Religion news

NEW CHURCH INAUGURA-TION: A new church, Pentecost International Worship Center, 2250 Tod Ave. NW, Warren, will hold a grand opening 10 a.m. Sunday. Speaker is Apostle John Ofori. The theme is "Revived to Make Disciples." Presiding Elder Abanquah Forson with district pastor, the Rev. Eric Ofori of Cleveland Church of Pentecost and the Rev. Ebenezer Appiagyei, former pastor of New Hope Free Methodist Church, will speak.

CELEBRATE WOMEN DAY: Third Christian Church, 241 First St. SW in Warren will celebrate Women's Day hosted by the Christian Women's Fellowship 11 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Gena Thornton will be the guest speaker.

DRIVE-IN CHURCH: The Andover United Methodist Church will resume its summer drive-in church services at a new location 11 a.m. Sunday at 181 S. Main St., Andover. The services will be conducted by the Golden Street Singers. People can stay in their cars to enjoy music and a message. For information call 330-933-6403.

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS: Bishop David Bonnar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has made clergy appointments, effective July 1:

• The Rev. Monsignor Lewis Gaetano has been appointed canonical pastor of St. Ann Parish in Sebring, in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Christ the Servant Parish in Canton, canonical pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Maximo, canonical pastor of Regina Coeli Parish in Alliance and his duties as dean of the Stark East Deanery.

• The Rev. Peter Haladej has been appointed sacramental minister of St. Ann Parish in Sebring. Haladej will continue his studies at Walsh University and maintain his residence at St. Mary Parish in Massillon.

• Deacon Gregory Wood has been appointed parish leader of St. Ann Parish in Sebring. Deacon Wood's pastoral responsibilities will end June 30, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown.

With the transfer of Deacon Gregory Wood from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown, as canonical pastor, the Rev. Gregory Fedor will assume full responsibility of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

NEW SERIES: The Greater Apostolic Faith Church has started a series of "Pandemic Pandemonium Outbreaks" with worship, songs and fellowship with various surrounding churches of different faiths throughout the community on Wednesday nights throughout the year -- with a common denominator of "Loving and Serving God." As churches slowly begin to reopen, one must believe that this pandemic crisis will start a chain reaction of drawing individuals closer to one another in one's heart, mind and their Christ-like actions.

RETURN TO CHURCH: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Warren is planning for the return to church with a celebration Welcome Back to Church picnic with a tent on the lawn at the church site at St. James at 12:30 p.m. June 6.

CELEBRATE MARRIAGES: The Diocese of Youngstown will celebrate marriage 25th, 40th and 50th anniversaries at 2 p.m. June 13 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. The celebration will include Mass with Bishop David Bonnar, renewal of marriage vows and a personalized certificate for each couple. Couples will attend in person or remotely via livestreaming the Diocesean website at www.doy.org

BENEFIT FOR CHURCH PANTRY: Champion Cub Scout Pack 4025 will host its first of what is expected to be an annual car, jeep and motorcycle show noon to 4 p.m. June 5 at Champion Christian Church, 151 Center St. The show is free to the public. Vehicle spots on asphalt cost $10. The event is designed to help fill the food pantry at the church with those attending asked to bring a food donation. There will be crafters, vendors and free giveaways.

VESPERS RETURN: First Presbyterian Church of Warren, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, will hold its evening Vesper Services 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the church lawn with music, scripture reading, reflection and prayer. It will continue every two weeks after that. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

The installation of Pastor Betty Angelini as designated pastor of the church will be held 2 p.m. June 6. Her installation was delayed due to the pandemic.

SUMMER CAMPS: Pleasant Valley Church in Liberty will hold summer camps for children from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 to 10. Registration is open for children in kindergarten to eighth grade up to age 14. There will be music, sports, crafts and art. The theme is "Break Out Mystery Camp." Register at

www.pvchurch.net

LABYRINTH EVENT: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa., will offer a virtual introduction to the Labyrinth Journey via Zoom. The theme will be"Virtual Introduction to the Labyrinth Journey"

The virtual labyrinth walk invites participants to an ancient path symbolizing cultural passageways.

Future programs during this ongoing series are scheduled to be held on various dates on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center, tentatively scheduled in person. Registration is preferred for these dates, and group size will be limited to 10 to 15 participants: June 16, July 21, Aug, 18, and Sept. 19.

Guided Labyrinth Walks are offered free.

Call 724-964-8886 or visit our website at vmesc.org.

RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a weeklong individually directed retreat opportunity 7 p.m. June 20 to 10 a.m. June 27 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. The environment of the Villa Maria grounds offers the background for the retreat.

Each retreat attendee will meet individually with a director daily who will help them.

