My Close-up

Today I filmed four new TV commercials promoting the work of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. We filmed today’s spots at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen in North Baltimore. It was a beautiful day to be outside this beautiful church talking about the good works of Pope Francis and of the people of God of this archdiocese. Many thanks to those who contribute to the Catholic Communications Campaign which supports the production of these commercials, which air Sundays and Mondays each week on WBAL-TV channel 11. If you have an idea for an upcoming spot please send an email to communications@archbalt.org.

First Day of School

Today I was pleased to visit two of our Catholic schools as they marked the start of a new school year: St. Clement Mary Hofbauer School in Rosedale and St. Francis of Assisi School in Baltimore. I began my day at St. Clement, where I met and greeted the students and their parents during “drop-off”. I was surprised at how many smiles I saw (and how few tears over the unofficial end to the summer) and was so pleased to be able to go to the parish church to offer a blessing over the students, faculty, staff, and even the parents and grandparents. At St. Francis I was thrilled to be present for the beginning of the new International Baccalaureate Middle Years program, which officially begins in the middle school classes this year. I was most impressed with the responses of the students who shared their enthusiasm for and knowledge of the IB program, which is the first for a private school in Baltimore City. I was also on hand as the 4th grade got the school year off to a running start with a STEM project that involved problem solving and critical thinking in a fun and innovative way.  Kudos to Mrs. Melissa Rowland for a great first day activity! I look forward to visiting many more schools this year and to helping our students “Rise Above” academically, spiritually, and in countless other ways.  God bless all who are working to make this the best school year ever!