Author, "The Six." Senior Editor, @thegnewsroom. PADI Course Director. Gooner for life. #GoBuffs #TogetherBlue www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Six/
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Articles by Steven Schwankert
Stepinac Basketball Prospect Josh Rivera Commits to USC
The 6’5″ senior may be reunited with Stepinac teammates Adonis and Darius Ratliff Archbishop Stepinac High School's Josh Rivera (no. 4) takes a foul shot against Cardinal Hayes High School on March 8, 2026, at Fordham University's Rose Hill Gymnasium. The Stepinac senior committed to play basketball for the University of Southern California for the 2027-28 season at a signing ceremony at his high school on Oct. 21, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
First Changes to the Liturgy of the Hours Coming in Early 2027
During the archdiocese’s retreat for pastors earlier this month, Fr. Matthew Ernest, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Liturgy, addressed upcoming liturgical changes set to come into effect on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027. The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office or the breviary, is the Church’s official daily prayer.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan Celebrates Columbus Day Mass, Greets Parade Participants
Archbishop Charles Balvo reflects on immigrants and refugees, recalling his family’s Sicilian roots in his homily at the annual St. Patrick’s Cathedral Mass Cardinal Timothy Dolan (left) greets Gov. Kathy Hochul in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan during the 82nd annual Columbus Day Parade, Oct. 12, 2026.
New York Bishops Applaud Hochul’s Decision to Join Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Education, Local, National Governor’s decision opens a new path to tuition relief for Catholic school families Students from Mount St. Michael Academy listen to a homily by Cardinal Timothy Dolan during the Bronx high school's 100th anniversary Mass on Sept. 29, 2026. Photo courtesy of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. New York Gov.
Serving Six Popes: Msgr. Hilary Franco’s Remarkable Career - The Good Newsroom
At 94, the “Bronx kid” still travels and works for peace Msgr. Hilary Franco (center) stands with two Sisters of Charity outside The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis on Sept. 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of Msgr. Hilary Franco. Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part interview with Msgr. Hilario “Hilary” Franco. Read the first part here. Msgr. Hilary Franco has worked with six popes and a saint and helped bring the Vatican into the computer age.
‘Community Before Communion’: Pastors of Growing Parishes Share Lessons on Reaching Young Adults
rom left: Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P., St. Joseph's Church, Greenwich Village; Fr. Daniel Ray, Old St. Patrick's Cathedral; and Fr. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., St. Vincent Ferrer/St. Catherine of Siena, Midtown. The three spoke at the annual Archdiocese of New York Pastors Retreat in Spring Lake, N.J., on Oct. 6, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom. Young Catholics in Manhattan are building faith-filled lives around adoration, community, and the occasional drink.
Hundreds Gather for 800th St. Francis Transitus Vigil - The Good Newsroom
Local, Faith, Parish Updates About 700 people, at least half of whom were 30 or younger, marked the anniversary of the saint’s death at Our Lady of Good Counsel Fr. John Anthony Boughton lifts a first-class relic of St. Francis, at a vigil for the 800th anniversary of the saint’s transitus, October 3, 2026 at Our Lady of Good Counsel on East 90th St. in Manhattan. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Standing by Sheen: Msgr. Hilary Franco Remembers His Mentor and Friend
The Bronx native recalls the saint he knew before the Church did Msgr. Hilary Franco poses with some of his second-class relics of Blessed Fulton Sheen, with whom he worked directly for seven years and remained friends until Sheen’s death in 1979. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom If Blessed Fulton Sheen has a No. 1 fan on earth, it may be Msgr. Hilary Franco.
‘The Pride of the Bronx’: Mount Saint Michael Academy Celebrates 100th Anniversary Mass
“You’ve got a great place here,” Cardinal Timothy Dolan tells alumni and students Msgr. Joseph LaMorte (bottom, left) points to his childhood home from the door of Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, Sept. 29, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom. Cardinal Timothy Dolan lauded Mount Saint Michael Academy for 100 years of Catholic education as he celebrated a centennial Mass on Sept.
