Sports as religion: American Catholics who planned to personally see the Vatican’s synchronized swim team perform and who hoped to witness the efforts of the Holy See’s entrants in the 20K and 50K racewalks are no doubt disappointed that Chicago did not get the 2016 Summer Olympics. And had one of those athletes won the gold, what a beautiful moment it would have been to experience the playing of “Inno e Marcia Pontificale” (“Hymn and Pontifical March”) — the Vatican’s national anthem — as the Vatican flag was raised.

Months to remember: Most Catholics know that this is Respect Life Month and the month of the rosary, but did you know that this is also Church Library Month and Church Safety and Security Month? Oh, in case you’re heading to the greeting card store, Oct. 11 is Clergy Appreciation Day.