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WASHINGTON – With the repeal of the policy that banned gays from serving openly in the armed forces, an auxiliary bishop of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services said Dec. 23 that “there are no changes” to the archdiocese’s ministry “and our response” to “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

We were very saddened to learn of the death of Father Tom Polk (CR, Nov. 18). We personally knew Father Tom when he was assigned as senior priest at St. Francis of Assisi in northeast Baltimore City. We had the privilege of participating in a “Why Catholic” group with him for a short time. We will never forget his appreciation and respect for women and especially motherhood. He made all of the women in our group feel special just to be mothers. He will be truly missed.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien has an audio Christmas message here and Wilmington Bishop W. Francis Malooly (former Baltimore auxiliary bishop) has a video Christmas message here.

NPR Photo The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, the Nashville-based order of religious women who do a bang-up job running Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, are getting some national exposure. NPR recently featured the thriving congregation on “All Things Considered.” The program reported that 27 women joined the Nashville Dominicans this year and 90 entered […]

Father Joseph Breighner’s column (CR, Nov. 18) contained a photo of the late Dorothy Day and stated, “We can all live by the words of her friend, Father John (Jacob) Hugo: You love God as much as you love the least.”

Ever since she appeared in a BBC documentary on the National Gallery 19 years ago, ?Sister Wendy Beckett has taken the art world by storm. A familiar face on PBS, the surprisingly straight-talking contemplative nun is well-known for her unique insights into art and art history.  Sister Wendy is the author of more than 25 books, […]

John Harbaugh (Photo by Owen Sweeney III) As Christmas approaches, Joe Flacco has one thing on his mind: the Cleveland Browns. According to transcipts from the Baltimore Ravens’ Wednesday media day, quarterback  is not too worried about other matters. Asked  what Christmas means to him, Flacco said: “Just time to spend with your family and have a nice […]

If you haven’t yet done it, I encourage you to read my story on Nathan and Kate Kleintank’s adoption of their son, Joshua. Be sure to check out the Dec. 23 print edition, which includes some incredible photos by Owen Sweeney III and a beautiful design by April Hornbeck. Their story is inspiring during this […]

Between 1977 and 1995, my parents welcomed 17 grandchildren. My wife Mary and I will host that extended family the day after Christmas, adding to the joy of a year that saw three of those McMullen grandkids get married. The last of the three weddings occured Oct. 30, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception […]

I’m going to to use the blog to post pictures and videos from vivid Christmas displays from all around the Archdiocese of Baltimore. If you have festive display videos and photos, please feel free to send them to mpalmer@CatholicReview.org or post them in the comments section below. We’ll update this post as we get entries. […]