The Association of United States Catholic Priests

08/19/2026

This week’s news explores how belief is showing up in and around higher education, from debate over a possible Gen Z revival in the Church to a historic HBCU’s national recognition and a well known political figure joining a Christian university faculty.

These stories offer a window into where young people and institutions stand with faith today.

Keywords: faith | Gen Z | Catholic higher education | HBCU | campus ministry

08/14/2026

Fr. Steve Newton responds to a question submitted by one of our followers about how to include their young child in the celebration of Communion.

�Jesus said, �“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 💛

�Our follower’s full question: �”�Father I have a question, I have a 3 y/o who behaves like a 3 y/o kid at church and sometimes I take him out of church but he says he wants to see Jesus and ask me to take him to the communion (I’ve explained everything to him that’s why he insists) but he doesn’t care about keeping silence or obviously respect for any ceremony. I feel bad for others but want to keep him close to god. What do I do? People don’t like hearing a word at church from a 3 y/o much less tantrums or else.
�

��Keywords: Catholic parenting | family faith | welcoming parish | raising children Catholic | advice | AMA

08/14/2026

Fr. Tom Reese, SJ, suggests that the Bible should be a guide in teaching about American history:
"We need a biblical view of American history" (NCR online 8/14/26)

"The Bible teaches us not to put our leaders on pedestals, free from criticism. A nationalism that ignores the failings of leaders and people," writes Thomas Reese, "is not biblical."

08/13/2026

You are invited to register for this important webinar coming up on August 31, 2026: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hgl5V9azTJivQ_JVWOgwLA #/registration

08/13/2026

AUSCP Zoom Discussion Series on Anti-Racism

The Association of U. S. Catholic Priests invites you to attend a Zoom Discussion Series on Anti-Racism. It includes a presentation followed by a discussion period. The program is a repeat of part of the three-year strategic plan to combat racism provided by the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests Anti-racism Team. All are welcome and you may invite others to join. You need not have attended previous sessions.

Monday Aug. 17, 24, 31, & Sept. 7, 2026 (8:00-9:30 PM EDT)

Zoom link, syllabus, and reminder will be provided in the near future. The sessions will be moderated by Rev. John Judie and Susan and Paul Sherman.

Contact Paul ([email protected]) to register.

08/12/2026

If you weren’t able to make it to the 2026 AUSCP Assembly, you can still enjoy the incredible Keynote Speakers.

Hear Rev. Dan Groody, CSC on “A Theology of Migration: The Bodies of Refugees and the Body of Christ,” and Kathy Duffy, SSJ on “Building the Church of the Future with Teilhard de Chardin.”

We have made hours worth of valuable lectures available to you for free at auscp.org. Take some time this week to listen, reflect, and be renewed in your ministry.

Visit auscp.org to watch!

08/10/2026

There’s nothing like the joy of gathering together in person 💗🌸
Thanks to Sr. Jackie and Sr. Linda for your tireless work at our Assembly. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year in Orlando.

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Keywords: Catholic community | AUSCP assembly | gathering in person | synodality | Catholic renewal | Orlando

08/06/2026

A recent lawsuit regarding retirement investments could pave the way for many to stand up for environmental justice on religious grounds:

A scientist in New York is suing life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific over its refusal to provide a retirement plan option that omits investments in fossil fuels, which he holds violate his Christian beliefs.

08/05/2026

How do we live out Jesus’ command when the tyranny of the world feels so heavy?

We suggest: Let us identify our five loaves and our two fish. Our assets. Our time. Our professional skills. Give them to the risen Christ and watch them multiply.

Fr. Steve Newton delivered this homily at the Church of Loretto, Saint Mary’s College, on August 2nd.

Keywords: Catholic | loaves and fish | Church | volunteer | Matthew 14:13–21 | gospel