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CHRISM MASS: The Diocese of Youngstown will hold the annual Chrism Mass 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Columba Cathedral. Due to the pandemic restrictions and limited seating, the Chrism Mass is closed to the public. Attendance is by invitation only. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.doy.org/Media/CathedralLiveStream. The Mass will be rebroadcast 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Wednesday on the Ecumenical Television Channel through the services of CTNY.

EGG HUNT: Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road, will host an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. today.

EGG HUNT: Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown, will host an outdoor egg hunt for children up to sixth grade at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Palm Sunday worship.

EGG DRIVE-THRU: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2985 Center Road, Youngstown, will host an Easter egg drive-thru 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

WOMEN DAY: Mount Olive Fire Baptized Holiness Church will host its Women's Day program noon Sunday on conference line 712-770-4010 and code 883502#. The theme is "Esther -- An Essential Missionary, a Shining Light in the Midst of a Crisis." Speaker is the Rev. Mary Kidd, pastor of directors of the Northeast Ohio Junior Missionary Department.

The following churches have set Holy Week services:

• Bethel Friends Church, 2771 Spitler Road, Poland, will have services at 6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday, 6 p.m. Easter Vigil on April 3 and 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday.

• Calla Community Church, 6482 W. Calla Road, Canfield, 7 p.m. Good Friday service and 10 a.m. Easter Sunday.

• Christ Our Savior Parish, Struthers, will have 6 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass at St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., noon Stations of Cross Good Friday at St. Nicholas and 3 p.m. Passion of the Lord at Holy Trinity, 250 N. Bridge St. The 9 p.m. Easter Vigil will be April 3 at St. Nicholas, and 9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday at Holy Trinity and 8 and 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas.

• Four Mile Run Christian Church, 701 N. Four Mile Run Road, Austintown, will host an outdoor sunrise service 6 a.m. and modern service 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday.

• Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown, will have a 6 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass, noon and 3 p.m. Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and 8 and 11 a.m. Easter services on April 4. Blessing of Food Baskets is 1 p.m. April 3.

• Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield, will have a 7 p.m. Good Friday service and 8, 9 and 11:30 a.m. Easter Sunday services.

• Mount Jackson Presbyterian Church, 129 Mount Air Road, New Castle, Pa., will have a 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday service.

• St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown, will have a 4 p.m. Palm Sunday vigil Mass today and 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Palm Sunday services. There also will be a 5:30 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass. On Good Friday at 3 p.m. will be the Passion of the Lord and Veneration of the Cross Service with the annual collection for the Holy Land.

On Holy Saturday April 3, the Blessing of the Easter Food will be at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be the Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday services will be 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation is 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown, will have 3 p.m. Stations of the Cross and 6 p.m. service on Good Friday, an 8 p.m. Easter Vigil April 3 and 9:30 a.m. service on Easter Sunday.

• St. Luke Catholic Church, 5235 South Ave., Boardman, will have Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m. Friday.

• St. Michael Parish, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield, will have a 4:30 p.m. Palm Sunday service livestreamed today and 7 p.m. Holy Thursday foot washing on Thursday.

• St. Patrick Parish, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard, will have a 4 p.m. Vigil Mass today and 8:30 and 11 a.m. services on Palm Sunday, a 6:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, 3 p.m. Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, and 6:30 p.m. Passion of the Lord, Veneration of the Cross. Blessing of Easter foods will be at 1 p.m. Holy Saturday on April 3, and there will be an 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass on April 3.

Easter Sunday Masses will be 8:30 and 11 a.m. at the Hubbard High School auditorium, 350 Hall Ave. SE, Hubbard.

Lifestyles

Religion news

GUEST MISSIONARIES: First Baptist Church, 2640 S. Canal St., Newton Falls, will host special guest missionaries at 10 a.m. Sunday. They have been serving as church planters in eastern Europe since 2017.

CHRISM MASS: The Diocese of Youngstown will hold the annual Chrism Mass 10:30 a.m. March 30 at St. Columba Cathedral. Due to the pandemic restrictions and limited seating, the Chrism Mass is closed to the public and attendance is by invitation only. Watch the Mass livestreamed at www.doy.org/Media/CathedralLiveStream. The Mass will be rebroadcast 8 p.m. March 30 and 10 a.m. March 31 on the Ecumenical Television Channel through the services of CTNY.

SERVICE FOR FIRST BORN: Temple El Emeth in Liberty will hold a virtual Service for the First Born at 8 a.m. Thursday. Information will be provided to view.

BISHOP'S APPEAL: Catholics in the six-county diocese are being asked to participate in the 2021 Annual Bishop's Appeal with the goal of $4 million. More than 50,000 individuals throughout the diocese will benefit from services and ministries ranging from assistance with food, utilities and housing, to faith formation, education, evangelization and social services. The Diocese of Youngstown encompasses Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull counties.

The majority of the funds generated through the appeal directly benefit the services provided by Catholic Charities.

