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Susan Heselton stands by an Archdiocesan Passport Adventure sign at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pilgrims explore archdiocese with Parish Passport Adventure

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has invited every Catholic in the archdiocese to become an “Archdiocesan Jubilee Pilgrim” by visiting seven or more parishes through Oct. 12, such as the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, and any of the oldest or most recently renovated churches in the archdiocese.
Nation + World
The Washington Capitol is pictured in Olympia April 11, 2020. A federal court on July 18, 2025, temporarily blocked a new law in Washington state requiring clergy to report child abuse or neglect without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege.

Federal court blocks WA mandatory reporter law over lack of confession protections

A federal court on July 18 temporarily blocked a new law in Washington state requiring clergy to report child abuse or neglect without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege.
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inside the capitol

The vocation of public service

Pope Leo recently echoed a phrase used by Pope Francis: “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it serves the common good.” When considering how to best love our neighbor, becoming a politician or running for a local board or commission is not likely top of mind. But in these roles, we can live out the charge shared by our current and recent popes to help bring about the common good in our communities.
Paul Wagner, a father of eight and parishioner of St. Paul in Ham Lake.

Father of 8 relies on sacramental life

During a segment of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show set to air at 9 p.m. July 18 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, Paul Wagner, a father of eight, said, “The Lord has blessed me so much with eight children. … I have the privilege to be able to be their father just to experience their humanity, the beauty of them, their unique differences."
Zach Jansen

Archdiocesan filmmaker explores Christian themes in ‘The Sound of Music’

In talking about the 1965 film “The Sound of Music,” Zach Jansen, the digital content producer for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said he believes it resonates with audiences today because it is a film about good versus evil.
Susan Heselton stands by an Archdiocesan Passport Adventure sign at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pilgrims explore archdiocese with Parish Passport Adventure

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has invited every Catholic in the archdiocese to become an “Archdiocesan Jubilee Pilgrim” by visiting seven or more parishes through Oct. 12, such as the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, and any of the oldest or most recently renovated churches in the archdiocese.
Tom Ochsenbauer reacts at the end of the Mass of Thanksgiving as he hugs his son, Father Zachary Ochsenbauer, shortly after receiving a special stole that is a tradition among newly ordained priests.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Catholic Spirit photographer recounts interviewing newly ordained priest, family

During the “Practicing Catholic” radio program set to debut at 9 p.m. July 18 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, The Catholic Spirit photographer Dave Hrbacek talks about his coverage of a newly ordained priest, Father Zachary Ochsenbauer, and the journey of Father Ochsenbauer’s family.
The Washington Capitol is pictured in Olympia April 11, 2020. A federal court on July 18, 2025, temporarily blocked a new law in Washington state requiring clergy to report child abuse or neglect without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege.

Federal court blocks WA mandatory reporter law over lack of confession protections

A federal court on July 18 temporarily blocked a new law in Washington state requiring clergy to report child abuse or neglect without exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege.
Father Thomas Margevi?ius and Leah Haselton

New ‘Practicing Catholic’ co-hosts named as host Patrick Conley steps down

Patrick Conley, host of the "Practicing Catholic" radio show for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for nine years, has announced he is stepping down from the role; two new co-hosts of the show have been named.
Children participate in a music class during summer faith camp at St. Patrick Parish in Bay Shore, N.Y., July 9, 2025. The theme for the day's activities was "Christmas in July."

Kids need lots of people who love them

I was sitting at work, eating my lunch alone, when I overheard a line from the next table: "Kids need lots of people who love them." At the time I was still far from parenthood, working at Catholic Charities as an intern for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development while I was in graduate school. But my husband and I were hoping for a baby, trying for a baby, and praying for a baby. Every day, my thoughts were consumed with children, even if my life was still far from them.
Judy Logan, left, managing director at Emmaus Partners, talks with Sister Maria Ivana Begovic, right, principal of St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, and Al Erickson, previous managing director at Emmaus (2011-2021), before Mass July 15 at St. Peter in Mendota to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Emmaus Partners.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Emmaus Partners celebrates road it travels with Catholic schools, parishes and organizations

Sister Maria Ivana Begovic will be entering her seventh year as principal of St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater. A few years ago, the school was struggling financially and she made a call that helped not only finances but enrollment.
Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline and Tariq Withers star in a scene from the movie "I Know What You Did Last Summer." The OSV News classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

I Know What You Did Last Summer — R (O)

While not as bloodsoaked as some slasher flicks, "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (Columbia) has a sadistic streak. As a disguised, metal hook-wielding murderer preys on a quintet of young adult pals, viewers are invited to relish long scenes of the victims' torturous suffering.
A file photo shows a mother and son listening to the homily during Ash Wednesday Mass in the chapel at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington. OSV News photo/Bob Roller

The truth about transitions

When I first birthed a baby without drugs, I was convinced I was dying. Pain climbed in waves, contractions piling on top of each other so quickly I could barely breathe. "I can't do this," I wailed to my husband. But then I saw the spark in my midwife's eyes. "You're in transition," she said, her gaze steady. "This baby is almost here -- believe me."
Faith
Streetlight on a dusk in a neighborhood

Seeking understanding

As a youngster growing up, I recall that when I went out with friends, my mom would tell me to make sure that I returned home before it got to be too dark and too late. I’d respond in the affirmative, interpreting her request based on my own preferences and lifestyle: too dark meant I couldn’t see, but there was plenty of light from the streetlights; too late meant before I got too tired and exhausted, but I’m a night owl so that meant that I just needed to return home before 1 a.m.

The priest as humble servant

Five loaves and two fish

Vestments worn by priests

Commentary
inside the capitol

The vocation of public service

Pope Leo recently echoed a phrase used by Pope Francis: “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it serves the common good.” When considering how to best love our neighbor, becoming a politician or running for a local board or commission is not likely top of mind. But in these roles, we can live out the charge shared by our current and recent popes to help bring about the common good in our communities.

Mary and the revolution

Why I am Catholic
Practicing Catholic

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