LOOP: Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to Caribbean

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 LARGEST US AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYED TO CARIBBEAN  The Pentagon is ordering the USS Gerald R. Ford — the world's largest aircraft carrier — to the Caribbean as the Trump administration escalates its campaign against drug traffickers. The carrier's deployment reportedly suggests the administration may expand its operations beyond maritime targets.  READ LETITIA JAMES PLEADS NOT GUILTY  New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, pleaded not guilty yesterday to two felony charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, she said the Justice Department is being used as a "vehicle of retribution" for "revenge."  READ ANNUNCIATION SURVIVOR SOPHIA FORCHAS COMES HOME  After a two-month uphill battle to recover from a bullet that became lodged in her brain during the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas has been released from the hospital.  READ AD: MAKE EVERY PHONE CALL COUNT…FOR LIFE!  Are you still giving your hard-earned money to a phone company that doesn't support your values? With Charity Mobile, 5% of your monthly plan price supports life-affirming causes and ministries across the country—at no extra cost to you! All plans are under $50 before taxes and surcharges, and every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP.  LEARN MORE CELTICS COACH SENSES A CALLING TO THE DIACONATE  The head coach of the Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzula, had a surprising answer when asked what his next professional goal is. "I just became eligible to be a deacon, which I've always wanted to do," he said on a recent episode of the podcast "Godsplaining." "There we go. I've been thinking about that."  READ AD: START ANYTIME, LEARN ANYTIME—HOMESCHOOL MADE SIMPLE  Building your perfect homeschool schedule just got easier! With Unlimited Access to hundreds of recorded courses from faithful Catholic instructors, you can start and stop anytime—no pressure, no deadlines. Explore everything from Literature to Chemistry, all on your family's schedule and budget.  LEARN MORE PRIESTS MARTYRED UNDER NAZISM AND COMMUNISM TO BE BEATIFIED  Pope Leo XIV has authorized the beatification of two groups of 20th-century martyrs — priests who gave their lives under Nazi and Communist persecution — marking a new chapter in the Church's remembrance of modern witnesses to the faith.  READ LIBERAL CATHOLIC PAPER REBUKES LEFT FOR TWISTING POPE'S WORDS  In a surprising twist in the Catholic media landscape, the National Catholic Reporter — long regarded as a flagship of progressive Catholic commentary — has published a pointed critique of how some on the left are "politicizing" Pope Leo.  READ WORK WITH US!  CatholicVote is looking for passionate, mission-driven people to join the team. Could you be our next hire?  APPLY HERE KIDS ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN  "How many kids do you have?" This seems like a straightforward question, but for those who have lost children, it is not. Do you include the children who have gone to heaven in that number? There are many nuances and sensitivities around this question. Here are some ways to think through it, from a mother who has experienced miscarriage herself.  READ HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN CANDY  Whether you're handing out candy at the front door, hosting a Halloween party, or sending your kids to school with little snack bags, here are some homemade versions of Halloween candy. There are peanut butter cups, candied pecans, "scary eyeballs," Martian marshmallows, and lots more fun little treats! READ FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN  Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve, is a holiday that Catholics sometimes have a difficult time observing. The secularized events can get morbid, gory, and even seem to enjoy evil things. On the other hand, this holiday is about remembering those who have died as well as our own mortality. So here are some family-friendly ways to balance the dark and light of Halloween.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Saints Crispin and Crispinian, brothers and shoemakers, evangelized Gaul in the 3rd century, preaching by day and crafting by night. Martyred for their faith in Rome, they became patrons of cobblers, glove makers, lace makers, and leather workers. READ SATURDAY'S PSALM  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face." (Psalm 24) READ SATURDAY'S READINGS  Saturday's Mass readings. READ SUNDAY'S PSALM  "The Lord hears the cry of the poor." (Psalm 34) READ SUNDAY'S READINGS  Sunday's Mass readings. READ ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA  The hero of the Battle of Saratoga was General Benedict Arnold, who would later betray the American cause and forever be known as a traitor. The Boot Monument honors his bravery at Saratoga but omits any mention of him by name. LOOPcast  In this episode, Tom chats with Seamus Coughlin of FreedomToons about his new series "Twisted Plots." They also discuss the fall of modern comedy, and how great stories — from "Shawshank" to Scripture — still have power to transform hearts. WATCH Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127