The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - April 24, 2025

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 - FEAST OF SAINT FIDELIS

MARK HOUCK APPEALS DISMISSAL OF SUIT AGAINST DOJ

Catholic pro-life activist Mark Houck is appealing a federal judge’s dismissal of his lawsuit against the Biden Justice Department. Houck sued in 2023 for $4.3 million, alleging the Biden administration used “excessive force” when the FBI arrested him at his home in front of his wife and seven children.

DEMOCRATS FACE COLLAPSE OF CATHOLIC SUPPORT

Democrats are facing "an absolute crisis collapse among Catholics in America," writes Steve Cortes. "Catholics now overwhelmingly disapprove of the Democratic Party by a massive 25% margin, with only 31% approval and 56% disapproval."

POLL: YOUNG VOTERS SWING TO POLITICAL RIGHT

A new RealClear Opinion Research poll found that voters aged 70 and older disapproved of Trump’s performance by a 14-point margin, while voters aged 18-29 gave Trump a 2-point approval lead and those 30-39 backed him by 9 points.

CHILD PSYCHIATRIST 'VINDICATED' AFTER DEFENDING KIDS

Child psychiatrist Allan Josephson secured a $1.6 million settlement from the University of Louisville following his 2019 dismissal for speaking out against what he called "transgender ideology." After the settlement, Josephson says, he feels "vindicated."

SEN DICK DURBIN WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2026. His departure adds to a growing list of Senate Democrats stepping down in 2026, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, NH, Gary Peters, MI, and Tina Smith, MN.

NOTRE DAME STUDENTS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FROM PORN

For nearly a decade, students at the University of Notre Dame have been quietly fighting for something radical in today’s digital age: a pornography-free campus network. This year, that effort has been reignited with fresh hope and leadership.

FOUND: THE RELIC OF THE RESURRECTION ENTRUSTED TO SAINT JUDE

Did you know this relic was taken from Christ’s tomb (it’s NOT the Shroud)? Most have forgotten what the Early Church Fathers taught from Scripture & tradition about Saint Jude—why he is the Apostle for Impossible Causes. This Easter learn about Saint Jude… his brothers… his mother at the Crucifixion… and the Scripture about Jude’s father. Saint Jude, pray for us!

SO MUCH NEWS

Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • A man has been charged for assaulting a Minnesota priest. • The Nevada Senate will now consider an assisted suicide bill. • Justices this week signaled support for parents against LGBT books.

PRO-LIFERS, PICK UP THE PHONE

Switch to Charity Mobile, the pro-life phone company!

DIOCESES RECEIVE HUGE NUMBERS OVER EASTER

Catholic dioceses across the US reported significant growth in the number of new Catholics entering the Church this Easter, with some archdioceses welcoming their largest groups in years!

FIRE DESTROYS IRISH PARISH CHURCH

A fire on Easter Monday destroyed St. Mary’s Church in Derrybeg, County Donegal, Ireland. Built in 1972, St. Mary’s was the largest church in the diocese of Raphoe.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FEAR

What are you really afraid of? Most of the time the answer is physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental torment. Sometimes it’s death, leaving loved ones behind, or even just the trauma of fear itself. Whatever keeps you up at night, here's how to remedy it.

Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:2)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR HOLY FATHER’S REPOSE

Please join us in our continued prayers for Pope Francis’ repose, and for the whole Church.