Page 1611 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

Eight parishes and four pairs of family ties are included in a regional choir that graces the western edge of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Pope opens year of St. Paul, says apostle should serve as model

ROME – Joined by other Christian leaders, Pope Benedict XVI opened the year of St. Paul and said the apostle’s courageous witness to the faith should serve as a model for contemporary Christians.

Florida bishops want end to death penalty, halt of July 1 execution

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s Catholic bishops have called on Gov. Charlie Christ to “set a new standard of respect for life” in the state by ending the use of the death penalty, beginning by halting the July 1 scheduled execution of Mark Dean Schwab.

The glory years or the dreaded years? Retirement looms for ‘boomers’

Across Baltimore and the nation, prices at the gas pump and grocery store are skyrocketing. Housing sales have slowed to a crawl and the unending debate of how to reform Social Security will be a key issue in the presidential debates over the next few months.

Retiring music director glorifies God

For Joanne Gardner, the music she plays on the organ at St. Stephen in Bradshaw has always been “for the honor and glory of God.”

Warming hearts, hearth at St. Alphonsus

The first dinner Gladys Kemp made for the priests at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez in Woodstock didn’t turn out too well – she burned the meal.

Priest, 93, still “needs” daily Mass

Most living rooms hold the typical décor: couch, reclining chair, television, table and credenza. Father E. Gerard Huesman’s modest apartment in Timonium contains all that, plus one additional fixture – an altar.

Pope Benedict presents pallium to Archbishop O’Brien

ROME – In a solemn ceremony rich in ancient symbolism, Pope Benedict XVI placed the pallium, a white woolen vestment, around the shoulders of Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien June 29 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Pilgrims enjoy shrine to Mary

ROME – Calling the Blessed Virgin Mary the “first tabernacle that gave a home to Jesus,” Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien celebrated a June 27 Mass for more than 100 pilgrims inside the ornately decorated Borghese Chapel of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Restoration of historic chapel brings new life to St. Athanasius

Mason work that has stood since the 19th century is enhanced by orange walls and a light blue vaulted ceiling that are set off by double crown molding.

Teens beautify Baltimore, build bonds during summer work camps

Sweat trickled down the teens’ paint droplet-covered faces, and dirt was embedded in their fingernails. Their hair was tussled, and they were tired after days of hard work in the blistering sun.

Warming hearts, hearth at St. Alphonsus