Every year, during our back-to-school liturgies, I scan the pews and say a prayer of gratitude and a petition for a successful school year for each of my colleagues. This year my task was more difficult because as I scanned the congregation, I was forced to recognize that one of us wasn’t there and never would be again.

Musical acts, a zipline, a dunk-a-seminarian booth and fireworks are among the attractions at the first Faith Fest, a Sept. 16 festival sponsored by the parishes of Harford County.

Archbishop William E. Lori has set aside Sept. 7 as a Day of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“Our country is far from perfect, but to many it is a beacon of hope and freedom,” Archbishop Lori said.

Sister Michelle Carroll, founding principal of Mercy High School in Baltimore, died Aug. 23. She was 96, and had served as a Sister of Mercy for 73 years.