The Birth of Blessed: An Illinois Parish Rejoices Over a Beatification
St. Mary’s Church in El Paso, where Fulton Sheen was baptized, will be renamed in his honor in December St. Mary's in El Paso, where Fulton Sheen was baptized, will be renamed in his honor in December. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom. About 40 miles from Peoria, past farms of mostly corn and soybeans with a few dairy cows, sits El Paso. Not the Texas border city, but a town of 2,500, as the sign that welcomes entering traffic says.
Live the Gospel as Blessed Fulton Sheen Did, Archbishop Ronald Hicks Tells Peoria Pilgrims
At a Mass of Thanksgiving close to Blessed Sheen’s tomb, the archbishop pointed to the newly beatified as a model of evangelization Archbishop Ronald Hicks prays at the tomb of Blessed Fulton Sheen at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria Ill., on Sept. 25, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
‘My Lord and My God’: Cardinal Dolan Echoes Archbishop Sheen in Pre-Beatification Talk
Blessed Fulton Sheen’s greatness flowed from faith in the Eucharist, Cardinal Dolan said Cardinal Timothy Dolan gestures during his presentation on Fulton Sheen and the Eucharist at the pre-Mass show for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Sept. 24, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom. Cardinal Timothy Dolan told pilgrims gathered for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J.
St. Louis Vespers Sets Tone for Sheen Beatification
Prelates process out at the conclusion of the vespers for Venerable Fulton J. Sheen Sept. 23, 2026, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the eve of his beatification. Archbishop Sheen is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would have been pleased. The Evening Prayer, or Vespers, held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, was long on superlatives.
St. Matthew an Example for Diplomats, Vatican Official Says at UN-Week Mass
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, right, Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia el-Kassis, the Holy See's new permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, elevate the Eucharist during Mass at the Church of Our Saviour in Manhattan on Sept. 21, 2026, the feast of St. Matthew and the International Day of Peace. Cardinal Parolin is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 26. (OSV News photo/Gregory A.
Before 'Seinfeld,' There Was Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Who was Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen? To many, he was a successful broadcasting personality who competed against and was admired by television legends including Milton Berle and Lucille Ball. At his peak, 30 million Americans tuned in to watch his show, audience numbers that “Seinfeld” and “Friends” drew at their own height, numbers that only some NFL broadcasts can now boast.
The Good Newsroom
Bishop Edmund Whalen, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, blessed a new solar panel installation at the Church of the Resurrection in Harlem on Thursday, the first of its kind in northern Manhattan. “Creator God, we thank you for these solar panels, and for the people who designed and installed them, for the power they provide and for the household they serve.
Katie Prejean McGrady on Archbishop Sheen: 'This Catholic Guy in the Cape Gets It'
The Catholic Channel and beatification Mass pre-show host talks with The Good Newsroom about Fulton Sheen’s legacy, his influence on Catholic broadcasting, and the moment during the St. Louis event when she expects to cry Emcee Katie Prejean McGrady speaks during a July 19, 2024, impact session at Lucas Oil Stadium during the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
Sheen Beatification
The Catholic Channel and beatification Mass pre-show host talks with The Good Newsroom about Fulton Sheen’s legacy, his influence on Catholic broadcasting, and the moment during the St. Louis event when she expects to cry.
At vigil Mass on eve of 9/11, New York archbishop emphasizes healing, peace
The series of feature stories that UCA News publishes are unique and compelling. Our in-depth reporting reveals little-known experiences of faith, conflict, reconciliation, and coexistence of communities across Asia. These stories are available free of charge to readers worldwide. However, producing them requires significant editorial and reporting resources. Your support can help us share these important stories from Asia with a global audience.
