the occasion and foster ties between the Old and New Worlds. The group included Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, three priests from the Baltimore Archdiocese, descendants of the Carroll family, and two American journalists, myself and my husband, Christopher Gunty, editor and associate publisher of the Catholic Review in Baltimore. The town of Saint-Omer pulled out the stops for the delegation, from afternoon tea, to a black-tie gala celebrating the reopening of the Jesuit Chapel as an arts center, to a roundtable on religious liberty, an issue near and dear to Archbishop Lori. The weekend prompted a closer look at the history of the boarding school, and three students who went on to shape the United States. In 1742, because of the suppression of Catholic schools in the American Colonies and in England, 13-year-old Daniel Carroll was sent from his home in Upper Marlboro, Md., to the boarding school in Saint-Omer. A few years later, his brother, John, and his cousin, Charles, made the two-month journey across the Atlantic to join him. If the names sound familiar, they should. Daniel Carroll of Rock Creek was one of five people who signed both the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. John, who became a Jesuit at age 18, was the first Catholic bishop in the United States as bishop of Baltimore, the Premier See that included all 13 colonies. He also founded Georgetown University. Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and he was the first U.S. senator from Maryland. Chatting with descendants of both Daniel and Charles Carroll was inspirational. Not many families can trace a direct line back hundreds of years. Fewer still can claim their ancestors helped shape a new nation. Check out the story and test your American Catholic heritage history.
We’ve got a story on a rural parish in the hills of Central Virginia that’s opening a cemetery. St. Isidore the Farmer Church in Orange has sold 84 plots in the first section of the new cemetery. With capacity for about 700 plots in four sections, each spot can hold a casket or cremation urns. Currently, two gray headstones can be seen in the tree-lined field next to the church. Soon, construction will begin on a road that will wind around the cemetery. Pastor, Fr. Terry Staples, said planning for the cemetery has been underway for a couple years. The parish cemetery committee wanted to add a statue garden at the far corner. When a Centreville couple came to buy plots, the husband asked if he could donate a marble Pieta. The statue garden will soon have its signature piece.
Mohammad, his wife, Tari, and their three children had a good life in Afghanistan. Since 2002, Mohammad worked for the U.S. Army there, but felt he needed to move his away from the threat of kidnapping and suicide bombings. So in July, the five of them left their family, friends and homeland to move to Virginia. A month later, the couple learned they were pregnant. Tari suffers from extreme nausea because of the pregnancy, and has been to the ER five times. Mohammad thought, “I'm newly immigrated. I have no job, no home. How can we keep this baby?” Enter Angela Clark, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Manassas. Listen to this story and more in our Catholic news roundup this week.
Catholics sought solace after the Las Vegas shootings at the noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.
Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge is in Rome to visit the Pontifical North American College, one of the seminaries the diocese uses. Sept. 25, the bishop was able to concelebrate Mass with Pope Francis in the chapel of the pope's residence. A retreat for the seriously ill was held in White Post at San Damiano Spiritual Life Center. The retreat had been held at Dominican Retreat house in McLean for decades, but when the facility closed two years ago, the retreats ended, until this year. Father Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma, spent 13 years in Guatemala in the 1960s and '70s. His insistence on staying with his parishioners, despite an ongoing civil war, eventually cost him his life. Father Rother was beatified Sept. 23 in front of an overflow crowd of 20,000. Learn more about these stories and more in our weekly news roundup.
A closer look at some of the stories in our latest issue. Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge prayed for First Responders during the 14th annual Blue Mass he celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More Sept. 16. Francis Giaccio, 11, an altar server at St. James Church in Falls Church, mowed the lawn of the Rose Garden Sept. 15, maintaining his concentration even as cameras flashed and the president came to check on the progress.
Bishop Burbidge established two new missions. Learn where they are and who they will serve. Plus, a roundup of more Catholic headlines. Narrated by: Ann M. Augherton
Father Keith D. Cummings was named chaplain of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, and Father Stephen J. Schultz became chaplain of Paul VI Catholic High School in Alexandria June 28. Listen to how they got their jobs as chaplains, learn what they'd like to accomplish and find out about their own high school experiences — including what they were voted "most likely" to do as seniors. Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station, leave a review on iTunes and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
It’s time to head Back to School! In the Catholic Herald's special section, read about more healthy school lunches, the new high school chaplains, and much more.
For children relying on meal assistance during the school year, the summer can mean difficulty getting enough to eat. St. Ann Vacation Bible School students worked to help ease that hunger by packing meals for the diocesan Catholic Charities “Children Feeding Children” program, which began last year. Read the full story: http://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Children_pack_meals_at_St__Ann_Church_to_feed_hungry_children/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station, leave a review on iTunes and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
A vocations discernment camp — called Quo Vadis — drew more than 100 high school age boys to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. Catholics for Christ has a huge following on Facebook — more than 127,000 followers of the English language page, and nearly 120,000 for the Spanish page. So what’s their secret? Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station, leave a review on iTunes and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Fifty years after he put himself between a wounded Marine and fatal enemy gunfire, the story of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno's faith and sacrifice is being retold in a new movie. The priest was serving a second tour of duty in Vietnam as a Navy chaplain ministering to Marines when he was wounded during a North Vietnamese ambush in the Que Son Valley Sept. 4, 1967. Despite his injuries, he went to the aid of a fellow corpsman who was pinned down by an enemy machine gunner. While he administered medical and spiritual attention, the unarmed chaplain was struck by 27 bullets and died at age 38. Pick up a copy of the Aug. 10 - 24 issue of the Catholic Herald to read the full story, or read more here: http://www.catholicherald.com/News/National___International/Film_recalls_faith_of_Fr__Capodanno/ Narrated by: Ann M. Augherton
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History's new exhibition, "Religion in Early America," celebrates the free exercise of religion and the religious diversity that define American faith life. The exhibit features artifacts from Christianity, Judaism, Islam and other major world religions. Narrated by: Ann M. Augherton Pick up a copy of the Aug. 10 - 24 issue of the Catholic Herald to read the full story, or see photos here: http://www.catholicherald.com/News/National___International/National/Smithsonian_s_religious_exhibit/
Soothe your spirit with a sampling of Gregorian chant from the CD "Gregorian Sampler," from our friends at the Paschal Lamb in Jermantown Square in Fairfax.
