The Baltimore Area Council of Scouting America held its annual volunteer recognition reception and dinner Feb. 20 in Rosedale and the Archdiocese of Baltimore came away with one of the event’s most prestigious awards: the 2024 Chartered Organization of the Year.

Meant to capture the attention of lawmakers, the signs highlighted the importance of continued funding for important state programs such as the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship initiative that provides tuition assistance to help students from low-income families attend nonpublic schools in Maryland.

Archbishop William E. Lori took the occasion of Ash Wednesday, March 5, to release an update to his original 2015 pastoral letter, “A Light Brightly Visible,” to focus on the pastoral implications of implementing the archdiocese’s Seek the City to Come planning that was announced a year ago.

A funeral Mass was offered Feb. 28 for Franciscan Sister Evelyn Grudza (formerly Sister Philip Marie), a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 70 years. Sister Evelyn, who ministered in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for 64 years, died at Assisi House in Aston, Pa., Feb. 25 at 92. 

Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Board of Trustees was honored with a 2025 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership recognizing higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative. 

Mark Crosby looks back on the attack as “the most glorious day of my life.” He believes Jesus allowed the assault as part of his spiritual journey.

Archbishop William E. Lori is lowering the standard age for confirmation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to 9.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which had recently earned its first Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference crown and proceeded to rise into what Cougars coach Tony Martin called “rare air” by beating the Gaels, 53-38, to sweep the MIAA and BCLT championships.

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Deacon Greg Kandra of the Deacon’s Bench blog about his new book, “A Handy Little Guide to Fasting” from OSV Books. They discuss the essential practices of Lent for Catholics – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – and how to enhance your spiritual life in this penitential season.

Parishes and Catholic agencies such as Catholic Charities hope to embody the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan by providing care for those in the immigrant community.