Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace.
Catholic institutions in East Baltimore are working to help address the systemic problems that lead to poverty and homelessness.
Even in the most difficult and depressing situations, the light of Christ will shine in us and through us onto the darkness. Then we will become a light to others and a light to our world.
In this season of new beginnings, I humbly ask for your prayers, your patience and continued commitment to our community of faith as we work tirelessly to bring about the authentic renewal of the Church, a task that is both urgent and necessary.
Jesus’ birth in a stable, God’s coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.
Yes, it has been quite a year, and indeed a difficult year on so many fronts, but as we peer into the crèche and gaze upon the radiant face of the Christ-Child, receiving the Lord into our hearts today and at Christmas, may our eyes of faith see the hope of a new beginning for ourselves, our beloved Church and our world.
We have every reason to celebrate both the immeasurable and measurable impact of our faith over this past year through the many and varied ministries of our Church, including the outreach and support provided to nearly 12,000 immigrant families and individuals at the Esperanza Center; the more than 230,000 meals served by Our Daily Bread; the education of more than 30,000 young people in our 70 primary and secondary schools; the nearly 400 people placed in permanent housing; and the assistance and care provided to 1,800 seniors in 24 sponsored senior centers.
Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus, is a holy day of obligation.
Christmas is a chance again to discover who we are. God came into the world in the form of a baby because God always comes into the world that way.
A time of great joy and celebration, Christmas has a way of bringing people back to the Catholic church – or maybe into a pew for the first time. Here are some of the ways parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore make spirits bright and expand their faith communities.
Christmas is coming, and bit by bit we are getting ready.
God knows we fail and gives us another chance, in Advent and in Confession.
