Time for a pop quiz. In 1998, the U.S. bishops outlined seven themes of Catholic social teaching. Could you name all seven? How about five? Three? At least one? How about naming a few of the papal encyclicals that make up the social doctrine of the Church?

Immaculate Conception School in East Aurora has a classroom that transforms into beatnik cafés and arctic trains. The students become scientists and wax statues. And the teacher, well, she makes all this happen and makes a difference.

WASHINGTON — The Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI continues to Nov. 24, 2013. The goal is to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example. 

Thanks to a newly formed beautification committee, the Basilica of the National Shrine Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston will be getting lots of TLC. Member Sharon Ricchiazzi said the primary function of the committee is to work on the landscaping at the shrine. 

Daybreak TV Productions of the diocese has completed work on a series of disabilities-inclusion videos. Production began in the summer of 2011 and will now transition to the distribution phase. The videos will be sent out to local parishes and schools for educational and awareness purposes. The main videos are on welcoming and advocacy, along with two public service announcements designed for national distribution. 

I love the Christmas season! Except for the rampant consumerism that each year threatens to obscure the true meaning of Christmas, I delight in all the customs and traditions, the sights, sounds and scents of our annual celebration of our Savior’s birthday.

A small crèche with the Baby Jesus surrounded by His parents, Joseph and Mary, with the Magi, camels and a donkey or two is a familiar sight in Christian homes throughout December. Some schools and parishes have been known to recreate living Nativities using real animals and actors in period dress. Cardinal O’Hara High School has gone one step further by recreating the original Nativity scene, complete with creator St. Francis of Assisi watching his work unfold. 

Citing a growing need of food for the poor, Catholic Charities opened its fifth diocesan pantry in Wellsville – the first in the Southern Tier – in mid-October. It also marks an expansion into Allegany County for the social service agency.

St. Pius X Parish in Getzville has created an extra layer of learning to its faith formation, or religious education, classes with the addition of a children’s choir. The choir, comprised of about a dozen children, is a voluntary activity that’s entwined with the traditional Faith Formation classes. 

The Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI has given Catholics a great opportunity to reflect on this great gift.