The LOOP

The Friday Loop - August 14, 2026

CATHOLICS CHALLENGE ILLINOIS ASSISTED SUICIDE LAW

Springfield Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and multiple religious healthcare providers are suing Illinois over a new law they say would force them to discuss, promote, and facilitate assisted suicide despite their religious convictions. “At the heart of the Catholic Church’s healthcare ministry is the healing work of Christ,” Bishop Paprocki said, “to stand with the suffering, to comfort the dying, and to affirm the God-given dignity of every human life.”

DEMOCRAT CROSSES PARTY LINES TO OPPOSE EL-SAYED

Former Biden administration aide Michael LaRosa, a lifelong Democrat, is backing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, citing concerns about El-Sayed’s ties to progressive streamer Hasan Piker and his unwillingness to confront extremist rhetoric.

WHO WILL TRUMP CHOOSE TO REPLACE KAROLINE LEAVITT?

After White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced she would step down to spend more time with her family, several names quickly emerged as potential successors. But reports suggest that President Donald Trump may retool the White House press operation rather than name a direct replacement.

PRO-LIFE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS NEEDED

Sol Recruiting, Coaching & Consulting helps good people find good work for the Kingdom, the Catholic church, the common good, & human flourishing. We urgently seek (1) Pro-Life nurse with a counseling disposition in Gainesville, Fort Myers, & Sarasota, FL and (2) missionary minded/entrepreneurial MD, DO, NP, and/or PA in Oregon. LEARN MORE

SURROGATE WHO REFUSED ABORTION GIVES BIRTH TO BABY BOY

The Texas surrogate who refused the intended parents’ request to abort their unborn child, McKenna West, gave birth yesterday to a baby boy who is now receiving treatment for a serious heart condition. The intended parents requested the abortion after a 20-week ultrasound revealed Gabriel had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, but West carried him to term, saying nothing they could do to her "would be worth his life."

THE HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL COMES TO LIFE

The history and spiritual legacy of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City will be brought to life through sacred music, light, and storytelling as part of an immersive experience that opens in October.

CHRISTIAN SPA APPEALS TO SCOTUS TO PROTECT FEMALE-ONLY POLICY

A Christian, family-owned Korean spa in Washington state has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its First Amendment challenge to a state requirement that it admit a man who calls himself a woman to its female-only nude facilities.

ST. MICHAEL’S LENT BEGINS TOMORROW

Take 45 days to win the battle for purity with Winning the Battle: Catholic formation, an online course, a supportive community, and a free book. Victor S. finished the program and reports that more than 6 months later, he is still living chastely. Enter the season with a practical daily plan and brothers beside you. LEARN MORE

CATHOLIC FORMER SENATOR TO HEADLINE EDUCATION GALA

A foundation that champions the enrollment of children with disabilities in Catholic schools is set to host its annual gala Aug. 29 in Denver, featuring a keynote speech from Sen. Rick Santorum, who will share how his daughter Bella's life with Trisomy 18 transformed his family.

CHURCH RALLIES TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN COLOMBIA

As Colombia grapples with the devastation of a historic magnitude-7.4 earthquake and the search for survivors continues, Catholic organizations and faithful are providing food, shelter, prayer, and donations to support victims of the disaster.

FIGHTING THE WAR ON YOUR CHILD’S INNOCENCE

The cultural push to expose increasingly young audiences to adult content is robbing children of the exploration and growth that come with tweenhood. Zeale’s Ava Cilento offers parents practical ways to preserve innocence at home.

CATHOLIC 101

One of the most common lies that Satan whispers to us is a distortion of our identity: that we are either irredeemably evil and unlovable, or totally perfect because of our own merits. But God tells us that we are beloved, not because of our actions, but because He created us out of love.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan priest, gave his life at Auschwitz in 1941 by taking the place of a fellow prisoner condemned to death.

DAILY PSALM

"You have turned from your anger." (Isaiah 12)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

PRAY WITH ZEALE

Pray the Memorare with Father Andrew Thomas Kang, O.P., at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Check out this guided prayer and more on Zeale. WATCH & PRAY

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

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