COLORADO SPRINGS. Benedictine Sister Mary John Thomas died Feb. 26 at age 90. A vigil will be held March 20 at 6 p.m. at Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Bene Lane, 80921. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Benet Hill.

OMAHA, Neb. Jean M. Golka, younger sister of Bishop James Golka, died Feb. 28 in Omaha, Nebraska due to complications from a heart attack. She was 54 years old.

"To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. (Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 919) Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1387.

PHILADELPHIA. About 10 years ago, Peter Piotti was anything but a fan of Valentine’s Day.

“I hated it,” he admitted.

So did his wife, Gae, who dodged the observance by hosting what she called “non-romantic family dinners.”

COLORADO SPRINGS. The House of Hope Single Mothers’ Home has provided love and support for pregnant and unwed mothers in Ukraine for decades, but now more than ever it fills a critical need.