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 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.

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.

In late November, Archbishop William E. Lori welcomed Ralph and Christine Arnold, and Dave and Kristen Kinkopf to his residence for a thank-you dinner in recognition of their service as 2018 Co-Chairs for the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

Perhaps we need a new, albeit very different, St. Nicholas. Someone who recognizes our poverty, a poverty of attention and time, and can fill our homes and hearts with something far more valuable than more screens and chocolate coins.

We Christians don’t stay in hobbit holes; we go on adventure.

It’s the third week of Advent, and Christmas—which seemed so far off just a few weeks ago—is looming large.

We were invited to wear ugly Christmas sweaters to a work meeting, and somehow I realized I didn’t own a Christmas sweater.

’Tis the season for Christmas treats, Christmas parties, and Christmas caroling. So why not wrap them all into one delectable, delightful experience?