"Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23)

In 1922, 48-year-old G.K. Chesterton came into full communion with the Catholic Church.  Fourteen years later, in his autobiography, Chesterton would explain why he became Catholic with this simple, but profound, statement: “To get rid of my sins.”

"And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” — (Matt 18:6)

As you look at the faces of all the smiling Catholic school graduates pictured in this issue, I hope you will join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for the parents of those graduates.  Those parents chose sacrifice over comfort; they chose their children’s future over their own present.

"B​​​​​​rothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task . . .” (Acts 6:3)

On May 25, our diocese will be blessed by the ordination of 12 men to the permanent diaconate. These men will join 100 brother deacons serving in our diocese, all of whom are configured in the form of Christ the Servant.  In fact, the word “deacon” comes from a Greek word, “diakonos,” which means “servant.” The Church asks deacons to exercise their ministry of service primarily in three parts:  word, altar and charity.

"But Peter and the apostles said in reply, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Act 5:29).

I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the March 15 issue of the Herald, “The Bishop’s Crozier” asked a question that has been asked for 2,000 years — a question that Jesus himself asked: “Do you believe this?”