The appeal concludes on Pentecost Sunday on May 23.

For information, visit doy.org.

PASTORAL LETTERS: Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has issued a pastoral letter titled, "Testify to the Light." Through this letter, Bonnar highlights the value of parish life and offers five priorities for the journey into the future, including prayer, healing, communication, service and joyful witness. The pastoral letter may be found on the Diocesan website at www.doy.org.

LENTEN STUDIES: Grace United Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, is hosting a Lenten study series for six weeks. Sessions are held 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday. Marjorie Thompson's book "Forgiveness" will be read and discussed.

LENTEN ADORATIONS: St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard, will hold Lenten devotion adoration 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily at the parish center. Stations of the Cross will be 7 p.m. every Friday at the parish center.

IN-PERSON SERVICES: Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave., Warren, has resumed in-person worship 11 a.m. Sundays and Bible study on the Holy Spirit 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The service and Bible study are both livestreamed on the church Facebook page.

BIBLE STUDY: Newton Falls Methodist churches will host Bible studies for the public.

The group gathers 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Pricetown United Methodist Church, 4640 Pritchard Ohltown Road, or 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays Newton Falls United Methodist Church, 336 Ridge Road. Bring a Bible if you have one. Masks and social-distancing guidelines will be followed.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION: Unity Church Centre in Liberty will host "Small Group Beginning, Discover the Medicine Within" 6 p.m. Mondays and some Sundays after service. Group will be using "Dancing with the Wheel, A Sun Bear Book" facilitated by Kimberly Ford. Join online via: https://www.freecon ferencecall.com; video chat: Info69845. Phone: 978-990-5000 and use access code: 245683#.

Schedule is March 22: 12 Moons; and March 29: Spirit Pathways.

JUST MERCY: Voices of Michah Book Club will present Just Micah with a discussion to be led by the Rev. John Welch virtually 7 p.m. March 28 and April 11. Welch, who holds a master's of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and doctorate from Duquesne University in health care ethics, has 27 years in ministry. Register at https://www.surveymon key.com/r/3FXJJB2 or call 330-393-1524.

LENTEN MEDITATION: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a virtual series via Zoom with Natalie Terry, titled "Lenten Meditation Circle." The virtual opportunity takes place Tuesdays through April 6 via Zoom. All sessions will be 8 to 8:30 p.m.

A free-will offering will be accepted, and registration is not required. Participation in all sessions is not required.

Program information can be found at www.vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

RETIRING OFFICIAL: After 22 years of service to Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Youngstown, George Garchar will be stepping down from his role as executive director of Catholic Charities serving Portage and Stark counties in September.

Garchar was hired as the executive director of Catholic Charities housing opportunities in 1999, responsible for the facilitation and development of housing services throughout the six-county diocese. When activities were reduced due to program changes and divestiture of rental properties in 2006, Garchar took on an additional part-time role as associate director of social action. He held both positions until 2013 when he accepted the executive director position.

During his tenure, Garchar was instrumental in providing service and advocacy on behalf of low-income individuals and families in need. Under his leadership, Catholic Charities began offering down-payment assistance to qualifying first-time homebuyers.

In his role with the Diocesan Office of Social Action, Garchar provided leadership in community development, organizing and housing, and engaged parishes and others in discussions on Catholic social teaching regarding public policy, government responsibility and faithful citizenship. He also worked to promote the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Justice for Immigrants campaign.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to reli gion@tribtoday.com. Items are needed by Wednesday for the Saturday paper.

Local News

Religion news

PASTORAL LETTER: Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has issued a pastoral letter titled, "Testify to the Light." Through this letter, Bonnar seeks to acknowledge the darkness of this time, revisit the importance of Sacramental life, highlight the value of parish life and offer five priorities for the journey into the future together. These five priorities include prayer, healing, communication, service and joyful witness. The pastoral letter may be found on the Diocesan website at www.doy.org.

LENTEN STUDIES: Grace United Methodist Church. 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, is hosting a Lenten study series for six weeks. Sessions are 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday. Marjorie Thompson's book "Forgiveness" will be read and discussed.

CHURCH HOSTS EVENT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Ave., Youngstown, will have a drive-thru food giveaway 10 to 11 a.m. the third Thursday of each month. Canned goods and meat will be provided.

LENTEN ADORATIONS: St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St. Hubbard, will have Lenten devotion adoration 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the parish center. Stations of the Cross will be every Friday 7 p.m. at the parish center.

IN-PERSON SERVICES: Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave., Warren, has resumed in-person worship 11 a.m. Sundays and Bible study on the Holy Spirit at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The service and Bible study are both livestreamed on the church's Facebook page.

HEALING JOURNEY: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown and Grace Hospice will offer "Journey Toward Healing," an eight-week grief support group hosted by the Rev. John Bower, bereavement coordinator. The course will be 6:30 p.m. Mondays through April 1. To register, call 330-729-2924 or email jbower@ghospice.com.

