The final book in J.R.R. Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy — “The Return of the King” — begins with Aragorn, Gimli, Gandalf, and others journeying from Helm’s Deep to Isengard. There they find two Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, feasting on salted pork and smoking the legendary Longbottom Leaf tobacco among the ruins of the city. 

My fondest memories of summer are the times spent with my favorite aunt at her cottage nestled in the Adirondack Mountains. As a middle school teacher, she had a gift for relating to kids in a way very different from parents, like a wise friend or a trusted confidante. My aunt patiently taught us how to knit and sew; she listened to our stories and nurtured our dreams as if each niece or nephew were the only one.

About 18 years ago I found myself torn between ambition and apathy, wondering if I should roast Cornish game hens or make up some quick BLTs for dinner. I decided to put the question to my then twelve year-old son, DeForeest, laboring at his desk with his homework.

As a convert to Catholicism — my family and I were confirmed on Easter in 2015 — one of the questions I am asked most often by other Catholics is how I feel about the clergy sex scandal. My answer is always the same: it did not change my faith then and does not now. When I made the decision to join the Church, I was aware of the findings that had come to light in 2002. But those revelations had not changed what my family and I had experience while worshipping at an incredible parish for three years before we decided to convert. The “scandal” had no impact on the supportive community, the beauty of the Mass, or our interaction with the parish staff and clergy who welcomed us as members.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The St. Thomas Aquinas Society will hold its annual conference, titled “Christ the King of Mercy,” July 31-Aug. 4 at the Pikes Peak Center in downtown Colorado Springs. Speakers will include Kelly Nieto, Father Mitch Pacwa, Father Andre Mahanna and many others. The conference is free and open to the public. Those who plan to attend can register at www.stthomasaquinassociety.org/conference-registration.

The Serra Club of Colorado Springs is collecting Catholic books, rosaries, religious medals and other articles in good condition to share with conference attendees. Those who would like to donate are asked to contact Marty Broestl at 719-576-0641 or Charlene Pardo at 719-684-3462. Periodicals will not be accepted.

CASTLE ROCK. The annual Colorado Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast will take place Aug. 17 at 8 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Castle Rock. The breakfast benefits persecuted Christians in the Middle East. To register, call 310-848-3132 or send an email to info@savechristianmiddleeast.org.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Sidewalk Advocates for Life will hold two training sessions. The first will take place July 19 from 5-8 p.m. and July 20 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, 3925 Centennial Blvd. The second will take place Aug. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Hope House at Holy Trinity, 3101 Poinsetta Dr., For more information, contact Julie Bailey at julie@baileypeople.com. 
 

What a funny name for a flower, you say? On the contrary, this perennial favorite is no laughing matter. It performs well, isn’t finicky, has long lasting blooms, and looks gorgeous in the garden. Jupiter’s Beard will bring an appreciative smile to all who view its charm.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Psalm 100 Bell Choir at Holy Apostles Parish has openings for bell ringers. Three workshops will be offered for anyone age 16 and up. The ability to read music is helpful. The workshops will take place June 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.; July 9 from 6-7:30 p.m.; and July 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact Denise Brown at 719-510-4511 or denisemariebrown@aol.com. 

Habiendo regresado recientemente de la Asamblea de Primavera de los obispos de los Estados Unidos, ofrezco aquí un resumen del trabajo realizado para asegurar que cualquier denuncia de acusación de abuso sexual de menores o adultos vulnerables de los obispos sea seguida de manera oportuna y efectiva.

Having recently returned from the Spring Assembly of the bishops of the United States, I offer here a summary of the work done to ensure that any reported accusations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults by bishops will be followed up in a timely and effective manner.