Year of Faith
Pope Benedict XVI has called the Church to set aside a year, from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013, for a renewal of faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, the one Savior of the world. It is an opportunity for all Catholics to enrich their faith by deepening their conversion, studying the Catholic faith, encountering the Lord Jesus in Word and Sacrament, and sharing their faith by becoming witnesses to the Risen Lord in today's world.
The Year of Faith begins on October 11, 2012, the 50th anniversary of opening of the Second Vatican Council (1962). Vatican II was called by Pope John XXIII prompted by an inspiration "completely unexpected, like a flash of heavenly light, shedding sweetness in eyes and hearts." The Council sought to ensure that the Catholic faith “is elaborated and presented in a way which corresponds to the needs of our time.” First Pope John XXIII, then Pope Paul VI shepherded the Council through four sessions. The Council concluded on December 8, 
1965. More on Vatican II.
October 11, 2012 is also the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992). The Catechism seeks to present "an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's Tradition." The Catechism came at the request of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that was convened by Pope John Paul II on January 25, 1985. More on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Pope Benedict proclaimed two new doctors of the Church, St. Hildegard of Bingen and St. John of Avila.
- Each month of the Year of Faith is dedicated to a saint. The Archdiocese has its own list of saints for the 14 months of the Year of Faith.
- Need to jump start your Year of Faith? Try the Year of Faith Workout Plan
The Year of Faith will close on November 24, 2013, the Feast of Christ the King.
Resources for the Year of Faith
