The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg is launching a series of initiatives to expand awareness of first U.S.-born saint, it announced Jan. 4, on the saint’s feast day.

In response to the rising numbers on positive COVID-19 cases and the hospitalization crisis, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has declared new COVID-19 protocols for all parishes effective Dec. 29, 2021, until Jan. 31, 2022.

As we close out 2021, maybe it’s time to go into our social media feeds and see how we can start anew in 2022. How can we revitalize our faith through this daily feature of our lives?

What were the most popular stories, commentaries and podcasts on CatholicReview.org in 2021? We have the list!

Father Brian Rafferty, the founding pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City who later shepherded Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Lake Shore for 25 years, died on Christmas Eve after an extended illness. He was 84.

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sits down with Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori about the Year of the Eucharist, the worldwide synod, COVID-19, new seminarians and a new school, his new role chairing the U.S. bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities and walks with Bayley, the archbishop’s dog.

In this Christmas season, Christians are often reminded that Christ is the “Prince of Peace” foretold by the prophet Isaiah. We sing songs of peace on earth and good will toward all. But what does it mean to be a peacemaker? What are practical ways to heal the divide?

While the pandemic makes winter even harder for those who live in poverty, Baltimore families and individuals find refuge in the Franciscan Center during Christmas time.

Matt Birk is best known as the hardworking center who helped the Baltimore Ravens win a Superbowl in 2013. He’s also a devoted Catholic, father of eight and a champion of the pro-life cause.

If St. Joseph had played football, Matt Birk is convinced he would have been an offensive lineman. Birk, himself a former center for the Baltimore Ravens, said the saint is all about protecting Mary and Jesus.