NEW PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS OF INDIANA
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The bishops of the Indiana Catholic Conference have released a new pastoral letter, Integral Ecology: A Sacramental Vision. Addressed to all the faithful and people of goodwill, the letter reflects on the beauty of creation, our responsibility to care for it, and the deep connection between our faith and the world around us. All are invited to read and prayerfully reflect on this important teaching, and to explore accompanying resources for discussion and formation. Learn more at indianacc.org/ecology

MASS AND SOCIAL FOR THOSE IN A SEASON OF INFERTILITY
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Mother’s Day weekend can be very difficult for those in a season of infertility. If this is your experience, you are invited to attend a special vigil Mass on Saturday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Center chapel, located at the edge of Notre Dame’s campus (the parking lot for the parish center is located on Moreau Drive). Father Ed Dolphin, CSC will be the celebrant, and the Mass will be followed by a social in the community hall. This event is sponsored by the diocesan ministry, Hope for the Journey. For questions or more information, please contact Lisa Everett at [email protected] or visit diocesefwsb.org/hope-for-the-journey

ST. CYRIL INSTITUTE – SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
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Registration is now open for Summer 2026 courses at the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catechetical Institute, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend’s flagship program for adult faith formation. Designed for catechists, teachers, DREs and all who desire to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith, the Institute offers rich, in-depth courses to strengthen both understanding and discipleship. Courses are available on both the Fort Wayne and South Bend sides of the diocese. Learn more and register today: diocesefwsb.org/cyril-institute.

FROM JUSTICE TO SOLIDARITY: IMMIGRATION AND OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
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All are invited on Saturday, April 25, following the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass (approximately 5:45 p.m.) at St. John the Baptist, Fort Wayne for an evening of reflection, learning and community. This event will feature a talk by Dr. David Lantigua, associate professor of moral theology at the University of Notre Dame, who specializes in Catholic social doctrine and has served as a diaconate formation instructor for our diocese. Together, we will explore what the Catholic Church teaches about immigration and how we are called to respond with justice and solidarity. The talk will take place in the gym, and a pizza dinner will be provided (free of charge). All are welcome to attend and take part in this important and timely conversation.

APRIL 2026 SYNOD PRAYER INTENTION
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Bishop Rhoades invites you to join him in intercessory prayer supporting our journey toward Synod 2026. This April, we pray for our synod Secretary and all those volunteers working to compile summaries of the parish and special consultations, that the Spirit guide their work and discernment. To join the Synod 2026 Intercessory Prayer Team and receive prayer intentions via email, visit diocesefwsb.org/synod.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Instituted by St. John Paul II, Divine Mercy Sunday always takes place on the first Sunday following Easter. This year, Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated on April 12. Individuals pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on this day, and there is also the chance to receive a Plenary Indulgence. To learn more about Plenary Indulgences and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, visit diocesefwsb.org/divine-mercy-sunday.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SABBATH SUNDAY WOMEN’S RETREAT
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Young adult women (college age and up) are invited to a day of prayer, rest and community at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET. This retreat day will include Holy Mass, reflection talks, Eucharistic adoration, a service opportunity and time for fellowship and recreation. Come experience true Sabbath rest in a peaceful and prayerful setting. The registration deadline is April 17. Learn more and sign up at: ssfpa.org/events/sabbath-sunday-womens-retreat

SPRING HIGH SCHOOL DAY WITH SISTERS
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High school girls are invited to experience a “day in the life” with the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration at their Motherhouse in Mishawaka on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. This special day offers a unique opportunity to spend time with the Sisters, grow in faith, and experience their life of prayer and community. Learn more and register at: ssfpa.org/events/spring-high-school-day

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
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Our Catholic faith calls us to uphold the dignity of every human person. Protecting children and youth from abuse and harm is a responsibility shared by the entire Church. Throughout April, we renew our commitment to creating safe environments for all. Learn more about diocesan policies, reporting information, and resources at diocesefwsb.org/prevent-child-abuse.

