News - July 2020 RSS Feed

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi celebrates the Mass of Christian Burial for Archbishop Emeritus Oscar H. Lipscomb at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on July 21.

Msgr. Michael Farmer delivers the homily during the Mass of Christian Burial for Archbishop Emeritus Oscar H. Lipscomb at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile on July 21.

Archbishop Emeritus Oscar H. Lipscomb celebrates Mass as Deacon Ernest Johnson looks on. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Mobile Archives Department)

Archbishop Emeritus Oscar H. Lipscomb, who was ordained the first Archbishop of Mobile, Alabama, died Wednesday, July 15 at the age of 88. He died peacefully this morning at the Little Sisters of the Poor residence in Mobile after a lengthy period of physical decline.

Three Archdiocese of Mobile priests, Msgr. Warren Wall, Msgr. Patrick Gallagher and Fr. Philip McKenna, retired effective June 27. Msgr. Wall most recently served as pastor at St. Mary Parish in Mobile, while Msgr. Gallagher served as pastor of St. Columba Parish in Dothan and Fr. McKenna served as senior priest at Holy Spirit Parish in Montgomery.

All facets of life have been impacted by COVID-19, but every Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic School is preparing diligently for the first day of class Aug. 12.

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and Archdiocese of Mobile Superintendent of Catholic Schools Gwen Byrd visit a classroom during the school year. Archbishop Rodi announced on June 26 that Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic Schools will open as scheduled Aug. 12.

Después del receso de verano estamos ansiosos de volver a tomar las clases de formación Católica impartidas a través de la Escuela de Formación San Juan Diego.

Recently, our oldest son participated in a week of summer camp. In a COVID-19 reality, the campers practiced social distancing, masking and regular hand-washing. However, that did not stop the boys from cheering and lifting their voices to win the coveted spirit stick.

I received an email from a wonderful Catholic in Dothan. She asked me to answer two questions. First, why do Catholics believe that we must confess our sins to a priest instead of just speaking directly to God? Second, “How do I answer people who say that Mass is so boring?” I will answer the first question in this issue and will address the second concern in the next issue.