This year, since March 25 is Holy Monday on the Roman calendar, the liturgical celebration of the Annunciation will be observed on Monday, April 8.

The married couples and family ministry at Ss. Philip and James aims to help couples mirror that communion and to grow in holiness in marriage and family.

St. Joan of Arc celebrated its new parish life center March 10, when it was blessed by Archbishop William E. Lori.

Carrie Stumpf meticulously wrote notes as a group of parishioners from parishes across Western Maryland and bordering Frederick County spoke at a circular table in St. Joseph Catholic Church’s auditorium March 12. She was among a group of people who met at the Hagerstown parish for the Interim Stage Diocesan Consultations, as a part of the XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The goal of the synod is to bring dialogue from clergy, religious and laity to pray, ascertain, communicate and hear each other out.

Let’s take a closer look at the complex undertaking of choosing a new bishop, one which originates with the needs of a local diocese and extends all the way to the desk of the pope.