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.