Menu
Mary Richards
Mary Richards

Mary Richards is a reporter for the Church News. Before that, she was a morning reporter/anchor for KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City. She graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism, and she and her husband have five children. Email her at mrichards@deseretnews.com.


On this episode of the Church News podcast, Emily Hellewell of the Deseret News discusses the importance of storytelling and connecting Heavenly Father's children to one another.

“They are of one heart, one mind, and are determined to help the Lord build His kingdom,” said one woman about her Relief Society sisters.

After generations, residents in the town near Blanding now have water in their homes, thanks to the Church and other entities working together

Displays focused on the last week of the Savior’s life allowed people to feel the Spirit and learn more of Jesus Christ.

Primary children around the world are answering the invitation to plan, invite and serve.

From humanitarian efforts to water use, solar panels and recycling, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to care for the earth.

Decorating carpets in Guatemala, interfaith service in Costa Rica and a concert in Honduras all helped show Jesus Christ’s "Greater Love."

Even "wiggle songs" in Primary singing time can teach about Jesus Christ.

Henry Eyring, the father of President Henry. B. Eyring, served as the founding dean of the University of Utah graduate school. At his statue unveiling, he was remembered for his love of God, people and chemistry.

Stake members shared what happened when they accepted the invitation to memorize "The Living Christ," which was issued 25 years ago.

Josh Brown of the Liberty Missouri Stake credits his family and a loving invitation for his journey back to full activity in the Church.

The Church is working to help those in need through different ways.

Hear a discussion of the historical context surrounding Easter, Holy Week, Gethsemane and more.

Missionaries in the Philippines Urdaneta Mission recited "The Living Christ" on video to spread the Easter message that Jesus Christ lives.

An Albuquerque, New Mexico, family set a goal to do a service activity once a month with their Primary-age children.

A historic meeting in Conakry, Guinea, involved 162 Church members in the country and saw the first full-time missionaries sent out.

Ancient findings and a living Prophet and Apostles help deepen understanding of Easter, said Richard Neitzel Holzapfel.

The Easter murals from the Norman YSA Ward invite all to worship Jesus Christ this season.

"As missionaries, you represent Jesus Christ and therefore strive to develop and emulate His attributes," said Sister Amy A. Wright of the Primary general presidency and Missionary Executive Council at the Provo Missionary Training Center.

The new Young Men general presidency was sustained during April general conference and begins serving on Aug. 1, 2025. Learn more about them here.

From official JustServe cities to high school clubs, Utahns are serving their neighbors and volunteering in their communities.

Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Bednar, Elder Christofferson, Elder Soares and others spoke on themes of religious observance during the April 2025 general conference.

“A loving Heavenly Father provided mortal helps, gifts or assistance in the plan of salvation, said President Dallin H. Oaks.

“By far God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ,” said President Dallin H. Oaks.

“Our love for God and His children is a powerful testimony to the world that this is truly the Savior’s Church,” said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

“We can choose to be made whole by exercising our faith in Him,” said President Camille N. Johnson.

The latest version of the Church's World Report includes President Russell M. Nelson dedicating the Deseret Peak Utah Temple, plus other events from the past six months.

Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to attend the broadcast, available for streaming on May 4, in the Americas and May 11 in other areas.

Bishop Gérald Caussé, President Camille N. Johnson, Sister Krisin M. Yee and Blaine Maxfield discussed global and local humanitarian, welfare and self-reliance efforts.