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Within 12 days in June four dedicated black Catholics moved to higher ground as they were called from this world. They leave huge footsteps to follow and will certainly be missed. Paul Mifflin Johnson from St. Cecilia, Ella Francine Johnson from St. Veronica, Irene McNamara from St. Pius and Frances Chapman from historic St. Francis Xavier parishes were stalwart in their ministry and service to the church and to God’s people. They left their mark on specific ministries and now, we ask, who will take their place?

Recently, I received a lovely book titled “Joy Lasts,” written by the famed art critic Sister Wendy Beckett. It’s my kind of book – 55 pages long with lots of pictures. The pictures, as you may imagine, are of the art work that she is commenting on.

WASHINGTON – The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities and a representative of the Archdiocese of Washington expressed opposition in late June to a provision in President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget that would permit taxpayer funding of abortions in the District of Columbia.

Hopefully, “a breather” has begun for most of us.

WASHINGTON – Torture survivors and advocates implored Congress June 25 to investigate allegations of military torture of war prisoners, saying that the U.S. must be an example for other countries in respect for human rights.

Father Jason Worley was expected to become pastor of St. Peter the Apostle in Libertytown five years ago before a devastating fire changed the plans. Cardinal William H. Keeler, retired archbishop of Baltimore, instead asked Monsignor John Dietzenbach to stay on as pastor to shepherd the faith community through the building of a new church.

DUBLIN, Ireland – The world of cyberspace is causing real-world problems for a growing number of married couples, according to research conducted by ACCORD, the Irish bishops’ agency providing care and support for marriage.

VATICAN CITY – A common understanding of the role the bishop of Rome played in the united Christianity of the first millennium is essential for resolving the question of the primacy of the pope in a united church, Pope Benedict XVI said.

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s ban on partial-birth abortion is constitutional, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 6-5 decision June 24.