For seminarians attending the Pontifical North American College in Rome, the spiritual and secular collide whether they’re dodging Vespas and taxis en route to class or stopping off for a quick espresso and fellowship with their classmates.

Catholics will have the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence from Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple.

Monsignor William “Bill” Collins, a Baltimore native who served his home archdiocese for more than six decades, died of lung cancer Dec. 10 at St. Stephen’s Green. He was 88.

Rebuilt Parish has expanded to workbooks, podcasts and more, engaging with hundreds of parishes across the nation. Now, the pair has published a new book directed at the faithful, “Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics,” which outlines a 40-day plan to help Catholics reconnect to what matters.

Given the meandering pace at which building plans make their way through Baltimore city offices to final approval before construction begins, it should take at least two years before the new inclusionary – meaning, affordable – housing law, which finally passed in full on Dec. 7, will show an impact.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Hispanic Ministry welcomed participants to a weekend dedicated to reflection and cultivating leadership at its Hispanic Youth Ministry Retreat Nov. 17.

The Catholic High School of Baltimore has been crowned the best private high school for girls in Baltimore by Baltimore Style magazine for the second time, marking a significant milestone in the school’s 85-year history.

Baltimore City Council chambers rocked with applause and cheers Dec. 4 as a strong new law requiring inclusionary – meaning, affordable – housing for low-income residents in new developments was adopted on its third reading.

The Catholic faithful have an obligation to attend Mass twice between the afternoon of Dec. 23 and Dec. 25, to participate in Masses for the fourth Sunday of Advent, and for Christmas.

Eleanor Bourg Nicholson’s new children’s book, “The Hound of the Lord,” creatively retells the inspiring story of St. Dominic from the perspective of the saint’s ever-watchful canine companion, “Torch.”