“These are dark days in our Church and some bishops and leaders have failed you, but God has not. More than ever you must not leave Him, you must turn to Him. Know that I understand words are never adequate, but I convey deepest apologies and profound sorrow to any victims who experienced sexual abuse on the part of the clergy and for the failure of the bishops and church leaders to protect them. I offer this Mass for all victims, asking the Lord to bless them with His healing love....”

As our kids head back to school, travel bags will overflow with new clothes, backpacks will hold the latest iPhones, and children will run off to meet new friends. But this new school year, will you pack the most important thing?

Seminarians take a step in the formation for the priesthood. Allegations of more than 70 years of child sexual abuse by 300 individuals was detailed in a grand jury report from PA. Bishop Burbidge addresses what he would do if he received an allegation of sexual abuse. Major announcements made by the USCCB detail goals for how allegations of sexual abuse will be handled. Next week begins the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. Loudoun and Fairfax public schools are instituting morally dangerous curricula.

Bishop Burbidge shares a solution to our skepticism.

Bishop Burbidge reminds us that this is a time for prayer: I think today is a good day to renew our promise to pray daily the Holy Rosary, seeking the help and protection of Our Blessed Mother. Not only would this honor Mary, it will be a great gift to our Church, especially at this time. Throughout history and certainly in the present day, the Church struggles with the consequences of the conflict between God and the evil one. We must face this struggle here and now. Mary accompanies us and strengthens us.

This week on the #WalkHumbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge invites us to positively impact our world through the grace of God, focusing on developing spiritually, ethically and intellectually. Find out what he means on this 1-minute episode.

Bishop Burbidge expresses his sadness and anger regarding the allegations of sexual abuse by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, former Archbishop of Washington. During this challenging time, Bishop Burbidge discusses what must change, and he offers guidance on how we begin to move forward from this tragedy. Pope Francis has ordered a revision of the Catechism to assert "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." Bishop Burbidge shares his thoughts.

This week on the #WalkHumbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge reflects on two Arlington Diocese summer camps for high school-aged boys and girls, which focus on teaching the teens about all vocations, and why there's a waiting list year after year. #ArlingtonVocations

On August 25, the World Youth Day Cross (which will be used at the January 2019 World Youth Day in Panama) will be in the DC area. One of our diocesan priests has been called to Rome to work in the oldest office in the Roman Curia. Four pastors will be installed at new parishes. What are the skills pastors need? A 9-week novena for the legal protection of human life has been called for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This follows the nomination of a Catholic who will be vetted by the Senate.

This summer, we need a break, but don't forget to invite God to be with you, Bishop Burbidge shares with us this week on the #WalkHumbly Podcast.