OK, put down your stones, and hear me out! … This is a trust fall from afar. I’m embarrassed to share that until recently I found myself struck by competing emotions over this year’s Holy Week, which begins March 29 with Palm Sunday. Dwelling on our church’s Easter week services, ...

I enjoy reading Randy Krrzmarzick's columns in the Independent because I like words, too. "I Like Words" was the title of his latest column (3/21/26). He shared his thoughts on the use of the word, "fast" as in, "It is fast time our nation binds our wounds and heals." and the etymology of the ...

We are hardwired to sense danger. It’s true. Thousands of years of learning to run from sabre tooth tigers, and we are preconditioned to be sensitive to negative stimuli. No wonder why it’s so difficult for us to naturally seek joy! This Lent, one of my spiritual practices has been to ...

Holy Redeemer School participated in the 2026 Catholic United Financial with a goal of raising $37,000. With help of generous parents, grandparents and friends, the student body; K-8 raised $39,860. One hundred percent of all funds raised stay locally to support the school in any way they ...

Pork loin meal at St. Michael’s The MEN of St. Michael’s Parish in Milroy is having a pork loin meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 22. The menu includes pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetable and dessert.  Free will donation. Scholarship available The Catholic Daughters of the ...

One evening this week, I only had time for a quick pit stop to grab something to eat before heading to my next appointment. Weighing the healthiest of quick options along the strip I was driving, I swung into a place where I could get a rice bowl without much waiting. Here’s the strange ...