Local News

Photo by Julianna Leopold

Smyrna

Bishop Konzen submits resignation letter, reflects on vocation

Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, who recently submitted his resignation letter to the Vatican, reflected on his ministry as a priest and member of the Society of Mary. He called religious vocations “a joyful life.”

• St. Mary’s Academy student earns global award for work in technology and community building

  

  By NATALIA DURON, Staff Writer
  Published April 7, 2026

  St. Mary’s Academy student Keaton Garcia is a 2026 international finalist for the FIRST Leadership Award. The Fayetteville junior was chosen for success in robotics and community outreach, and will represent the school at the FIRST World Championships in Texas.

• Archbishop Hartmayer leads priests in renewing promises at Chrism Mass

  

  By NICHOLE GOLDEN, Editor
  Published April 1, 2026

  Calling the March 31 Chrism Mass “a moment of grace for our entire local church,” Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., consecrated the chrism and blessed the oils of the catechumens and the sick to be used in parishes for the next year.

• Father Michael Shannon, LC, remembered

  

  Published March 25, 2026

  Father Michael Shannon, a priest of the Legionaries of Christ, died March 18. He was 70 years old and had been serving as a parochial vicar at St. Brendan the Navigator Church.