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In last week’s column I shared my ‘near-death’ experience from pulmonary embolisms – blood clots that broke off from a larger clot in my leg and traveled to my lungs. As I explained last week, a blood clot in the leg is known as DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis. Two hundred thousand people die each year in the U.S. from blood clots – more than die of AIDS and breast cancer combined.

Ann Veilleux isn’t worried about her size 16 clothing going out of style. That’s because soon, the 50-year-old nurse will be buying smaller sizes.

Our role at the Catholic Center, where the offices for the central services of the Archdiocese are located, is to provide the support that will allow the outstanding work of our parishes, schools and other institutions to continue for the benefit of those we serve. I have been extremely impressed by the dedication of the fine people who show up at 320 Cathedral Street each day striving to serve God by supporting the many valuable ministries of this Archdiocese. Seeking to better understand the efficiency and effectiveness of this support, as well as to bring a sense of definition and clarity to our local Church called “Archdiocese,” led me to commission a study of the daily operations. The Mission Study, which involved interviews with dozens of people at the Catholic Center, as well as individuals from parishes, schools, and other institutions, indicated several areas for improvement. Most notably, communication, both among the various departments within the Catholic Center and with the institutions we support, as well as clearly defined expectations for success are chief among them.

A funeral Mass for Deacon James Awalt, a member of the second ordination class of permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, will be held June 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph, Fullerton. A Christian wake is scheduled for June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Lassahn Funeral Home, 7401 Belair Road, with visitation from 7-9 p.m. Deacon Awalt, who was residing at Oak Crest Retirement Community in Parkville, died June 14. He was 81.

WASHINGTON – Poverty represents different things to different people. “For us, it’s a moral issue,” said Candy Hill, senior vice president for social policy and government affairs at Catholic Charities USA.