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BENEFIT CONCERT: St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 2659 state Route 46, Cortland, is hosting a concert to benefit the Rev. Carl Kish Scholarship Fund 7 p.m. Saturday. The concert is sponsored by the church's youth group.

Taylor Horn, a St. Robert Parish member and a graduate of Lakeview High School, established the scholarship in honor of Kish to support graduating seniors to provide financial assistance to graduating members of the parish.

Kish retired from the church after serving 36 years.

The concert will be hosted by Bob Ochtyun and will feature the former St. Robert contemporary choir, with Michele Jones and Kasden Karr on piano. A freewill donation will be accepted for the scholarship fund.

BIBLE STUDY: Dramatic Reading of the Bible study group will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, Austintown. Allan Mosher will give a dramatic reading of the Book of Revelation.

DIOCESAN MISSION IMMERSION WEEK: Southeast Mission Area Diocesan Mission Immersion Week will be April 27 to May 4. A gathering will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 3 at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., Boardman. The guest speaker is Canon Audra Abt, who will visit each faith community to become immersed in mission and ministry.

VENTRILOQUIST PROGRAM: Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., will host Christian ventriloquist Brent Vernon at a program 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Vernon's concerts are a mix of energetic, hope-filled songs and stories. The program includes an appearance by his ventriloquist figure, Sam. Vernon is also a children’s author and illustrator and his books will be available for purchase.

A light meal will be served after the show. Freewill offering to be collected. For information, call 330-533-5509.

VOICES OF HOPE: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown will host its annual Voice of Hope dinner May 1 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Doors will open 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Dinner service will begin 6:20 p.m.

St. Michael Parish in Canfield (accepted by the Very Rev. John-Michael Lavelle) and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley (accepted by Paul S. Homick Jr., JD, president) will be recognized with Voice of Hope awards for their organizations' dedication, service and support of Catholic Charities.

The event will include a video presentation, entertainment from Backbeat with John Reese, raffles, prizes, dinner and dessert.

For tickets, visit www.ccdoy.org/voice-of-hope/.

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer Taize prayer 7 p.m. May 6. The theme is Easter.

Taize is a form a Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. Music ministers are Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn.

For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org.

PRAYER BOOK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer the virtual series, "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book," with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger, 7 p.m. May 7 via Zoom. Schonberger is a child of Holocaust survivors.

The Zoom link will be available at vmesc.org. Registration is not required. For information, call 724-964-9986.

NEW DIRECTOR: Matthew Hazi has been named the new director of human resources for the Diocese of Youngstown. Hazi has spent the past 14 years working as HR director at the Children's Aid Society in Mercer, Pa. He began his new role at the Diocese of Youngstown on April 7.

Hazi, a Mercer High School graduate, earned a master's certificate in HR from Villanova University. As director of human resources, Hazi will provide development, oversight, support and advisement in human resources for the diocesan central services offices.

GUEST SPEAKER: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host speaker Gerald Wolfe, HIV prevention coordinator for the Warren city health department 11:15 a.m. May 5. He has been involved with the HIV / STI and the risk reduction community for over 12 years, primarily in outreach, advocacy and education, and as a certified Ohio HIV / HCV counselor and tester.

MIGHTY GOLDEN WONDERS: The Mighty Golden Wonders will celebrate their 48th annual celebration, 5 p.m. May 18, at Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, 939 Elm St., Youngstown. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Special guest is George Dean and the Gospel 4 of Memphis, Tennessee, along with other musical guests. Tickets in advance at $30 and at the door at $35. Children 12 and under are free. For information, call Charles Brown at 330-979-8121 or Lionel Saulsberry at 330-787-6726.

MEN'S RALLY: The annual Men's Rally in the Valley will be held May 24 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. The free event's theme this year is "Reflection of Christ" and includes guests Brant Hansen, Brian Welch, Chris Brock, Jim Loboy and Brandon Lewis.

Lifestyles

Religion news

INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE: The Instruments of Praise Resurrection Concert "Advancing the Kingdom of God Through Our Worship" will be 6 p.m. Sunday at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. Doors open at 5 p.m.

