A coalition of public, private and faith-based partners will gather Dec. 29, 6 p.m., in Southwest Baltimore for a one-hour evening prayer vigil sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore to remember the lives lost to homicide this year and plead for an end to violence.

On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, George Matysek explores the diaconate from its apostolic origins to its modern-day expression. The program begins with Father Michael Foppiano, pastor of St. Mark in Fallston and director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, who addresses common misunderstandings about permanent and transitional deacons, explains their liturgical role at Mass and outlines the formation process for men discerning this vocation.

The Nativity scene – Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus – is a Christmas image found worldwide. Big or small, carved from wood, sculpted from stone or knitted from yarn, the crèche represents the true meaning of the holiday. 

The Baltimore Catholic League will play its 55th tournament at Reitz Arena on the campus of Loyola University Maryland on March 1- 2 and March 4, BCL Commissioner Mark Rohde Sr. announced Dec. 18.

Deacon David Anthony Page Sr. worked in every role possible for a deacon during his 16 years of service at St. Joseph Parish in Odenton.  

Sister Delia Dowling, a Baltimore native, has been elected to serve a four-year term as a provincial councilor for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic-Midwest Province. 

Their artwork is now on display at the Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore, along with 13 other snow globes crafted by Baltimore-area schools participating in Cross Keys’ Snow Globes for Good project.

A recent Catholic Review poll, conducted in print and online, invited readers to share their favorite Christmas carols.  

The Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors filed a joint motion Dec. 10 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that stipulates that the archdiocese will not use charitable immunity as a defense in the case.

Archbishop William E. Lori joined the Knights of Columbus and other Catholic dignitaries Dec. 13 in Baltimore as they led the second “Halftime Rosary” between Catholic cadets from the U.S. Military Academy and midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy.