Nicole Mamura

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

Yesterday, we began a period of Lent, traditionally known as Passiontide, marked by even greater solemnity and sobriety. Perhaps your parish veiled its crucifix with purple cloth, reminiscent of Jesus’ hiding in the eighth chapter of John’s Gospel (Jn 8:56).

People returning from pilgrimages to Rome often ask me if I miss my time in the Eternal City. While I loved all 18 of the years that I lived there, I consider it a blessing that there’s actually very little that I miss. I have been thinking these days, however, about the Italian version of Mardi Gras—Carnevale.

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has formally launched a national search for the next Director of Catholic Education and Superintendent of Schools. This search, conducted with Partners in Mission, represents an important moment of discernment as the Archdiocese looks to the future of Catholic education, while remaining firmly grounded in a shared mission, traditions and commitment to forming students in faith, excellence, and service.

Congress recently passed the first Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which would provide millions of dollars in educational resources for students across the U.S. For Minnesota's students to benefit, Governor Walz must opt in or the Legislature must pass a bill to opt Minnesota into the program.

Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota, in partnership with Archbishop Bernard Hebda, has reactivated a relief fund to help Catholic parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis that are strained by responding to increased needs in their communities.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

In a reflection commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Archbishop Coakley focused on a portion of Dr. King’s sermon, "Drum Major Instinct."

In light of recent statements regarding the Somali community in the United States, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, called on all people to remember each person’s God-given human dignity.

As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in twelve years the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops. The last one issued in 2013 was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its devastating course through the Caribbean, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged Catholics to pray for and support the people and communities impacted by the Category 5 hurricane.

Following a multi-year process of discernment, Chesterton Academy of the Saint Croix Valley in Stillwater has entered into an Agreement to Operate as a Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and now may use the title Catholic.

Join in this novena for the protection of human life, from conception to natural death. Each day of the novena features a different prayer intention, as well as a short reflection, suggested actions, and additional information to help participants go deeper.

When I was recently in Rome for the ordination of two of our seminarians as deacons, I had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo for the first time. Having worked for so many years at the Vatican in service to the Successor of Peter, it has always been a thrill for me to be in the presence of the Holy Father or to even catch a glimpse of him.

In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is hosting Vatican Unveiled, an exhibit of the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome. The exhibit is the personal collection of Father Richard Kunst, a priest of the Diocese of Duluth. Father Kunst has a deep knowledge of the items and a passion for telling their stories.   

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The following events are offered locally for those who have experienced or been affected by a pregnancy or infant loss.