BENEFIT CONCERT: St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 2659 state Route 46, is hosting a concert to benefit the Rev. Carl Kish Scholarship Fund at 7 p.m. April 26. The concert is being sponsored by the church's youth group. Kish retired from the church after serving 26 years. The concert will be hosted by Bob Ochtyun and will feature the former St. Robert contemporary choir with Michele Jones and Kasden Karr on piano. A free-will donation will be accepted.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown continues its 2024-25 speaker series season May 1 with Heidi Schlumpf, senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter. Her theme will be "Has Synodality Expanded Women's Roles in the Church?"

The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. There will be an opportunity for participants' questions following the talk, which begins at noon. The cost is $25. Call by April 24 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited.

Schlumpf has three decades of experience covering religion, spirituality, social justice, and women's issues having previously served as managing editor of the U.S. Catholic Magazine, as a reporter at Chicago's archdiocesan newspaper, and at secular newspapers in California and Wisconsin.

BIBLE STUDY: Dramatic Reading of the Bible study group will be at 7 p.m. April 30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, Austintown. Allan Mosher will give a dramatic reading of the Book of Revelation.

OUTDOOR SERVICE: An outdoor Easter sunrise service will be at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at Newton Falls city park main pavilion . The service will be led by First Baptist Church in Newton Falls. Host pastor is the Rev. Steven Spurlock. Individuals may bring lawn chairs to sit in the grass area or may remain in their car and listen to their rado as the service will be broadcast using an FM transmitter.

EASTER SERVICES

• Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road -- Easter sunrise service 7:30 a.m. and Easter service 10 a.m.

• Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren -- Easter service 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with an egg hunt after the service.

• First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren -- Easter worship 10 a.m.

• First United Church of Christ, 280 E. Market St., Warren -- Easter worship 11 a.m.

• Grace Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, Easter service 11 a.m.

• Hubbard Church of the Nazarene -- Easter sunrise 7 a.m. and regular service 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m..

• Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren -- Children's Easter program and Community Fun Day, noon Saturday; and Easter services 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday.

• St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown -- Holy Saturday, Blessing of Easter food 2 p.m. Saturday and Easter Vigil 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday Mass, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard -- Holy Saturday Blessing of Easter food baskets, noon Saturday and Easter Vigil Mass, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

• St. James Episcopal Church, Boardman -- 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist on Sunday.

• St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Warren -- Blessing of Easter food noon Saturday at Blessed Sacrament, 3 p.m. confession at Blessed Sacrament, and 8:30 p.m. Easter vigil at St. Mary. Easter Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament and 10 a.m. at St. James and 11:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary.

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren -- Easter Sunday service, 10:15 a.m..

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Girard -- Easter service 9:30 a.m. Easter sunrise service 7 a.m. at Tod Park.

• Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield -- Easter Vigil, 7 p.m. Saturday; and Easter Sunday, 10;15 a.m.

DIOCESAN MISSION IMMERSION WEEK: The Southeast Mission Area Diocesan Mission Immersion Week will be April 27 to May 4.

A gathering will be 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 3 at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., Boardman. Guest speaker is Canon Audra Abt who will visit each faith community to become immersed in mission and ministry.

VOICES OF HOPE: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown will host its annual Voice of Hope dinner May 1 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Dinner service will begin 6:20 p.m.

St. Michael Parish in Canfield (accepted by the Very Rev. John-Michael Lavelle) and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley (accepted by Paul S. Homick, Jr., JD, president), will be recognized with Voice of Hope awards for their organizations' dedication, service and support of Catholic Charities.

The event will include a video presentation, entertainment from Backbeat with John Reese, raffles, prizes, dinner and dessert.

For tickets, visit https://www.ccdoy.org/voice-of-hope/.

PRAYER BOOK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer the virtual series: "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger 7 p.m. May 7 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website.

The program will be reviewing the Ten Psalms unit that Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav and many others in the Jewish world have found helpful for their lives. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

LIVING MUSICALLY: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center (VMESC) will offer Living Musically: Creating an Intentional Relationship With Music with Michelle Muth, MT-BC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17. This day-long workshop is for anyone interested in exploring how music, used intentionally, can have a positive effect on our lives and those around us.