Carmen Briceño, a consecrated virgin and parishioner of All Saints Church in Manassas and a Catholic Herald columnist, has loved to draw ever since she was a child. She studied art and visual technology at George Mason University in Fairfax. But it wasn’t until a year ago that she launched Sacred Print, an online shop that sells her designs on journals, pins and magnets. Now, her journals featuring cartoon saints help support her life of prayer and service. Pick up a copy of the Aug. 10 issue of the Catholic Herald to read the full story, or see photos here: http://catholicherald.com/News/Arts/Saintly_drawings_support_a_life_of_ministry/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
For the past nine years Timothy Burns, a teacher at St. Luke Church in McLean, has been teaching core technology skills through Fun Bot Lab, a robotics camp for kids K-8. The camp teaches children from kindergarten to eighth-grade about programing, engineering and animation through engaging projects and challenges, while also providing all the fun outdoor activities of a typical summer camp. Read more: catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Fun_Bot_Lab_brings_robotics_to_summer_campers_at_three_Catholic_schools/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge dedicated Raleigh’s new Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral July 26th. We take a closer look at why the cathedral is significant for the entire church, not just North Carolina. Also, thousands of young adults attended the regional World Youth Day Unite at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. Find out what it meant to those who attended. More: http://catholicherald.com/News/National___International/Bishop_Burbidge_dedicates_Holy_Name_of_Jesus_Cathedral/ http://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Young_adults_sing,_dance,_pray_and_listen_at_World_Youth_Day_UNITE_in_Washington/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Christopher Ullman, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria, has competed in the national and international whistling competition nine times and won four times. He's whistled the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in the Oval Office and performed the National Anthem at Washington Nationals baseball games. And then there's the time he performed “Yankee Doodle Dandy” at the top of the Washington Monument — from the outside atop scaffolding. “I love to whistle because it brings joy to people and lifts up their hearts and makes me happy as well,” said Ullman. Read more of his story here: http://catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/International_whistling_champion_helps_others_find_their_inner_whistle/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Christendom grad and father of five Ben Hatke's first graphic novel, Zita the Spacegirl, was picked up recently by Fox Animation for a movie and there is hope that one day they will make it to the big screen. Zita the Spacegirl chronicles the adventures of young Zita as she braves the unknown in pursuit of her friend who vanished after pushing a mysterious red button. The story, and subsequent trilogy, became a hit with readers who have become big fans of Hatke’s work. What many of the fans don’t know, however, is that Zita was not Hatke’s idea. Read the full story here: http://catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Christendom_College_alumnus_finds_love_and_a_movie_deal_thanks_to__Zita_the_Spacegirl_/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
It all started with a joke between co-workers: “We should host a radio show.” Five years later, lighthearted banter became a reality for Ed Melick, a member of Grace Community Church in Arlington, and Sal D'Itri, a parishioner at St. Ann Church in Arlington, as they launched their own radio show, “Grace in 30.” The half-hour show, at WERA-LP 96.7 FM, in Arlington, launched in May 2016. Read the full story in the Sept. 21, 2016 issue of the Catholic Herald: http://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Waves_of_grace_%E2%80%94_in_30/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
A decade ago, there were few resources for families who received a discouraging life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. Three years ago, Richard and Pauline Hunter of Falls Church were told the baby she was carrying would likely only live for two hours. They found support through a perinatal palliative care program at Tepeyac in Fairfax, an early leader in the field. Veronica was born with a rare condition that affected her breathing, but as the Hunters stroked her jet black hair and caressed her tiny feet, they squeezed a lifetime of love into two and half days with her. Find out more about this touching story in the latest edition of the Herald, and get a sneak peek at a story in our upcoming issue. Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
At the end of April, 10 women studying English at the Fredericksburg office of Catholic Charities received sewing machines to make items for their families and sew things to sell at craft fairs. Read the story published in the May 11, 2017 issue of the Catholic Herald: http://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Afghan_women_left_almost_everything_behind,_except_their_sewing_skills/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel and executive director of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, speaks about finding healing in faith and community while coming to terms with the physical and emotional wounds women face after 40. Read the full story: http://www.catholicherald.com/news/local_news/women_over_40,_underserved,_attend_conference_focused_on_their_needs/
There is a band in town waking up the Christian rock scene in Northern Virginia, and they call themselves The Restless. The group of young adults started the band with the mission to be a resource to the diocese while also reaching out to the broader community through music. The Restless was started by musicians Stephen Ng and Valerie Repetski in 2012. The two had been leading youth Masses at St. Mark Church in Vienna for a year when the idea to start a band came to them. Read the story published in the June 16, 2016 issue here: http://catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Songs_for_the_restless/ Are you enjoying the Catholic Herald's podcasts? Spread the Good News! Please subscribe to our station and give us a shout-out on Facebook or Twitter.
Father John A. Ziegler is pastor of St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg, but he also knows how to produce a toe-tapping, soul-moving recording. He's created two bluegrass gospel CDs and can be heard strumming his guitar and singing at parish festivals and fundraisers. Read more about his love for bluegrass music: http://www.catholicherald.com/news/local_news/soul-filled_strummin___fr__ziegler_mixes_old-time_bluegrass_with_ministry/