EL MES DE ABRIL ES MES DE PREVENCIÓN DE ABUSO A MENORES
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Nuestra fe católica nos llama a defender y valorar la vida y dignidad de la persona humana. La protección de los niños es la responsabilidad de la iglesia entera, incluyendo a los fieles. La protección de los niños y jóvenes del abuso y cualquier daño es un asunto de respeto a la vida, y todos debemos hacer nuestra parte para defender este ideal. Conoce más: diocesefwsb.org/prevenir-abuso-infantil.

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2027: JOIN US IN SEOUL!
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Young adults of the diocese: don’t miss the opportunity to experience the global Church like never before! Join us for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea (July 29-August 10) and encounter Christ alongside millions of young Catholics from around the world. From Mass with the Holy Father to exploring the rich faith and culture of Korea, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will deepen your faith and expand your vision of the Church. The diocesan pilgrimage includes flights, accommodations, WYD registration, and guided experiences. Ready to go? Learn more and sign up at: diocesefwsb.org/wyd.

THE DIOCESE IS HIRING
The diocese is currently seeking applicants for several positions. Information can be found at diocesefwsb.org/careers.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
FAITH FORWARD: CONNECTING OUR GRADUATING SENIORS
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Parishes around the diocese are participating in Newman Connection’s Faith Forward movement — a national initiative helping graduating high school seniors stay connected to their Catholic faith as they move on to college, the military, or the workforce. By sharing their post-graduation plans, seniors can be personally connected to a Catholic campus ministry, military chaplain, or young adult parish near their next destination. If you are a graduating senior — or the parent or grandparent of one — please learn more sign up today at signupnc.newmanministry.com.

MASSES INTERPRETED FOR THE DEAF: SOUTH BEND 
St. Matthew Cathedral Parish and the Diocesan Deaf Ministry partner to offer Masses interpreted for the Deaf at these times: the first Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. Saturday evening; the second, third, and fourth Sundays of the month at 11 a.m. Sunday morning. (There is no ASL interpreter available for the fifth Sunday of the month at this time.) For more information regarding having interpreters at Mass, or to raise awareness for the Deaf Ministry or assist in its efforts to support the deaf members of the Catholic community in our diocese, please contact Allison Sturm at [email protected] or at 260-399-1452. For more information, visit diocesefwsb.org/deaf-ministry.

ST. AUGUSTINE MEN’S GROUP
If you struggle with addiction to pornography or sexual struggles, you are invited to be made new. With groups meeting in Fort Wayne and South Bend, the lives of men have been transformed because of their willingness to change, to be honest, and to seek connection not only with God but with their fellow brothers through the Saint Augustine Men’s Group. Meetings focus on the positive and what we can do to overcome our daily struggles. Discover a path to true freedom by visiting diocesefwsb.org/augustine or e-mailing [email protected].

ONLINE MONTHLY AVA’S GRACE SUPPORT GROUP
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If you have suffered the loss of a baby before or after birth and would like to listen to, learn from, and pray with others who know this deep suffering, consider attending the ava’s grace monthly online support group, offering spiritual, emotional and practical support. The support group meets on the third Wednesday evening of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please email Lisa Everett at [email protected] for the Zoom meeting link and password. For more information about ava’s grace, visit diocesefwsb.org/avas-grace.

WEEKLY SENSORY-FRIENDLY MASS AT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, FORT WAYNE
Sensory-friendly Masses are offered weekly at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Wayne, on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. A sensory-friendly Mass provides a safe and comfortable setting for children and adults with sensory challenges, mental illness, or any kind of disability. Questions? Visit diocesefwsb.org/belonging.

PROJECT RACHEL: HEALING AFTER ABORTION 
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If you are hurting after an abortion, you are not alone. It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including loss through an abortion. It can form a hole in one’s heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness. There is healing through God who is Love and Mercy. Project Rachel is a post-abortion reconciliation program offered by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Project Rachel ministers and counsels individuals regardless of religious affiliation. For more information, please visit diocesefwsb.org/project-rachel.

JOIN THE INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM FOR THE SYNOD 2026
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Prayer is essential to the Synodal process! Bishop Rhoades invites all parishioners to join the Intercessory Prayer Team supporting our journey toward Synod 2026. Members will receive a monthly prayer intention from the Bishop and regular updates to pray for parishes as they begin their consultations. Sign up today at diocesefwsb.org/synod!

