Catholic Extension Society

10/24/2026

These Sunday school students joined their parents and guardians at a listening session that kicked off plans to rejuvenate their parish. St. Mary's is located on the extremely isolated Kodiak Island in Alaska, and is part of an ever-increasing number of parishes taking part in our Christian Parenting program. See how these families are coming up with creative ways to engage their children in the Catholic faith: https://www.catholicextension.org/stories/how-parishioners-in-kodiak-alaska-are-striving-to-renew-their-childrens-faith/

10/23/2026

A sister's enduring love can be a powerful, grounding force. Pedro Alvarez, a seminarian for the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, has received this love and unwavering support from his sister, Karla Alvarez. Read about the special bond that has helped nurture Pedro's vocation to the priesthood:

How a supportive sister is nurturing his vocation to the priesthood

10/22/2026

Today is the feast of Pope St. John Paul II. One of the most poignant and powerful moments of his papacy occurred in 1983 when he visited the man who shot him in an attempted assassination. The pope personally assured him of his forgiveness. When we see popes through the fragility of their humanity, it can strengthen their standing as shepherds. See how Pope Leo is touching hearts today just as St. John Paull II did: https://bit.ly/4yskrc6

10/21/2026

We are grateful it was announced that after successful surgery last week, no further treatment is necessary for Pope Leo! As he returns to St. Peter’s Square, he will meet many people struggling physically and emotionally. His handshake, presence among them, and prayers for them will no doubt have extra meaning for the sick and their caregivers, as he now personally knows what it means to confront the frailty of the body. Read more: https://bit.ly/4yskrc6

Photo: ©Vatican Media

10/21/2026

From reaching out to farmworkers to organizing the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration, this California couple from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton kept finding new ways to reach young people for more than four decades. Read about their ministry: https://bit.ly/4ynEc4L

10/18/2026

As we continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery, today on 121st anniversary of our founding, we share his reflection on how our missionary enthusiasm remains strong today.

10/17/2026

A former restaurant might be an unlikely place for a church, but for Catholic families in Collinsville, Alabama, it has become a sacred space. Three Dominican Sisters are serving this growing community through Catholic Extension Society’s support. Now, after years of worshipping in this makeshift space, the community is preparing for a new spiritual home of its own. Read more:

Women religious are building up a growing Catholic community that gathers for Mass in dilapidated food hall

10/16/2026

Several weeks before his own lung cancer diagnosis resulting in the partial removal of one of his lungs, Pope Leo XIV was in Lourdes, France, addressing the sick and their caregivers. The Holy Father is living what he preached to thousands, and encourages us to face our struggles and frailties with faith. Read more: https://bit.ly/4yskrc6

10/14/2026

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Jose López and Digna Ramírez-López, a married couple who devoted more than 40 years of ministry to raising up generations of young leaders in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton. As they prepare to retire, read about how they built a thriving Church by helping young people recognize their talents, deepen their faith, and share them with others.

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we highlight an extraordinary couple who helped create a thriving Church in the Diocese of Stockton,

10/13/2026

Earlier today a Vatican delegation visiting Chicago stopped by Pope Leo’s childhood home, where Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera led a prayer for Pope Leo’s health and swift recovery. We offer our prayers for the Holy Father and those entrusted with his care.