Monday, 22 June 2026

summer reading challenges

Picky eaters: A modern American phenomenon

Chicken nuggets were invented in the 1960s—so what did little kids survive on before then? This article explains the modern phenomena of picky eating and how to help your children overcome it. 

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How to care about the world without carrying its weight

As Christians we’re not called to live under a rock, nor to be the saviors of the universe. True peace lies in learning how to stay informed without losing our anchor, transforming our anxiety into faithful response. Here’s how to find balance.

By Jessica Nardi

To the empty-nest Catholic mothers who ask, “now what?”

A grandmother explains to moms whose children are all grown now – your mission has changed from caretaking to prayer. Embrace it.

By Leila Miller

A little marriage advice: Be less stressful

In her typically pithy way, Leila Marie Lawler offers simple marital advice – try not to stress each other out!

By Leila Marie Lawler

14 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels

If you’re trying to decide which of your produce products you should buy organic, this is a guide for the most pesticide-heavy fruits and vegetables to prioritize.

From Real Simple

Summer reading challenge round-up

School’s out, but that’s no reason to slow down the progress on those reading lists, especially with so many great prizes at stake. Here’s our round-up of summer reading challenges for readers of all ages from preschool to adult.

By Brittany Makely

26 quick desserts that come together in 30 minutes or less

                Need a satisfying sweet treat for guests or to take to your next warm-weather gathering? These simple homemade desserts are crowd-pleasers that come together quick and easy!

               

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Results of first round of Iran negotiations

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MONDAY, JUNE 22

IRAN, US AGREE ON PLAN TO REACH FINAL DEAL IN 60 DAYS Pakistan and Qatar, the two countries mediating talks between the U.S. and Iran, announced that the nations have formed an oversight committee and agreed to a “roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks.” The news came after tensions flared over the weekend amid continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and a series of threatening statements against Iran from President Donald Trump. READ

TICKETS TO FULTON SHEEN BEATIFICATION, RELATED EVENTS Tickets for the Sept. 24 beatification Mass of Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and events honoring his life, legacy, and missionary witness are available this week of June 22! Here are the details. READ

POLL: VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WANT IRAN WAR ENDED A CBS/YouGov poll concluded just ahead of the first round of negotiations in Switzerland found that 78% of Americans want the Iran war ended now, while 69% believe the United States' entry into the conflict was not worth the cost. READ

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TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE WINS COLOMBIAN PRESIDENCY Colombia's voters yesterday elected Trump-backed businessman Abelardo De La Espriella, "ending a period of left-wing rule that coincided with the country's worst security crisis in decades," Semafor reports. READ

WORLD CUP AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY As the World Cup draws fans from around the globe, one Georgia parish is using the tournament to strengthen fellowship among Catholics from 29 countries and cultural backgrounds. READ

ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY? CATHOLICS BACK OHIO GUV'S PROPOSAL The Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, welcomed Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's June 16 call to abolish the state's death penalty, describing the proposal as consistent with the Catholic Church's teaching on the dignity of human life. READ

AD: EXORCISTS' PRAYERS: WHAT HAPPENED IN A CHARLESTON HOTEL "What my son and I witnessed as we prayed changed how we travel." They prayed two simple prayers—developed by exorcists for the laity—but were not prepared for the events that followed. If you travel for business or vacation, have a child in a dorm, etc., these prayers should always be handy. Hear the story and get 2 FREE prayer cards with code 2cardsFREE. CLICK FOR THE STORY & 2 FREE CARDS

POPE RECOMMENDS DAILY PERIOD OF SILENT PRAYER During his Angelus address yesterday, Pope Leo XIV suggested every Christian should strive "to set aside, amidst the commitments of our daily lives, quiet moments in which to enter into silence before God, to listen to his voice, to entrust our joys and concerns to him and to review our lives with him." READ

PEW RESEARCH: RELIGIOUS HOSTILITY SPREADS The number of countries experiencing high or very high levels of religious social hostility increased for the third consecutive year in 2023 (the most recent year with available data), according to a report released last week by the Pew Research Center. READ

RESOURCES FOR NEWLYWEDS In a sex-obsessed culture, it can be especially difficult to prepare for marriage. We rounded up the best Catholic resources on marriage and sexuality to help answer young couples' questions. READ

CATHOLIC 101 In honor of Father's Day, it's worth noting that St. Thomas More, memorialized today in the Church's liturgical calendar, was not only a model of heroic virtue but a model of fatherhood as well. Here are five of Catholic history's holy men who were dads. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Today is the feast of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More, two English martyrs who gave their lives to stand for Catholicism and religious freedom under King Henry VIII. St. Thomas More is a patron saint of CatholicVote. READ

DAILY PSALM "Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us." (Psalm 60) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

NEW EPISODE Visit the glorious hilltop abbey founded by St. Benedict. Destroyed and rebuilt four times over the centuries, Monte Cassino stands today as an enduring symbol of faith and perseverance. Check out the latest from Wander Italia now on Zeale. WATCH

THIS MOMENT MATTERS America only celebrates its 250th birthday once, and the choices we make today will help shape the next chapter of our nation's story. Champions provide the steady support CatholicVote needs to respond to today's challenges while building a future where Catholics can live out their faith in public life without fear of being targeted or silenced. Join the Champions Club with a monthly gift of $10 or more. BECOME A CHAMPION

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