INVEST IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE SGONEI
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You are invited to prayerfully consider supporting the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana (SGONEI), which helps ensure every child has access to a Catholic education. Many families still face tuition gaps, even with the Choice Scholarship, and SGO funds make a vital difference. Donors receive a 50% Indiana state tax credit on their gift, with many donations also qualifying for a federal deduction. Learn more, use the SGO Calculator, or make a gift at sgonei.org. Questions? Contact Julie Bills at [email protected] or 260-369-1944.

INVIERTE EN LA EDUCACIÓN CATÓLICA A TRAVÉS DE LA “SGONEI”
Les invitamos a considerar, en oración, apoyar a la Organización que otorga becas en el noreste de Indiana (SGONEI por sus siglas en inglés), la cual ayuda a asegurar que todo niño tenga acceso a una educación católica. Incluso con la beca Choice, muchas familias aún enfrentan dificultades para cubrir el costo de la colegiatura, y los fondos SGO marcan una gran diferencia. Los donantes reciben un crédito fiscal del 50% del estado de Indiana por su donación, y muchas donaciones también califican para una deducción federal. Conozcan más, usen la calculadora SGO, o hagan una donación en sgonei.org. Para preguntas, favor de contactar a Julie Bills en [email protected], o 260-369-1944.  

THE MARRIAGE COURSE ONLINE
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What if setting intentional time aside one evening each week could transform your marriage? The Marriage Course is a self-paced weekly series based on a film series featuring “regular” couples and relationship experts from around the world. There is time built right into each session for you and your spouse to discuss each week’s topic in the comfort and privacy of your own home using prompts. Start any time. To learn more, visit diocesefwsb.org/marriage-course

AFFORDING A CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Affording a Catholic education may be easier than you think. Through Indiana Choice legislation, qualifying students in grades K–12 can receive up to 90% of the local per-student state funding toward tuition at any diocesan Catholic school, an amount that nearly covers tuition at many K–8 schools. Additional support is available through the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana (SGONEI), which also supports pre-K students. Learn more and find a school at diocesefwsb.org/schools.

WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED:
Would you know where to refer a pregnant or parenting mom in need in your community? We have a new diocesan website which is designed to help you do just that: walkingwithmomsfwsb.com. This website is part of our Walking with Moms in Need campaign, which is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to equip parishes to better support and accompany moms who may be struggling in our communities. Pope Francis reminds us that our parishes are called to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” If you are interested in getting involved with the Walking with Moms in Need campaign at your parish, please let your pastor know.

CAMINA CON MADRES NECESITADAS
¿Sabría dónde deferir a una madre embarazada o madre necesitada en su comunidad? Tenemos un nuevo sitio web diocesano que está diseñado para ayudarlo a hacer precisamente eso: caminaconmadresfwsb.com. Este sitio web es parte de nuestra campaña Camina con Madres Necesitadas, que es una iniciativa de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicosde los Estados Unidos para equipar a las parroquias para que apoyen y acompañen mejor a las mamás que pueden estar luchando en nuestras comunidades. El Papa Francisco nos recuerda que nuestras parroquias están llamadas a ser “islas de misericordia en medio de un mar de indiferencia.” Si está interesado en participar en la campaña Camina con Madres Necesitadas en su parroquia, infórmeselo a su párroco.

WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED BULLETIN INSERT: Available Here

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
If you have been considering professional services for your mental health, there are local resources available to help you. Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend offers in-house counseling and connects individuals and families with counseling services throughout the diocese through the Clinical Liaison program. A referral can be made through your pastor or through the diocesan Marriage and Family Ministry office. Email Caty Burke at [email protected] or Lisa Everett at [email protected] for a confidential referral.

BECOME A LOCAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
Today’s Catholic is seeking freelance journalists and photographers to contribute to the weekly diocesan newspaper. Tell us about your experience in journalism, writing or photography. Learn more at todayscatholic.org/freelance