Catholic Nutshell News: Monday 6/8/26
What Catholics should know: Catholics who date struggle to connect; 8-year-olds should go to confession; US bishops and their friendly wagers; & Eugenics has gone viral
“Worth your weight in walnuts”
Your 5-minute Catholic briefing for busy faithful. Today's sources: National Catholic Register, EWTN News, The Pillar, Crux, First Things, Word on Fire, & Aleteia. (Catholic Nutshell is a FREE subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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National Catholic Register
Young Catholic men and women are struggling to connect
By Gigi Duncan, June 8, 2026
“I’ve been on a lot of first dates, but not a lot of second dates,” said Liz Conway. “It can feel demeaning a lot of the time.”Conway’s experience reflects a broader tension playing out across Catholic dating culture. At a time when young men and women in general find themselves deeply divided — over politics, religion, marriage, gender expectations, and commitment itself — many young Catholics say they are encountering another kind of disconnect within their own faith communities. The divide between Catholic men and women is often less about shared beliefs than interpretation and preference, shaped in part by different Catholic subcultures, online influencers, and exacting expectations about what a future spouse should be like. Women describe feeling scrutinized before they are known. Men describe uncertainty about how they will be received. Both sides talk about pressure, assumptions, and the sense that dating begins with analysis rather than encounter.
EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV tells Spain’s parliament to protect every human life
By Victoria Cardiel, June 8, 2026
Pope Leo XIV made history Monday by becoming the first pope to address Spain’s Congress of Deputies, delivering a forceful appeal to the country’s political class to defend human dignity and protect life “from conception to its natural end.” The June 8 address, delivered before about 700 guests amid tight security, drew a standing ovation lasting nearly seven minutes, with shouts of “Long live the pope!” echoing through the chamber. In his speech, Pope Leo warned lawmakers not to subordinate human dignity to “shifting social consensus or the whims of the majority at any given moment,” insisting that “every truly just society is built upon the recognition of the inviolable dignity of the human person.” “In this sense, if life ceases to be recognized as a fundamental value, what future can our societies have?” the pope asked. “Can a community that casts into the shadows the unborn child, the elderly, the sick, those who suffer in silence, or those who depend entirely on the care of others be called fully just?”
Related: Pope Leo says we are skilled at producing, lost on the why - Aleteia - Daniel Esparza - 06/08/26
Aleteia
How often should my 8-year-old go to confession?
By Philip Kosloski, May 30, 2026
Parents of First Communicants sometimes ask the question, “How often should my child go to confession?” This question is certainly a valid one, as odds are likely your children won’t be begging you to take them in for the sacrament. They might be conscious of sin, but confession is still new to them and certainly isn’t a habit yet. They realize confession is a good thing, but don’t always think of it. Going to confession regularly (every week or month) is a good habit. This instills in your children a habit they might carry for the rest of their lives. It teaches your children that confession is important and a vital part of the Catholic faith. If children aren't brought to confession on a regular basis (or only when they go to Religious Education classes), they will think that confession is something strange and unnecessary. This will only compound if they do not see their parents go to confession.
The Pillar
Adult victims of sexual misconduct report abuses, need help
By The Pillar, June 7, 2026
A man who alleges sexual misconduct by his parish priest told The Pillar that he hopes a Vatican-ordered investigation in the Diocese of Baton Rouge will lead to more accountability for bishops, and that the Church will do more to help adult victims of sexual misconduct report abuses and find help. “There’s definitely got to be some changes” in diocesan processes, the man told The Pillar, after meeting with investigators dispatched to Louisiana to conduct a Vos estis lux mundi inquiry into Baton Rouge’s Bishop Michael Duca. The Vos estis investigation was ordered last month, over allegations that Duca did not adequately address complaints, and discouraged a whistleblower from calling the police, after a local priest allegedly admitted to sexual contact with minors. The priest denies the allegation against him, while the Baton Rouge diocese has not responded to questions about the case.
Related: Diocese of Austin had allegations against sex offender priest years before arrest, conviction, By Christopher R. Altieri, June 8, 2026
OSV News
Can Catholics date a person whose marriage has not been annulled?
By Jenna Marie Cooper, June 5, 2026
For a few reasons, it’s hard to determine in the abstract whether or not “dating” a divorced person who has yet to receive a declaration of nullity is strictly speaking a sin per se. However, I would say it is generally a bad idea. Even though the Church is willing to tolerate civil divorce in some cases, at the end of the day, we see divorce as essentially a legal fiction. Our belief in the absolute permanence of marriage is rooted in what Jesus himself taught us in St. Matthew’s Gospel (Mt 19:8-9). The Church’s nullity process, conducted through marriage tribunals, exists as a way to determine whether one of these invalidating issues was in fact present at the time of the wedding. In and of itself, it’s not necessarily a sin for a man and a woman — even a man and a woman who are married to other people. At the least, it is venial sin if the couple deliberately places themselves into a situation where they know they will be tempted to be unchaste (a “near occasion of sin”), or if their relationship becomes a source of scandal within the community.
