LOOP: Iran strikes back at Israel, blames US

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 - FLAG DAY IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT HEATS UP THROUGHOUT FRIDAY ​Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire throughout Friday, and leaders in both countries have indicated the conflict will continue. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that Israel's "acts of aggression against Iran could not have been carried out without the coordination and approval of the United States," and that "the US government, as the primary patron of this regime, will also bear responsibility" for Israel's strikes.  READ DON'T MISS TODAY'S HISTORIC PAPAL ADDRESS IN CHICAGO Today, Pope Leo XIV will address young people via video at the Chicago White Sox baseball stadium at 2:30 p.m. Central. Here's how to watch!  READ CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENT BLOWS WHISTLE ON THERAPY COURSES  Naomi Epps Best is sounding the alarm on a disturbing shift in therapy education she experienced at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution in California. Her course requirements at the Catholic university have included submitting a "comprehensive sexual autobiography" exposing deeply personal memories. Courses have also featured songs laced with sexual vulgarities and racial slurs, graphic lectures about arousal, and exercises that asked students to discuss their body parts in class.  READ HERE ARE THE NEW VAX ADVISORS APPOINTED BY RFK  Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. this week appointed eight new members to the vaccine advisory committee whose original members he sacked the week before. Here is a rundown of the new members, including prominent critics of the controversial rollout of COVID shots and mandates under the Biden administration. READ MERCER: APPLE MUST APOLOGIZE AND RETRACT ANTI-CATHOLIC EPISODE  "The world's largest religious group deserves the same basic respect as any other religion or worldview," writes CatholicVote cofounder Joshua Mercer in response to Apple TV+ airing an episode featuring Eucharistic desecration. "The depiction reeks of intolerance and insult toward Catholicism, and it has no place being produced and promoted by Apple, a company that claims diversity and inclusion as core values."  READ NEVADA GUV VETOES PRO-IVF BILL CATHOLICVOTE OPPOSED  Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have mandated insurance coverage of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state. The veto represents a major victory for Nevada Right to Life, CatholicVote, Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg of Reno, and other pro-life organizations and leaders who had warned against allowing the bill to become law.  READ ICE RAIDS NEAR CHURCH GROUNDS DRAW IRE  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted raids near Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Downey, California, drawing complaints from local civic and religious leaders. One man was detained on the public sidewalk while dropping off his granddaughter at Our Lady of Perpetual Help's school.  READ ARSON SUSPECT TURNS HIMSELF IN AFTER CHURCH BURNING  A man who is reportedly suffering from mental health issues is facing an arson charge after a fire damaged a Portland Catholic church this week. The suspect called 911 to turn himself in about 20 minutes after firefighters arrived at Sacred Heart Parish.  READ AD: BUY THE WAY YOU BELIEVE WITH THE PRO-LIFE PHONE COMPANY  When you switch to Charity Mobile, 5% of your monthly plan price goes to your favorite Pro-Life charity — at no extra cost. All plans are under $50 before taxes and surcharges, including the Unlimited plan! Isn't it time to buy the way you believe? Get value + your values with Charity Mobile, and get a free phone offer for new customers with promo code LOOP. LEARN MORE WEEKLY FAMILY DINNER  You need a family weekly dinner, says Ava Ladky at Refine. But she's not talking about parents and kids - she means aunts, uncles, grandparents, whatever family crew you have living in your area. If that stresses you out, remember that it's not about having it all together as a family, but about showing up for each other again and again. Here's what Sunday dinners looked like in her family. READ A LETTER TO DADS  Here is a letter to all the dads, the often unsung heroes of the family. What is the real strength of a father? So often found in the quiet moments and the background sacrifice, fatherhood is not about perfection, but presence. READ HOW TO FOLD THE FLAG  Today is Flag Day, one of the most un-hyped holidays, but one that is still very important, especially at a time when the flag is the center of controversy. So your new skill for the week is to learn how to properly fold the American Flag.  READ CATHOLIC 101  Father's Day is a celebration for many — but for others, it reopens old wounds. The absence of a father can leave scars that go far beyond childhood. Here's why it is important to remember that when earthly fathers fall short, our Heavenly Father heals.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today, the Church honors Saint Methodius, who worked for unity and reconciliation in the Eastern Church and served as the Patriarch of Constantinople the last five years of his life. READ SATURDAY'S PSALM  "The Lord is kind and merciful." (Psalm 103:8)  READ SATURDAY'S READINGS  Saturday's Mass readings.  READ SUNDAY'S PSALM  "O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:2)  READ SUNDAY'S READINGS  Sunday's Mass readings.  READ ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA  The "shot heard round the world" refers to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, which kicked off the American Revolutionary War (1775-83).  I CONFESS  In 1813, the vicar-general of the Diocese of New York, Father Anthony Kohlmann, heard two confessions that left him with a major secret – and he wasn't telling. The penitents had confessed receiving stolen goods from thieves, who they named to the Jesuit priest. During the criminal investigation, Fr. Kohlmann refused to violate the seal of the confessional, which angered the town magistrate and stirred up anti-Catholic sentiment. After six days at court, Fr. Kohlmann was found not guilty in an early win for religious freedom in America.  READ Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127