Catholic Communications

Children grow close to Christ at summer Bible camps
“Once again we were blessed with a wonderful week of our popular summer Bible camp here in Longmeadow,” said Father C.J. Waitekus, the pastor of St. Mary Parish. He started the camp off each morning with prayer.
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/31/children-grow-close-to-christ-at-summer-bible-camps/

US bishops call for nationwide prayer and action amid rising abortion rate
Archbishop Coakley and Bishop Thomas stated that the FDA “has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telehealth appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb.”
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/30/us-bishops-call-for-nationwide-prayer-and-action-amid-rising-abortion-rate/

Catholic bishops of Massachusetts statement against late term abortion bill
"The proposed elimination of any legal restraint on late-term abortion is, in our judgement, a radical measure which is gravely immoral. Our hope is that the state Senate will not follow the House on this measure."
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/29/catholic-bishops-of-massachusetts-statement-against-late-term-abortion-bill/

Parish named for Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus keeps the faith on Chicago's South Side
For one Catholic parish, Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Parish on the South Side of Chicago, the patronage of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus serves as a symbol of the unity that has come about through the merging of three previously distinct parishes into one new and diverse community.
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/29/parish-named-for-sts-martha-mary-and-lazarus-keeps-the-faith-on-chicagos-south-side/

Steubenville East inspires faith, reminds teens they are 'worthy'
“Because we are children of God, we are called to be who he’s created us to be. So, we might not feel worthy, but he calls us worthy to be his followers and his servants,” said Bishop William D. Byrne who spent the weekend at the conference, participating in games, visiting with teens, celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.
During his homily at the closing Mass on Sunday, he told the young people, “You’re not the future of the church. You are the present.”
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/28/steubenville-east-inspires-faith-reminds-teens-they-are-worthy/

Pope prays for victims of deadly wildfires in Spain, France
“As devastating wildfires affect the various regions of France and Spain, I express my closeness to all those who have been affected and invite everyone to pray for them and for the emergency personnel engaged in relief efforts,” Pope Leo told pilgrims July 26 gathered outside the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo.
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/27/pope-prays-for-victims-of-deadly-wildfires-in-spain-france/

Catholic scouting in US has new name, same adventurous mission
It allows those kids to learn about themselves by doing things, not just looking at a screen — and it focuses on Catholicism as part of the Scouting experience.
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/26/catholic-scouting-in-us-has-new-name-same-adventurous-mission/

Tune in this Sunday morning at 10 a.m. for the "Chalice of Salvation" on WWLP 22News.
Fr. William Tourigny, a retired pastor in the Diocese of Springfield, will celebrate the liturgy for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. He will be assisted on the altar by Deacon Daniel Pratts. You can also find the Mass afterwards through a link to our YouTube page at diospringfield.org.

Catholic Charities mobile food pantry delivers hope in Holyoke
“In our new expanded mission at Catholic Charities, we are seeking to support people find stability in housing, food insecurity, and mental health,” said Catholic Charities executive director Shaina Rodriguez. “We have set up community partnerships across all four of our counties.”
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/24/catholic-charities-mobile-food-pantry-delivers-hope-in-holyoke/

Abortion expansion bill now in the Massachusetts Senate
“The good intentions of this bill’s sponsors, including Northampton’s Lindsay Sabadosa, are gravely misplaced. As written, their abortion-up-to-birth bill permits one physician to subjectively decide that any unborn infant can be killed in or outside of a hospital, even babies capable of surviving outside the womb and feeling pain within it,” said Myrna Maloney Flynn, the president of MCFL.
https://iobserve.org/2026/07/23/abortion-expansion-bill-now-in-the-massachusetts-senate/