TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

TRUMP'S MIDTERM BLITZ MAKES THE CASE FOR BACKING GOP President Donald Trump has spent most of October criss-crossing the U.S. to stump for Republican incumbents and candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Championing his administration’s wins on key issues like immigration, public safety, inflation, and job creation, Trump is warning voters that a win for Democrats would be a “disaster” for the country, adding, “All you have to do is vote Republican.” READ

CATHOLICVOTE RELEASES VOTER GUIDES FOR SEVEN STATES CatholicVote has released voter guides for seven states where it says Catholic turnout could decide key races and ballot measures. With the Nov. 3 midterms approaching, the organization is urging Catholics to make their voices heard by casting their ballots early. READ

TRUMP SIGNS EO TO IMPROVE WOMEN’S HEALTH RESEARCH President Donald Trump on Oct. 19 signed an executive order establishing the White House Women’s Health Task Force to improve research and care for women and girls’ health from infancy through adulthood, highlighting critical aspects related to women’s health, such as endometriosis, cancer, and infertility. The initiative is spearheaded by First Lady Melania Trump, who said, “Beginning today, we will change the reality of women’s health.” READ

AD: ARE YOUR FINANCES FURTHERING HIS KINGDOM? As year-end approaches, it’s time to take a closer look at your portfolio: reviewing its alignment with Catholic Social Teaching, finalizing your year-end giving, and rebalancing for the year ahead. It’s also the right moment to ask whether your money is truly growing the Kingdom. We are happy to offer you a complimentary screening and a second set of eyes. REQUEST YOUR FREE SCREENING HERE.

WAPO JOURNALIST UNDERGOES SURGERY AFTER WEST BANK ATTACKS, ISRAELI POLICE ARREST SUSPECTS Israeli police arrested 10 suspects after violent Israeli settler attacks seriously injured Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine and targeted European diplomats in the West Bank, prompting U.S. demands for prosecution. Levine required surgery after attackers nearly severed a finger. In other U.S.-Israel news, Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election. READ

RELIC OF ST. FRANCIS’ BLOOD ARRIVES IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR JUBILEE A relic of St. Francis of Assisi’s blood is on public display in San Francisco as Catholics mark 800 years since his death. The exhibit brings relics and sacred art from Italy to the city during the saint’s Jubilee year. READ

KATIE ZACHARIA OUT DAYS AFTER TAKING OFFICE Katie Zacharia has left her role as White House press secretary days after taking office, following scrutiny of her first briefing and legal credentials. Trump described the media’s treatment of her as unfair and said he was in “no rush” to name a replacement. READ

AD: GIVE THE CATHOLIC WAY Give wisely, give effectively, give efficiently. And most importantly, give in accordance with your Catholic faith. Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund is here to help you stretch your charitable giving so it can have the greatest impact. Together as Catholics, let’s change the world. LEARN MORE

ECUADOR PRIEST KILLED BY FALLING CRUCIFIX DURING MASS A priest died on Saturday evening after a large crucifix fell from the wall above the altar and struck him on the head while he was celebrating Mass. He had preached earlier on the fleetingness of human life and encouraged the faithful to prioritize spiritual treasures over worldly ones. READ

POPE LEO HAS PHONE CALL WITH UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT Pope Leo spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Oct. 19, expressing hope for cooperation between Ukraine and Russia to allow food and medical supplies to be delivered in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, days after the Pontiff spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for a safe and voluntary evacuation from the city. READ

SPANISH-INSPIRED SHEET PAN CHICKEN One-pan meals are the busy cook’s dream, offering both minimal prep and quick clean-up! This Spanish-inspired sheet pan chicken and chorizo fuses weeknight convenience with bold flavors for a fun twist on reliable staples. READ

CATHOLIC 101 We may imagine demons as being stuck in a fiery furnace with pitchforks and flickering tails, but the Church has a more sophisticated and complex answer as to where these fallen angels are and what they are doing. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Saint Paul of the Cross founded the Congregation of the Passion in 1720, a community that embraced a life of prayer, simplicity, and penance, with a special mission to help others remember Christ's suffering and the love revealed through His sacrifice. He died in 1775 and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867. READ

DAILY PSALM "The Lord speaks of peace to his people." (Psalm 85) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

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THE MIDTERMS WILL SHAPE AMERICA’S FUTURE The outcome of this November’s elections will have a lasting impact on our country. CatholicVote is working to educate and mobilize Catholic voters in the races that matter most. Become a Champion with a monthly gift of $10 or more and help power this work through November and beyond. BECOME A CHAMPION