Will you give your desire for children to me? That was the question I heard Jesus asking me one morning at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo. I was contemplating the posture of a statue of Jesus to the right of the sanctuary. Both hands are held out, waiting for me to place my hands in his.

The University of Mary in Bismarck, is redefining what Catholic higher education can look like in the 21st century. Following the resounding success of its Nursing Academy, the university is expanding its pioneering, tuition-free academy model with two new programs: the Accounting Academy and the Elementary Education Academy. All three academies are grounded in Catholic values, academic rigor, and career preparation—and they’re transforming lives. For students seeking a university where faith formation is integrated into rigorous academics and career preparation, these academies provide a unique and life-shaping opportunity. 

Introduction to Christianity by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, is remarkably accessible for such a profound theological work. Published in 1968, it offers a systematic exploration of Christian faith through the Apostles’ Creed, making it both a theological treatise and a guide for Christians navigating a secular world. Among its key themes, Ratzinger emphasizes the unity of Jesus’ self and mission, presenting Christianity as a call to unite one’s God-given mission with one’s identity.