Fr. Chris Alar tells how the Christmas Tree and its elements came about.See the Christmas party at the Association of Marian Helpers at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 12:39–48), Jesus calls us to vigilance—to be faithful stewards who live every moment ready for the coming of the Lord. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,” He says. That same spirit of responsibility and readiness defined one of the greatest saints of our time: St. John Paul II.

What is Church teaching on when life begins? What does it mean to be a man? A woman? Can a man become a woman? Father Mark Baron, MIC, explains how the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II, called “Theology of the Body,” answers these questions and more. Then see how performance artist Mike Debus captures sacred images of the body on canvas right before your very eyes during his dramatic live presentations.