A centuries-old Italian foundry casts bell for 9/11 firefighters and responders
In a dark, centuries-old workshop high in the Apennine Mountains of Southern Italy, there are few signs that the modern world has arrived. Heavy chains descend from wooden beams. Clay molds stand beside brick furnaces. Bells of different sizes crowd the floor, some rough and unfinished, others already bearing elaborate figures and inscriptions. The air carries the dust, metal and earthy smell of a craft that has changed remarkably little since the Middle Ages.
At vigil Mass on eve of 9/11, New York archbishop emphasizes healing, peace
In his homily, Hicks sought to emphasize the healing that has taken place over the last 25 years, and the work that remains to be done to bring about and maintain peace. On Sept. 11, 2001, then-Fr. Hicks was a priest furthering his studies at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. "At first, we attended funerals, countless funerals. We comforted grieving families and friends. We gathered for Masses and prayer services. We cared for first responders and survivors.
'I remember like it was yesterday': Catholics describe ministering in aftermath of 9/11
On Sept. 11, 2001 — the date of the worst terrorist attack in American history, when four hijacked jets became deadly weapons — there was no shortage of heroic first responders who confronted danger instead of avoiding it. Many Catholic clergy and religious ministered among them — including priests, friars and sisters.
Victim 0001: Friends recall Father Mychal Judge's 9/11 loss and legacy
'He resided deeper in you than you understood' The first introduction Michael Daly — journalist and author of The Book of Mychal: The Surprising Life and Heroic Death of Father Mychal Judge from St. Martin's Griffin — had to the priest was the sound of his and others' laughter. And it was coming from, of all places, a hospital burn unit.
Sept. 20, 2026: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The BBC drama series "The Hardacres" portrays the division between wealthy and poor and their different ways of thinking about the world. In the course of saving someone's life, Sam Hardacre, the father, loses the use of his hand. In a world without justice, the family is plunged into destitution until Mary, the wife, stops working as a fish gutter and opens a fried herring stall. The business flourishes to the degree that they are able to buy the fishery from its unjust and cruel owner.
En la Misa de vigilia del 11 de septiembre, el arzobispo Ronald Hicks hizo hincapié en la sanación y la paz
Español, Local, Remembering September 11 La Misa de la Catedral de San Patricio reunió a líderes civiles y religiosos en vísperas del 25.º aniversario El arzobispo Ronald Hicks pronuncia su homilía durante la Misa Conmemorativa del 25.º aniversario del 11-S, celebrada el 10 de septiembre de 2026 en la Catedral de San Patricio, en Manhattan. Foto de Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
At Sept. 11 Vigil Mass, Archbishop Ronald Hicks Emphasizes Healing, Peace - The Good Newsroom
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Mass draws civic and religious leaders on the eve of the 25th anniversary Archbishop Ronald Hicks delivers his homily during the Memorial Mass in Honor of the 25th Anniversary of September 11th, held Sept. 10, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom Delivering the homily at his first Sept.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks Celebrates Mass to Open Seminary Year, Blesses New Redemptor Hominis Center
Archbishop Hicks, Education, Faith, Local The archbishop reflected on surrendering to God’s will after a summer setback and joined seminary leaders in dedicating a new center for seminarian health Archbishop Ronald Hicks gives the homily at St. Joseph's Seminary's Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2026.
'You Have Moments of Light': John Woods on Editing Catholic New York Through 9/11
Representatives of several religious communities, including Rabbi Marc Gellman, left, Cardinal Edward M. Egan, center, join Adm. Robert Natter, right, at the interfaith prayer service at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Sept. 23, 2001. The terrorists "picked the wrong city ... and country," said Natter to the thousands of New Yorkers who prayed for the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy. (CNS photo from Reuters) In a journalist’s career, there are few days or events like 9/11.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks Tours 9/11 Museum and Memorial, Visits Engine 54
John Cahill, chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York and founding board member of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, guided the archbishop through the attack site’s exhibits and grounds Archbishop Ronald Hicks (right) visited the National September 11 Memorial and Museum on Sunday, September 6, 2026. He was guided by Archdiocese of New York Chancellor and 9/11 Museum Trustee John Cahill (left). Photo courtesy of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
La Arquidiócesis de Bogotá lanza una misión de 'primeros auxilios espirituales' a las ciudades afectadas por el terremoto
El cardenal Rueda encabeza a 80 sacerdotes y diáconos en una misión pastoral de cinco días a las zonas golpeadas por el terremoto Vista aérea captada por un dron de un barrio con edificios derrumbados en Pereira, Colombia, el 17 de agosto de 2026, tras un terremoto de magnitud 7,4.
