Pope Benedict XVI announced a special "Year of Faith" to help us appreciate the gift of faith, deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our commitment to sharing faith with others.
The pope said the Year of Faith would give "renewed energy to the mission of the whole church to lead men and women out of the desert they often are in and toward the place of life: friendship with Christ who gives us fullness of life."
The pope said the observance would begin Oct. 11, 2012 - the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council - and conclude Nov. 24, 2013 - the feast of Christ the King.
"It will be a moment of grace and commitment to an ever fuller conversion to God, to reinforce our faith in him and to proclaim him with joy to the people of our time," the pope said.