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At the start of our Gospel reading this Sunday, St. Luke offers the historical background of the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry, which historians would place between 27 and 29 AD. 

“Be watchful” and “Be alert” are two traditional spiritual commands often heard by Catholics during the Advent season in preparation for the birth of Christ at Christmas. 

In the days since the Nov. 30 death of former President George H.W. Bush, several news outlets reported that some years ago he told family members that he doubted any one would come to his memorial when he died. 

As a seminarian, I’m often asked questions in which the recipient wants a magic formula or box to check to receive answers from God. What’s the response when you ask a married couple what steps they took to fall in love? Normally, “None: we met, became friends, fell in love and decided to get married.” Similarly, there aren’t specific steps to discover whether God is calling someone to enter the seminary or convent. Rather, it is a matter of love, and knowing that someone — Jesus Christ — calls us to a personal relationship in which we find our happiness.

While six years of seminary may seem like a long time to someone on the outside, every one of those years is needed in the formation of a priest. Not having an inside perspective, many people are curious about what happens in seminary, and the question that I have been asked most is, “What is seminary life like?”

As seminarians studying in Rome we are not able to make it home for the holiday, but we do have our own unique celebration at the North American College. We unite in spirit with our fellow Americans by setting aside the busyness of everyday work to gather with our seminary family and offer thanks to God for his many blessings in our lives.

From the lighting of the Christmas tree in Byblos, Lebanon, to the Christmas Market in Breitnau, Germany, every country has its own unique Christmas traditions.

Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington celebrated an important moment in its history Dec. 3 when the school's gym was renamed as the Koons Athletic Center.

Eight diocesan Catholics serve the bishop by examining cases of possible abuse of minors.