The Criterion (Indianapolis, IN)

4 weeks ago | archindy.org | Natalie Hoefer

By Natalie Hoefer For some men, their call to the priesthood might come as a slow, gradual awareness. For others it might come as a powerful, St.-Paul-knocked-off-his-horse realization. For transitional Deacon Isaac Siefker, it was just something he always knew. “As long as I can remember, I always said that I wanted to be a priest when I grew up,” he says. “For a while, that just meant I would either be a diocesan priest or I would join the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.

1 month ago | archindy.org | John Shaughnessy

By John Shaughnessy After hearing the wonderful, shocking news of an American being elected as pope on May 8, Cheyenne Johnson and Rachel Levy quickly became excited about the potentially powerful impact that Pope Leo XIV could have on young adults across the United States.

Jul 25, 2024 | archindy.org | Sean Gallagher

By Sean Gallagher They came to Indianapolis drawn by Christ’s gift of himself in the Eucharist. And they were sent out to share that gift with others. More than 50,000 Catholics from across the country gathered in Indianapolis for the historic 10th National Eucharistic Congress. At the end of its closing Mass on July 21 in Lucas Oil Stadium, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., who led the organizing of the congress, spoke to those attending.

Jul 25, 2024 | archindy.org | Sean Gallagher

By Sean Gallagher As more than 50,000 Catholics from across the country took part in a eucharistic procession through downtown Indianapolis on July 20, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson kept his focus on the Blessed Sacrament in a large brass monstrance. “I thought that was the best witness I could give at that moment,” he said in an interview with The Criterion a day after the congress concluded. “While I know there were thousands and thousands of people around me, my focus was on Christ.

Jul 25, 2024 | archindy.org | Sean Gallagher

By Sean Gallagher Music was a big part of the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21 in Indianapolis—in large general sessions in Lucas Oil Stadium, at liturgies and on stages in a large exhibition hall in the Indiana Convention Center and on Georgia Street next to St. John the Evangelist Church.