Zeale
US bishops placed friendly wagers on NBA Finals, Stanley Cup
By Mary Rose, June 6, 2026
As basketball and hockey fans across the country gear up for championship matchups, several Catholic bishops are adding a little extra incentive to cheer for their hometown teams. Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, Texas, have placed a friendly wager on the NBA finals, putting up New York bagels against Texas gift boxes as the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs battle for the championship. Meanwhile, a similar wager took shape on the ice. Archbishop George Leo Thomas of Las Vegas and Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama of Raleigh, North Carolina, have agreed to exchange steakhouse specialties and Carolina barbecue as the Golden Knights and Hurricanes compete for the Stanley Cup. Friendly wagers tied to major sporting events have become a tradition among Catholic bishops in the U.S. Rather than money, the stakes typically involve local foods, regional specialties, or charitable donations, allowing church leaders to celebrate civic pride while promoting good sportsmanship.
ZENIT
Why Washington’s archbishop removed a high-profile Exorcist
By ZENIT Staff, June 8, 2026
A controversy has led to an unusually public disciplinary decision within the Catholic Church. On June 3, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti from his role as archdiocesan exorcist after the priest publicly suggested that many reported UFO sightings could be manifestations of demonic activity. The Archdiocese of Washington also severed its institutional ties with the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, the Washington-based ministry directed by Rossetti and known internationally for its work in spiritual healing, formation programs, and assistance to clergy and laity. In a statement announcing the decision, Cardinal McElroy said that Rossetti’s comments linking UFOs to demonic presence, together with aspects of the center’s recent use of social media, seriously undermined accurate Catholic teaching regarding the devil, demons, and the ministry of exorcism. The Church generally requires prudence when interpreting extraordinary phenomena. Catholic doctrine does not identify UFO reports with demonic activity, nor does it provide an official teaching on extraterrestrial life.
CRUX
Murder of Mozambique bishop highlights Christian persecution
By Charles Collins, June 7, 2026
On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV said he “learned with sorrow” of the murder of Bishop Osório Cîtora Afonso in Quelimane, the city of which he was bishop in Mozambique. According to a statement from the Holy See press office, the pontiff “joins in prayer with the people of the Dioceses and of Mozambique in this hour of bewilderment, so that the Lord may give them consolation, so that he may guard in his love every man and woman and stop the hand of violence.” Cîtora Afonso, 54, was shot dead at his headquarters. He was appointed bishop of Quelimane only in July of 2025. At the time of his death, he was also the Apostolic Administrator of Beira.
Keep informed - 6/8/26 news for Catholics:
Snippets: EWTN News, aciafrica, & Word on Fire
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — June 8, 2026
EWTN News provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, with updates on the Holy Father's words and the Holy See.
A quarter of Irish Gen Z will have no children, new report says - By Patrick J. Passmore - While current trends show that 1 in 4 young women today will remain childless, Iona Instituteʼs Breda OʼBrien said the huge question is “whether this will be by choice or circumstance.”
Over 1,000 people process with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist through Washington, D.C. - By Tyler Arnold - The procession offers “public witness to our faith,” Father Charles Trullols said, displaying “the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, body, blood, soul, and divinity” to each person the procession passes by. Dozens of onlookers stopped to watch the procession, with many taking photos and videos.
‘You are so loved’: New film reveals enduring power of the Sacred Heart - By Francesca Pollio Fenton - A new movie called “Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End” will be hitting theaters across the United States this month after experiencing tremendous success in France and other countries.
aciafrica
aciafrica’s top headlines — June 8, 2026
ACI Africa was founded in 2019 to provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, with particular emphasis on the words of the Holy Father and the activities of the Holy See.
World Environment Day: Caritas Zambia Calls for Climate Justice, Urges Response to “cry of the earth, cry of the poor” - Jun 8, 2026 - By Sabrine Amboka - As the world marked World Environment Day on June 5, Caritas Zambia called for urgent climate action that safeguards both the environment and vulnerable communities
Catholic Church Leaders Across Africa and Vatican Mourn Slain Mozambican Consolata Bishop, Call for Justice - Jun 8, 2026 - By ACI Africa Staff - The Catholic Church’s grief over the killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Mozambique’s Quelimane Diocese continued to deepen as Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Bishops in Africa, and elsewhere have spoken out.
Catholic Sisters from Nine African Countries Trained to Amplify Their Voices Through Storytelling - Jun 7, 2026 - By Jude Atemanke Catholic Sisters from nine African countries have completed a communications training workshop aimed at strengthening their storytelling skills and increasing the visibility of their contributions.