Three Sisters of Life Profess Perpetual Vows at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Joyful Celebration
On August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration, three Sisters of Life professed their final vows at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From left, Sister Eden Marie, Sister Elena Marie, and Sister Maria Annunciata pledged themselves to the Archdiocese of New York-based order, which was founded by Cardinal John O’Connor. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Four Franciscan Friars Profess Final Vows at St. Patrick's Cathedral
In his homily, Fr. John Anthony Boughton, CFR, told the four men they were not graduating, but matriculating, into a life of joyful sacrifice Four Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) professed their final vows at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, “matriculating” as religious brothers after years of formation, their order’s vicar general said on Saturday evening.
America250: Gov. Al Smith and Fr. Francis Duffy
In the early decades of the 20th century, as the Catholic Church in America came of age, two New Yorkers showed what it meant to carry the faith into public life. One rose from the tenements of the Lower East Side to become the first Catholic nominated for president by a major American political party. The other ministered to dying soldiers on the battlefields of France and became so beloved by his city that a corner of Times Square bears his name.
Monroe Religious Order Greets News of Founder Being Named Venerable With Elation - The Good Newsroom
As fans of the New York Knicks celebrated the team’s recent NBA title with a parade in Lower Manhattan, members of a contemplative religious order in Monroe were expressing some unbridled jubilation of their own on Thursday.
Sacred Heart Parish in Hartsdale Celebrates 100 Years
Archbishop Hicks urges devotion to the parish’s namesake Archbishop Ronald Hicks (center) and Hartsdale's Sacred Heart Church Pastor Fr. Michael Moon (right) pose with members of a pungmul, a traditional Korean drum group, that performed for the 100th anniversary of the church on June 14, 2026. Photo by Tony Correa. “Here comes everybody,” Archbishop Ronald Hicks said on Sunday, June 14, as he described his view of the Catholic Church.
Staten Island's Sacred Heart Church Celebrates Consecration Mass, Flag Day
Bishop Peter Byrne served as principal celebrant, with support from local active-duty military and veterans’ groups Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne (right, with flag) and Deacon Jim Cowan stand during a flag-raising ceremony at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Staten Island, June 14, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Electrical Workers, Labor Supporters Gather for Annual Construction Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Celebrating Corpus Christi Sunday, Bishop Whalen cited the Eucharist’s power for unity Archdiocese of New York Vicar General Bishop Edmund J. Whalen (left) and Father Brian Jordan, OFM, distribute communion at the annual Construction Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, June 7, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Archbishop Hicks Warns New York's Aid-in-Dying Law Marks a New and Frightening Era
“‘Life is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, physical or mental diseases, loneliness or old age,'” wrote Archbishop Ronald Hicks, quoting his predecessor Terence Cardinal Cooke in a new article for First Things, the publication of The Institute on Religion and Public Life.
Bronx Catholic Schools Celebrate Graduation Mass at Historic Church
More than 700 eighth graders mark the end of grammar school at the church where President John F. Kennedy was confirmed Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, addresses eighth grade students during a graduation Mass at St. Margaret of Cortuna Church in North Riverdale, May 28, 2026. Photo courtesy of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York.
From St. Patrick's to Notre-Dame: Cardinal Timothy Dolan Receives France's Legion of Honour - The Good Newsroom
Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili (left) shares a light moment with Cardinal Timothy Dolan (center) and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York John Cahill on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at a ceremony at the Consulate General of France in Manhattan. Cardinal Dolan received the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) of France in recognition of his leadership of fundraising efforts to restore Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was damaged by fire in 2019.
