5 Great Catholic road trip activities for kids

These fun activities are perfect for keeping your little ones entertained on the way to your next vacation! 

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The awkward art of becoming a local

A mom explains how she and her family of expatriates from the U.S. became locals in their French town, offering valuable lessons to anyone moving to a new area.

By Kamille Longstreet

Eden will not be found here (sorry!)

When we are chasing perfection – in our relationships, careers, or other parts of our life – we often forget that we will never find total happiness in our earthly lives.

By Matt Fradd

Article-Image-Five-tips-for-guys-on-a-first-date_-From-your-sister-in-Christ_

5 tips for guys on a first date: From your sister in Christ

First dates can be difficult, for both the girls and the guys, so here are five things women want to see from a guy on their first date.

By Rosie Hall

6 coconut oil beauty hacks

Coconut oil is a staple in many kitchens, but it is also an all-in-one beauty treatment!

By Megan Toal

10 classic novels every boy should read before he turns 18

We rounded up 10 novels that teach boys about courage, perseverance, sacrifice, and friendship — all iconic stories that have stood the test of time.

By Grace Porto

Double up on Sacred Heart and Americana decor this summer

                As Catholics honor the Sacred Heart throughout the month of June and America celebrates its 250th birthday, this summer offers a unique opportunity to blend faith-filled pieces with timeless Americana style. From garden flags to tabletop shrines, these finds bring warmth, tradition, and devotion into every corner of the home.

               

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MONDAY, JUNE 8

ISRAEL STRIKES IRAN AFTER BALLISTIC MISSILE ATTACK The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on targets in western and central Iran last night, hours after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles at northern Israel, with explosions reported in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. READ

US AWARDS CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES $240 MILLION GRANT The State Department announced more than $240 million in humanitarian assistance to Catholic Relief Services this weekend, with U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch making the announcement in Rome alongside senior officials, calling it "the first in a series of global State Department awards to trusted and vetted partners capable of rapidly responding to crises in America's interest." READ

MOZAMBIQUE BISHOP SHOT DEAD AT EPISCOPAL RESIDENCE Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane, Mozambique, a country in southeastern Africa, was fatally shot in the chest in the early hours of the morning on Saturday at his episcopal residence, according to the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique. The perpetrator is still unknown, and the Church in Mozambique is left "in a state of shock." READ

AD: DOES YOUR PORTFOLIO REFLECT YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH? What if your portfolio reflected the same values that guide your family? I'm Michael R. Acosta, CFP® at Genesis Wealth Planning — a Catholic advisor who builds faith-aligned portfolios screened for Church social teaching, structured beyond standard ETFs and mutual funds. Welcome, LOOPers. See how to align your investments with what your family stands for. SEE THE APPROACH

VANCE CONDEMNS MURDER OF HENRY NOWAK Vice President JD Vance recently condemned the murder of a British university student Henry Nowak, citing the incident to criticise European immigration policies and arguing that decades of mass migration have left Western nations unable to protect their citizens. Police pursued and arrested the dying Nowak after he was mortally wounded by a Vickrum Digwa, who falsely told police that his victim had been guilty of a racist attack. READ

XAVIER BECERRA ADVANCES TO CALIFORNIA GUV ELECTION Xavier Becerra, who served as Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden, will now advance to the November general election to replace California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. "Republican candidate Steve Hilton had remained at the top of the field throughout the vote count until Friday's ballot drops, which resulted in Becerra overtaking the top spot in the race," CBS News reported. READ

ROSARY RELAY FOR PRIESTS TO BEGIN ON SACRED HEART FEAST The 16th annual Global Rosary Relay, an initiative that organizers say has grown into “a worldwide network” of participants who pray a seamless succession of Rosaries for priests, is set to take place this year on June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. READ

SASSE CALLS OUT ANTI-CATHOLIC BACKGROUND OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS Former Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse sharply criticized the structure of modern public education last week, arguing that the American school system’s “factory model” is ill-suited for children and largely rooted in efforts to separate Catholic families and parishes from children’s formation. READ

AD: A DOWN SYNDROME CHILD WAS LOST. YOU CAN SAVE ANOTHER Last week, a YouTuber went viral for aborting his Down Syndrome child. Father, forgive him; he knows not what he has done. Venerable Fulton Sheen foresaw these tragedies, so he composed—for you and for all of us--a short, powerful prayer to save babies: a plea to the Holy Family. NOW get a 5-pack of prayer cards FREE. Get more for only 95¢ a pack. SHARE them broadly: parish...chapel...coffee shop-- wherever hearts can be touched. GET FREE PRAYER CARDS

POPE LEO ARRIVES IN SPAIN, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE OVER DIVISION Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on Saturday for a four-city apostolic journey, meeting with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace before addressing civil authorities and diplomatic corps, urging political leaders to set aside "divisive and polarizing narratives" and calling for renewed protection of religious freedom and human dignity. READ

DOUBLE UP: PATRIOTISM AND DEVOTION IN HOME DECOR As Catholics honor the Sacred Heart throughout the month of June and America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in July, this summer offers a unique opportunity to blend faith-filled pieces with timeless Americana style in our home decor. Here's how. READ

CATHOLIC 101 As summer vacation starts, it can be hard to remember daily prayer as routines relax and change. Here's some tips from Aleteia on keeping God at the center of your life, even on vacation. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY St. William of York, a 12th-century archbishop who endured years of exile and false accusations before returning to lead his flock in reconciliation, is remembered as a patron of those unjustly accused and caught in Church conflicts. READ

DAILY PSALM "Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

AMERICA250 The sold-out Zeale for America 250 Rally is THIS WEEK. Register for our FREE LIVESTREAM and be part of this historic celebration of faith, patriotism, and prayer for our nation’s 250th birthday. REGISTER NOW

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BEHIND EVERY LOOP IS A CHAMPION If the LOOP has helped you stay informed and better prepared to engage today’s cultural and political challenges, would you consider helping sustain it? Champions are CatholicVote’s monthly supporters who make this work possible, powering the LOOP and supporting our reporting, advocacy, and voter education efforts year-round. Join the Champions Club today with a monthly gift of $10 or more and help keep Catholics informed and engaged. JOIN THE CHAMPIONS CLUB

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News Reporter

Monday, 8 June 2026

a collection of lists

Israel strikes Iran

MONDAY, JUNE 8