We’ve all been anxiously awaiting those beautiful first signs of spring — the glimpse of the crocus breaking through the ground; the robins’ early morning chirping and nest-building; and the additional minutes of daylight brightening our morning and evening walks. The earth in all its splendor will soon be renewed and treats us to an array of colors and sounds to soothe our senses.

“CAN I HAVE MY PIE NOW?” The plea came from my best friend. We had embarked on a decluttering project in her house and to keep us motivated we had established a reward system: finish all our assigned chores and we indulge in the scrumptious Marie Callender Razzleberry pie.

When sharing our faith, my friend always wants to argue about how wrong it is that Catholics worship Mary. How can I respond to him?

Every morning Toni Newell laces up her running shoes and hits the pavement — and chances are if you want to keep up with her daily schedule, you’ll need a good pair of running shoes, too.The self-described obsessive runner is the newly appointed Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo. The agency’s programs offer a wide array of social services that enrich the lives of people at every age and every stage. Oftentimes, though, people seem surprised by the depth and breadth of the services offered and the number of people Catholic Charities serves. Toni hopes a newly refocused vision and strategy and a stronger connection to the parishes will turn this hidden gem into a shining beacon of light.

As my beloved, Tony, and I drove to a Valentine’s retreat for couples this year, we had little to share with each other during the long trip. We had risen very early in the morning, and it was still dark outside. Our communication centered primarily on praying the rosary, all four sets of mysteries (joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious).

On March 8, 2023 the Diocese of Kalamazoo entered a historic moment in the life of the Church. Bishop Bradley officially opened the first-ever diocesan synod on Priestly Life and Lay Ministry with the opening Mass celebrated at St. Augustine Cathedral. Synod delegates, which include all priests in active ministry as well as delegates representing the diaconate community, religious life and lay leaders from all five deaneries attended.

In the summer of 2011, thanks to the support of Bishop Paul Bradley, parish pastors, the Hispanic ministry office, mentors and the Catholic Extension organization, a three-year program designed for the Hispanic community of the diocese was launched with great acceptance.

In the fall of last year as COVID restrictions eased and people began to resume some of their normal prepandemic activities, Deacon John and Martha Lohrstorfer looked around and noted an alarming trend at their beloved parish, St. Basil Parish, South Haven — empty pews. Parishioners still seemed reluctant to come back to Mass. Instead of accepting this trend as inevitable, the two set out to launch an initiative to inspire not just St. Basil’s parishioners to come back but all of the church-going South Haven community.