CUMMING—A handmade yellow chick, created by an archdiocesan eighth grader, made its way from Georgia to the Vatican, delighting Pope Leo XIV and capturing global attention across social media.

ATLANTA—The Archdiocese of Atlanta is expanding efforts to serve students with learning differences with an initiative designed to make Catholic schools more inclusive.

ATLANTA—Mary Mead used to open her daily prayer ritual tucked away in her school office before the first bell.

ATLANTA—Praying the rosary and light exercise are uniquely integrated into a ministry that aims to draw people closer to the Blessed Mother Mary while moving their bodies.

ATLANTA—A year of two popes and a Jubilee Year, 2025 was one to remember.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) –Pope Leo XIV and members of his College of Cardinals have begun what is a kind of synodal journey together to grow in communion and discern together “what the Lord is asking of us for the good of his people.”

ATLANTA—Father John T. Howren, pastor of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta, died Monday, Jan. 12, from complications of influenza. He was 61 years old.

For many of us, the New Year begins with hope—a desire for a fresh start, a chance to begin again, to live more intentionally.

DULUTH—“It still smells the same; it just smells good,” a former student of Notre Dame Academy told Julie Derucki, head of school, during a campus visit.

SNELLVILLE—The community of the Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary celebrated the first profession of vows of Sister Bridget Marie of the Sacred Heart on Dec. 8.

Music and prayer filled the streets of Hapeville on Dec. 11 as the faithful from St. John the Evangelist Church gathered for the annual procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

ATLANTA—With 75 expectant mothers already on a waiting list, St. Vincent de Paul Georgia has launched Marillac Moms to support pregnant women and their children at risk of homelessness.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)–Jesus entering the world as a little baby in need of everything is a sign of God’s solidarity with every person in need, longing for love and a helping hand, Pope Leo XIV said at Christmas morning Mass.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)–The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said.

ATLANTA–Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., offered warm greetings to the Jewish community during the celebration of Hanukkah.

ATLANTA—Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of Atlanta, and Bishop Stephen D. Parkes, of Savannah, named Jayna Hoffacker as the new director for the Georgia Catholic Conference on Dec. 9.

ATLANTA–St. Vincent de Paul Georgia received a $5 million donation in its effort to move families into safe housing.

ATLANTA—Calling it “holy ground,” Atlanta Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., dedicated the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Nov. 16 by blessing its walls and anointing the altar with sacred chrism. Like the prayers of the faithful rising to God, a thick smoke of perfumed incense rose to fill the sanctuary.

ATLANTA—When a parent loses a child, the world becomes unrecognizable. Daily routines become unmanageable, and even faith can feel distant.

Georgia’s bishops have shared a letter in opposition to the execution of Stacy Humphreys, scheduled on Dec. 17.