Washingtonville Welcomes Home Its Newest Priest at Joyful First Mass
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who first planted the seed of a priestly vocation with Father Joe Haas as a teenager, joined him at the Church of St. Mary to celebrate Father Joe Haas (left) offer his first blessing to a parishioner of the Church of St. Mary in Washingtonville, his home parish and where he was first asked by Cardinal Timothy Dolan if he had ever considered the priesthood. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Gianna’s House Opens New Yonkers Office, Expanding Pro-Life Pregnancy Services in the Archdiocese
Named for St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the organization now serves expectant mothers in need with two locations and a mobile unit Almost three years to the day after it opened its first facility in the Archdiocese of New York, pro-life pregnancy counseling organization Gianna’s House welcomed more than 75 guests to its new Yonkers office on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
CHSAA Penalizes Stepinac Basketball, Suspends Massaroni for Seven Games
Archbishop Stepinac High School Head Basketball Coach Patrick Massaroni (center) will serve a seven-game suspension imposed by the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) of the Archdiocese of New York, during the 2026-27 boys’ basketball season.
Gianna's House Opens New Yonkers Office, Expanding Pro-Life Pregnancy Services in the Archdiocese
Father Richard Gill (left), CEO of Gianna’s House and pastor of the parish of St. Lawrence O'Toole and Sacred Heart in Brewster, and Nicole Moore, center director of Gianna's House Yonkers, pose at the new Tilma Care office in Yonkers at its opening on May 13, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Calvary Hospital Unveils New Lobby and Family Care Center at Bronx Campus
ArchCare CEO Scott LaRue (center left, with scissors), Calvary Hospital President Michael J. Fosina, MPH, FACHE (center), and Calvary Hospital Chairman Jeffrey Menkes (center right) cut the ribbon marking the official opening of Calvary Hospital’s new lobby and family lounge on Wednesday, May 16, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Archbishop Hicks Brings Message of Love and Belonging to Mother's Day Young Adult Mass at Old St. Patrick's
At one of New York’s oldest churches, the archbishop wove together the Holy Father’s words, a childhood story of St. John Paul II, and the meaning of Mother’s Day Archbishop Ronald Hicks delivers his homily at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Lower Manhattan, May 10, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
Archbishop Hicks Makes First Pastoral Visit to Elizabeth Seton Children's
Healthcare, Archbishop Hicks, Local Archbishop brought blessings, warmth, and a personal connection with Elizabeth Seton to the Yonkers facility Archbishop Ronald Hicks (in black) rides a merry-go-round at Elizabeth Seton Children’s with the center’s international ambassador Stephanie and a resident, May 4, 2026.
Archbishop Stepinac High School Guards Coco, Smith Commit to College Basketball Programs
The pair become the sixth and seventh senior players, respectively, to move on to the university level Archbishop Stepinac High School senior guard Jack Coco (#11) watches as teammate Adonis Ratliff takes a foul shot, March 22, 2026. Photo by Steven Schwankert Two more Archbishop Stepinac High School varsity basketball players are moving on to the college level, Coach Patrick Massaroni announced by email this week.
Archbishop Hicks Celebrates Mass at St. Joseph by-the-Sea During First Pastoral Visit to an Archdiocesan High School
Angelo Barisciano (left) and London Ortiz (right of Archbishop Ronald Hicks), seventh grade students at our Lady Queen of Peace School, conduct an impromptu interview with Archbishop Ronald Hicks during his visit to Saint Joseph by-the-Sea High School, April 29, 2026.
Archbishop Hicks Celebrates Mass for NYPD Holy Name Society
Arts + Culture, Education, Local, Sports NYPD’s largest and oldest religious fraternal organization holds its 106th annual communion breakfast Archbishop Ronald Hicks celebrated Mass for the New York Police Department's (NYPD) Holy Name Society on Sunday, April 19. Photo by Steven Schwankert/The Good Newsroom.
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