Word on Fire
Fresh insights from the Word on Fire Institute - for June 8, 2026
Word on Fire reaches millions every year by effectively sharing the Gospel via podcasts, videos, books, articles, Scripture studies, and Gospel meditations.
Literary Prizes and the Recovery of the Self in the Age of AI - Daniel Fitzpatrick -June 8, 2026 - The literary world has been abubble these recent days with the news that Jamir Nazir’s “The Serpent in the Grove,” which won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and has been published in Granta, seems to have been written by AI.
The Alien in All of Us - Jim Kennedy - June 8, 2026 - Fresh on the chemtrails of the US Department of War’s release of new UFO/UAP files, the advent of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi film, Disclosure Day, is accelerating speculation about aliens into warp drive. One of the most provocative questions is a simple one: Do aliens believe in God?
A New Wave of Anti-Christian Censorship - Dr. Kody W. Cooper - June 6, 2026 - A new wave of anti-Christian censorship is afoot in Europe. The continent and civilization that Hilaire Belloc argued was inextricably linked to the faith has become a principal threat to the faith. While the threat is very real. However, it is not yet time to despair.
June 8, 2026 - USCCB Daily Mass Readings
You can listen HERE — or read HERE:
Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Catholic commentary:
Catholic Stand
Common sense (and Biblical guidance) in choosing kids’ names
By Gene M. Van Son, June 7, 2026
Some parents spend countless hours trying to come up with just the right name for a son or daughter. But for some parents, it’s easier. Dad names the sons and mom names the daughters. Every once in a while, however, you meet someone and can’t help but wonder, “What were that person’s parents thinking when they gave their kid that name?!” Check out “100 of the Weirdest Baby Names in History,” written by a young lady named Emma Bennett. (Note that this is not an endorsement of Bennett’s website.) Some of the names are pretty far out! According to a recent article at Crisis, “Muhammad is now the most popular baby boy’s name in the United Kingdom.” This shows there are now quite a few Muslims in the UK. It also shows that many Muslims take their religion seriously – something Christians might want to think about. Cardinal Dolan remarked recently that naming children after saints is a Catholic custom worth recovering.
The Abbey of Misrule
Three ancient prophecies about the future ‘soul’ of England
By Paul Kingsnorth, April 23, 2026
I don’t know much about the future of England. Who does? But I do know quite a lot about its past. I offer three prophecies from English history, all of which relate to the country’s Christian soul. Just twelve years before the Normans raged across the English Channel, the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western Christian churches had taken place. The Christian tree had been cut in two, and its two halves were carried far away from each other. They have not been reunited yet. from the Greek saint Arsenius of Paros, is a very simple prophecy, and it seems true: “The Church in The British Isles will only begin to grow when she begins to again venerate her own Saints.” Thirdly, England’s true national saint is not George, but Edmund the Martyr. This early medieval Christian king brings us to our final prophecy. When the relics of St Edmund finally return to Bury St. Edmunds, the spiritual regeneration of the English nation will begin. If there is one thing England needs, it is spiritual regeneration. The good news is that the saints are still waiting, quietly, for us to begin.
First Things
When eugenics goes viral
By Jonathon Van Maren, June 8, 2025
On June 3, a debate about the silent genocide of unborn children with Down syndrome exploded on social media. The unlikely catalyst was an X post by YouTube influencer Jesse “McJuggerNuggets” Ridgway. For months, the Ridgways had been producing and posting news of their pregnancy for a massive online audience, including their pregnancy announcement on March 29, a gender reveal (a boy), ultrasounds, and finally, a disturbingly personal video of the grief-stricken couple finding out their baby likely had Down syndrome. The journey culminated in Ridgway’s announcement that the couple had decided to abort the baby at twenty-one weeks. The post has been viewed over 24 million times and has garnered 18,000 mostly negative comments. Many were livid at Ridgway’s openly eugenic justification for having his unborn son destroyed; hundreds posted stories, photos, and videos of their loved ones with Down syndrome, expressing their gratitude for their love, lives, and contributions.
The Catholic Thing/EWTN
The world is the ‘Womb of Divine Love’
By Randall Smith, June 8, 2026
Some people wonder: Why stick around in this life if the next life is so great? In fact, why has God sent us into this world at all if His ultimate goal for us is union with Him? Why not just get us there? Why send us here, risking the possibility that things might turn out badly? It’s as though God was saying: “I am putting you in this very fragile ethical situation where you’ll be pretty much over your heads, and although I want you to succeed, if you screw up, you’re doomed. Good luck!” Everything about the Christian faith tells us that is not what God is doing. So why are we in this world when we’re meant for the next? Perhaps it will help to engage in a little thought experiment. Love must be received and given freely. So God can’t keep these creatures with Him, “under His wing,” so to speak, because that wouldn’t allow them any real freedom, any more than children kept at home, even with very loving parents, have any real freedom to become who they are meant to become.
Image of Coconut by Celio Nicoli from Pixabay
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