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ATLANTA – Catholic author Flannery O’Connor and Elizabeth “Betty” Hester first began corresponding in 1955 when Ms. Hester wrote a letter to Ms. O’Connor commenting on her work. Ms. Hester’s initial letter was a comment that she thought the author’s collection of short stories, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” were about God. Ms. O’Connor quickly responded, seeking more information about the stranger who understood her writing so well. It was the beginning of a friendship that lasted nearly a decade, with the two exchanging written communication almost weekly until Ms. O’Connor’s death from lupus in 1964 at age 39.

Dr. Timothy Law Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University in Connecticut has been named vice president for academic affairs at Loyola College in Maryland, Baltimore. Beginning this summer, Dr. Snyder will oversee all academic functions at Loyola, including the operation of undergraduate and graduate programs in its two divisions. He also will join the president’s cabinet at Loyola to provide strategic leadership. While at Fairfield, Dr. Snyder also held a faculty position as full professor of mathematics and computer science.

LOS ANGELES – Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles said May 15 that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles would sell its chancery building, the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, to help fund future settlements in sex abuse cases. In December the archdiocese settled 46 civil cases of sexual abuse for $60 million. Its share of the settlement was about $40 million, with the remainder covered by insurance companies or religious orders. At the time the settlement was announced, the archdiocese said its share had been anticipated and set aside in 2005.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the controversial head of Argentina’s military diocese, who submitted his resignation at age 75 in accordance with canon law. There was no immediate word on who would succeed Bishop Antonio Baseotto, who clashed with the government of President Nestor Kirchner two years ago. Pope Benedict accepted his resignation May 15. Earlier this year, an Argentine legislator drafted a bill to eliminate his position.

STUTTGART, Germany – Representatives of nearly 240 Christian movements have urged Europe’s churches to be a cohesive force in defending the continent’s Christian identity and pressing for greater solidarity with the poor and marginalized. “We see more clearly our responsibility in facing Europe’s challenges today: to be a strong social, cohesive force in its cultural pluralism,” the movements said in a declaration to European politicians. “Together we want to say to Europe and the world that our movements and communities are inspired by the Gospel of life and peace.”

Cardinal William H. Keeler will ordain nine permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Baltimore May 19 in a 10 a.m. ceremony at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland. The men completed four years of extensive study and were required to take courses in theology, leadership and spirituality with the Church Leadership Institute, followed by internships, coursework, retreats and a host of other ctivities preparing for formation. Deacons serve in hospitals, prisons and parishes in a variety of capacities.

Nine-year-old Ashlyn Thomas has always dreamed of opening a lemonade stand outside her house in Libertytown, but there was never enough foot traffic on her street to justify it. That’s not a problem at her home parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Libertytown where hundreds of people gather for Sunday Masses every week. With the permission of Monsignor John Dietzenbach, pastor, Ashlyn and about a dozen friends began operating a lemonade stand at the parish a few years ago during the summer months. All the money they earn is donated to a special fund to help rebuild the church that burned down in 2004. Homemade signs advertise the business venture as a “Lemon-Aid” stand.

When the homeless dine at the new Our Daily Bread facility when it opens in June, they will have a grand view of a superbly landscaped garden intended for reflection. However, a vision is all they will have of the oasis, unless they are accepted into a program designed to advance their employability. The reflecting garden – adjacent to the dining room of Catholic Charities’ new $15 million employment center and soup kitchen – was included in the plans of the 52,000-square-foot building specifically for the men of Christopher Place to relax, play basketball and enjoy nature’s splendor. It was also strategically placed to act as a dangling carrot for the estimated 700 homeless and needy Baltimoreans who will eat daily at the Fallsway building.

The Maryland State Court Catholic daughters of the Americas held their 44th Biennial State Convention May 4-6 at the Holiday Inn, BWI Airport Conference Center. The host court was St. Francis Xavier, Baltimore, who set the theme of “Smoot Sailing into the Future for Women Embracing the Gift of Humanity.” Some 150 Catholic Daughters convened to recommit and reinforce their motto of unity and charity.