Cost: $90 (Includes program, lunch and refreshments) Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

Lifestyles

Religion news

GOSPEL CONCERT: First United Church of Christ, 280 E. Market St., Warren, will host gospel vocal group Hamilton Road at 6 p.m. Saturday. A love offering will be accepted. Host pastor is Gerald Gammon.

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY:

First Missionary Baptist Church in Mesopotamia will mark the fourth anniversary of Pastor Sam Smith at 10 a.m. Sunday.

64TH ANNIVERSARY: Trinity Baptist Church, 235 Highland Ave. SW, is observing its 64th church anniversary at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Samson Murry Jr. of Triedstone Baptist Church, Warren, is guest speaker.

INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE: The Instruments of Praise Resurrection Concert "Advancing the Kingdom of God Through Our Worship" will be 6 p.m. April 20 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. Doors open at 5 p.m.

SEDER PROGRAM: St. Patrick Church, Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown, will host its annual Seder program and dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets for the Holy Week celebration of the Lord's Supper are $8 and available at 330-743-1109.

BENEFIT CONCERT: St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 2659 state Route 46, is hosting a concert to benefit and support the Rev. Carl Kish Scholarship Fund at 7 p.m. April 26. The concert is being sponsored by the church's youth group. Kish retired from the church after serving 26 years. The concert will be hosted by Bob Ochtyun and will feature the former St. Robert contemporary choir with Michele Jones and Kasden Karr on piano. A free-will donation will be accepted.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown continues its 2024-25 speaker series season May 1 with Heidi Schlumpf, senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter. Her theme will be "Has Synodality Expanded Women's Roles in the Church?"

The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. There will be an opportunity for participants' questions following the talk, which begins at noon. The cost is $25. Call by April 24 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited.

Schlumpf previously was the NCR's Executive Editor and a national correspondent. She previously wrote an opinion column for NCR for almost a decade.

Schlumpf has three decades of experience covering religion, spirituality, social justice, and women's issues having previously served as managing editor of the U.S. Catholic Magazine, as a reporter at Chicago's archdiocesan newspaper, and at secular newspapers in California and Wisconsin. Her work has been published by CNN Opinion, Sojourners, and the Huffington Post.

BIBLE STUDY: Dramatic Reading of the Bible study group will be 7 p.m. April 30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, Austintown. Allan Mosher will give a dramatic reading of the Book of Revelation.

EASTER SERVICES

• First United Church of Christ, 280 E. Market St., Warren -- Palm Sunday, 11 a.m. April 13; Maundy Thursday 6:30 p.m. April 17; and Easter worship 11 a.m. April 20.

• Hubbard Church of the Nazarene -- Palm Sunday 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. April 13; Maundy Thursday, 6 p.m. April 17; Good Friday, 7 p.m. April 18; Easter sunrise 7 a.m. and regular service 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. April 20.

• Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren -- Good Friday worship, 10 a.m. April 18; Children's Easter program and Community Fun Day, noon April 19; and Easter services 8 and 10 a.m. April 20.

• St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown -- Passion of the Lord / Palm Sunday Mass, 4 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday; Mass of Holy Chrism, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday; Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, 5 p.m. April 17; Friday, Passion of the Lord and Veneration of the Cross Service, 3 p.m. April 18; Holy Saturday, Blessing of Easter food 2 p.m. April 19 and Easter Vigil 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday Mass, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 20.

• St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard -- Palm Sunday Mass, 8:30 and 11 a.m. April 13; Holy Thursday Mass of Lord's Supper, 7 p.m. Thursday; Good Friday Passion and Veneration of the Cross service, 7 p.m. April 18; Holy Saturday Blessing of Easter food baskets, noon April 19 and Easter Vigil Mass, 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday Masses, 8:30 and 11 a.m. April 20.

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren -- Palm Sunday, 10:15 a.m. April 13; Maundy Thursday, 5:30 p.m. April 17; Good Friday, 5:30 p.m. April 18; and Easter Sunday service, 10:15 a.m. April 20.

• Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield -- Palm Sunday, 10:15 a.m. April 13; Healing Service, 7 pm. Wednesday; Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. April 17; Good Friday, 7 p.m. April 18; Easter Vigil, 7 p.m. April 19; and Easter Sunday, 10;15 a.m. April 20.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown at 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lifestyles

Religion news

JUBILEE OF THE SICK: In observance of the Jubilee Year 2025, Youngstown Bishop David J. Bonnar will celebrate a special Mass commemorating the "Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers" 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown.

In addition to praying for those who are sick or suffering in mind, body and spirit, the Mass also will celebrate those in various health care ministries throughout the Diocese of Youngstown. A reception co-sponsored by Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, St. Michael Parish (Canfield) and Church Budget Envelope Company will be in the St. Columba Parish Hall immediately after Mass.

GUEST SPEAKER: McKinley Community Church, 1524 Elm Road NE, Warren, wil have Ray Doerschuk as a guest speaker at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Guest singer is Michelle Doerschuk.

CONCERT SET: St Patrick Church, Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown, will host a concert at 1:15 p.m. Sunday. Sue Black will present a musical journey through Native American culture, performing songs from the Chereokee and Hutton nations as well as other indigenous music on various hand carved flutes.

SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will have guests Denise Horsley, supervisor of Solace Center and Someplace Safe, and Lauren Webb, director of domestic violence services in Trumbull and Portage counties with Access Family Services, after the 10 a.m. worship on Sunday. The program is part of the First Sunday Speakers series. The topic of discussion is "The Three R's of Violence Prevention: Recognize, Respond and Refer."

ECUMENICAL LENTEN SERVICE: The Girard Ministerial Ecumeinical Lenten Servcie will be 7 p.m Wednesday at Girard Baptist Church, Kline Street, and includes free soup and salad.

EGG HUNT: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Howland, will host an Easter Egg hunt 1 to 2 p.m. April 13. There will be games and prizes.

EASTER CELEBRATION: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will share the Easter story through 12 short object lessons for children ages 3 to 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Saturday. Each child will be given 12 eggs, each with a symbol inside to help them learn and remember what Easter is about. Children will receive a goodie bag and refreshments.

GORZKIE ZALE: Polish Youngstown, in collaboration with St. Columba Cathedral, will host Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service, an ancient Polish Lenten tradition that offers a solemn reflection on the Passion of Christ. The bilingual service will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at St. Columba Cathedral's Sacred Heart Chapel, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown. Accompanist Luke Politsky will provide musical support for the service.

A time-honored Polish tradition, Gorzkie Zale, translated as the Bitter Lamentation, is a 45-minute bilingual prayer service deeply rooted in Polish Catholic heritage.

RITE OF ELECTION: 191 men, women and children from 35 parishes in the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter. More than 85 persons will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on April 19 and 105 persons who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

SEDER PROGRAM: St. Patrick Church, Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown, will host its annual Seder program and dinner at 6 p.m. April 16. Tickets for the Holy Week celebration of the Lord's Supper are $8 and available at 330-743-1109.

VOICES OF HOPE: Catholic Charities annual Voice of Hope event will be May 1 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. The event celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities and raises funds to support basics needs assistance programs in six counties. Recognition will be given to St. Michael Parish of Canfield and the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley for their dedication, service and support of the ministry of Catholic Charities. Tickets are $100 each. For information, call 330-744-8451 ext, 316.

GETTING TO KNOW GOD: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will host an ongoing series "TaNaK Studies for Christians: Getting to Know All About God" with the Rev. George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at the Villa Maria Center in Villa Maria, Pa. The series will be in person and via Zoom. TaNaK is the total Jewish bible. This Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using video resources from various scripture scholars. A free-will offering will be taken. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

WEDDINGS RECOGNIZED: Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will celebrate a special Mass 2 p.m. May 18 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. The celebration honors couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries. The wedding anniversary celebration includes renewal of marriage vows at Mass and a personalized certificate.

A reception for the honored couples and their families will take place following Mass in the St. Columba parish hall. Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish before April 25. For information, contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 330-744-8451, ext. 252.