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From time to time, I will invite guest columnists to share their “Thoughts on our Church.” I am especially anxious to introduce members of our Archdiocesan staff, given the extraordinary expertise they offer me and all our Archdiocesan efforts. Harold (Hal) Smith has been Executive Director of Archdiocesan Catholic Charities since 1976 and has gained national respect in building one of our Nation’s leading private charitable organizations. The more than 80 programs of Baltimore Catholic Charities span the whole Archdiocese and address the needs of children and families, the poor, the elderly and people with developmental disabilities. I am pleased that he has contributed this week’s column.

Father Stanley J. Janaites, a longtime priest who inspired others to become more involved in church ministry, died Aug. 5 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson. He was 79. Funeral arrangements were still pending as The Catholic Review went to press.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI said the church should be generous when it comes to administering the sacraments to young people, recognizing that Jesus would have done the same.

VALENCIA, Spain – In 2002, Carlo Ravasio trekked more than 2,000 miles from Moscow to Valencia, stopping by churches along the way to pray for the unity of Christians.

Retirement for Baltimore City’s former high-profile fire chief, William Goodwin, has been by his own account, a “bittersweet” experience.

Ten institutions of the Archdiocese of Baltimore were among 34 organizations to receive grants from the Knott Foundation, which was founded in 1977 by Marion I. and Henry J. Knott.