BIBLE STUDY: Newton Falls Methodist churches will host Bible studies for the public. Pricetown and Newton Falls United Methodist churches have just begun a Bible study on the Holy Spirit with the guidance of the Rev. Dewayne Smith.

The Bible study gathers weekly at Pricetown United Methodist Church, 4640 Pritchard Ohltown Road, 10 a.m. Tuesdays or Newton Falls United Methodist Church, 336 Ridge Road, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Participants should bring a Bible if they have one. Masks and social-distancing guidelines will be followed.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION: Unity Church Centre in Liberty will host "Discover the Medicine Within" 6 p.m. Mondays and some Sundays after service. The group will be using "Dancing with the Wheel, A Sun Bear Book" facilitated by Kimberly Ford. Attend online via: https://www.freecon ferencecall.com, video chat Info69845. Call in using Wi-fi or data plan. Phone 1-978-990-5000, with access code 245683#.

The schedule is Monday: Spirit Keepers; March 22: 12 moons; and March 29: Spirit Pathways.

JUST MERCY: Voices of Micah Book Club will present "Just Mercy" with a discussion to be led by the Rev. John Welch virtually 7 p.m. Sunday and March 28 and April 11. Welch, who holds a master's of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and doctorate from Duquesne University in health care ethics, has 27 years in ministry. Register at https://www.surveymon key.com/r/3FXJJB2 or call 330-393-1524.

LENTEN MEDITATION: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a virtual series via Zoom with Natalie Terry, entitled "Lenten Meditation Circle." The virtual opportunity will take place Tuesdays through April 6 via Zoom. All sessions will be 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Free-will offering will be accepted and registration is not required. Participation in all sessions is not required.

Program information can be found at www.vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

CHANGE YOUR MIND: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a virtual presentation via Zoom with Dena DeLuco, entitled "Change Your Mind." This virtual opportunity will take place 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 20.

DeLuco, a new-thought leader, helps women connect, nurture and find joy in taking the next step (or quantum leap) on their spiritual path through empowering one-on-one coaching and group offerings.

Cost is $30. The Zoom link will be sent to all those registered on March 19.

Program information and registration are available at www.vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to religion@tribtoday.com. Items are needed by Wednesday for the Saturday paper.

Community News

Religion news

ENDING HUNGER: The Ursuline Sisters of Youngs-town are collaborating with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Villa Maria, Pa., to combat hunger. Catholic Sisters Week is Monday through Friday. The annual event emphasizes all the good that avowed religious women contribute to society.

The two local communities that separately offer many ministries in the Mahoning Valleyare asking lay partners to also answer the call to combat hunger.

Various parishes have been collecting canned goods for for food banks including the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Second Harvest Food Bank.

The diocese's five Early Childhood Learning Centers has asked parents to collect food for either their local church pantries or St. Vincent de Paul.

The Mahoning Valley Association of Churches is donating $50 each to five local church pantries.

DIALOGUE SESSION: The Jewish Christian Dialogue will be 7 p.m. March 17 via Zoom. Henry Abramson of the Jewish College in Brooklyn will speak on "Tiberius and Christian Beginnings." Links to the session will be emailed shortly before each session.

PASTORAL LETTER: Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has issued a pastoral letter titled "Testify to the Light." Through this pastoral letter, Bonnar seeks to acknowledge the darkness of this time, revisit the importance of our Sacramental life, highlight the value of parish life and offer five priorities for the journey into the future. These five priorities include prayer, healing, communication, service and joyful witness. The pastoral letter may be found on the Diocesan website at www.doy.org.

LENTEN ADORATIONS: St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St. Hubbard, will host Lenten devotion adoration 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the parish center. Stations of the Cross will be every Friday 7 p.m. at the parish center.

HEALING JOURNEY: Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown and Grace Hospice will offer "Journey Toward Healing,'' an eight-week grief support group hosted by the Rev. John Bower, bereavement coordinator. The course will be 6:30 p.m. Mondays through April 1. To register, call 330-729-2924 or email jbower@ghospice.com

LENTEN MEDITATION: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a virtual series via Zoom with Natalie Terry, titled "Lenten Meditation Circle." The virtual opportunity will take place on Tuesdays through April 6 via Zoom. All sessions will be 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Free-will offerings will be accepted and registration is not required. Participation in all sessions is not required.

Program information can be found at www.vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

CHANGE YOUR MIND: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a virtual presentation via Zoom with Dena DeLuco, titled "Change Your Mind." This virtual opportunity will take place 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 20.

DeLuco, a new-thought leader, helps conscious women connect, nurture and find joy in taking the next step on their spiritual path through empowering 1-on-1 coaching and group offerings.

Cost is $30. The Zoom link will be sent to all those registered on March 19, 2021.

Program information and registration are available at www.vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to religion@tribtoday.com. Items are needed by Wednesday for the Saturday paper.