Over 10 years ago, as I was preparing to come to work for Catholic Charities, a friend suggested I read “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation. In those pages, I found not only an articulation of Catholic Social Teaching that would provide the practical foundation for the work of Catholic Charities, but also the honest voice of love and mercy that Pope Francis brought to the world. In that way, he has always felt like a guide in this work, and, like so many, I am deeply saddened by his passing.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s mental health awareness theme is “From Awareness to Action.” Many Catholic dioceses across the United States are taking action to support the mental health of their parishioners.

Reflections from two priests from the Diocese of Colorado Springs who were appointed Missionaries of Mercy, Father Mark Zacker and Father Francisco Quezada.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop James Golka will celebrate the annual diocesan Blue Mass for law enforcement, firefighter and emergency services personnel on May 13 at 12:10 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral, followed by a lunch reception. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to Father Brad Noonan at fatherbrad@msn.com. 

Catholic theology and Catholic biblical scholarship have been companions through the centuries, but the travelling has not always been comfortable. Catholic theology untethered from the life of the Church or the biblical sources can lead to an excess of enthusiasm (as I witnessed growing up in Central and South America); drinking too deeply into historical critical biblical methodologies can leave both students and their teachers with a shipwrecked faith.