Cost is $565 and includes daily sessions with a spiritual director, lodging and meals from a light supper (at 5:15 pm) on Sunday to breakfast on Sunday.

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

DISPENSATION LIFTED: The Bishops of Ohio have announced that as people move beyond the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and access to the COVID-19 vaccine has become more widespread, the time has arrived for the good of all the faithful when the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer necessary.

The Bishops of Ohio have decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday / Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated in each of the Dioceses of Ohio the weekend of June 5-6. As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

This includes those who are ill have significant health-risk factors or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of people.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to

religion@tribtoday.com. Items are needed by Wednesday for the Saturday paper.

Religion news

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS: Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has made the following clergy appointments:

• Monsignor John Zuraw has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, effective July 1. He will remain chancellor and vicar of pastoral / educational services for the Diocese of Youngstown.

• The Rev. Joseph Ruggieri has been appointed pastor of St. Rose in Girard, effective July 1.

• The Rev. Richard Pentello has been appointed pastor of the University Parish Newman Center in Kent, effective June 1, while remaining the pastor of St. Patrick in Kent.

• The Rev. Matthew Zwilling has been assigned parochial vicar of Our Lady of Peace in Ashtabula, effective July 1.

• Amy Benedetti-Dike has been appointed pro-temp parish leader at Regina Coeli, Alliance and St. Joseph, Maximo, effective July 1. Bishop Bonnar also has appointed Monsignor Lewis Gaetano canonical pastor of those parishes, effective July 1.

Gaetano remains pastor of Christ the Servant in Canton. Father Patrick Manning has been appointed sacramental minister at Regina Coeli, Alliance, and St. Joseph, Maximo, effective July 1. These assignments are temporary and form the first step in finalizing the regionalization plan for Stark County East in the Diocese of Youngstown.

SERVICE FOR MISCARRIED: The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is hosting memorial services for miscarried or stillborn children on Sunday at locations in Youngstown. The Youngstown service will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 248 Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown. Parents, family, grandparents and other relations of any child lost to miscarriage or stillbirth are encouraged to attend.

CELEBRATE WOMEN DAY: Third Christian Church, 241 First St. SW, Warren will celebrate Women's Day hosted by the Christian Women's Fellowship at 11 a.m. May 30.

The Rev. Gena Thornton will be the guest speaker.

WEAR RED: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Austintown, will mark Feast of Pentecost Sunday with liturgies at 8 and 11 a.m. and Mass at 11 a.m. with

those attending asked to wear red.

NEW SERIES: The Greater Apostolic Faith Church has started a series of "Pandemic Pandemonium Outbreaks" with worship, songs and fellowship with various surrounding churches of different faiths throughout the community on Wednesday nights throughout the year. The common denominator for the entire series will be "Loving and Serving God".

GIVEAWAY SET: Eastside Church of God in Christ, 1759 Niles Road, Warren, will host a grocery giveaway 11 a.m. today and June 26 and Aug. 7. Items will be given while they last.

LABYRINTH EVENT: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road

Villa Maria, Pa. will offer a Virtual Introduction to the Labyrinth Journey from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday via Zoom. The virtual labyrinth walk invites participants to take part in an ancient path symbolizing cultural passageways.

Future programs during this ongoing series are scheduled on various dates on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center, tentatively scheduled in person. Registration is preferred for these dates and group size will be limited to 10 to 15 participants: June 16, July 21, Aug, 18 and Sept. 19.

Guided Labyrinth Walks are free.

Call 724-964-8886 or visit our website at vmesc.org.

RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a weeklong individually directed retreat opportunity 7 p.m. June 20 to 10 a.m. June 27 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. The environment of the Villa Maria grounds offers the background for the retreat.

Each retreat attendee will meet individually with a director daily who will help them.

Cost is $565 and includes daily sessions with a spiritual director, lodging and meals from a light supper (at 5:15 pm) on June 20 to breakfast on June 27.

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

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

Religion news

CLERGY CHANGES: Bishop David Bonnar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has made the following clergy appointments:

-- The Rev. Zachary Coulter has been appointed administrator of St. Joseph Randolph, effective June 1, due to the conclusion of Father Thomas Acker's assignment there. Coulter will remain administrator of St. Peter of the Fields in Rootstown.

-- The Rev. Daniel Finnerty has been appointed temporary administrator of St. Mary, Orwell and Sacred Heart, Rock Creek, effective July 1, due to the retirement of Father John Madden. It is expected that a new pastor or administrator will be appointed to these parishes by Oct. 1. Finnerty remains pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Geneva.

-- The Rev. James Korda has been given a special assignment as administrator of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in Campbell with the charge of implementing an assessment of the viability of the parish to be completed in one year or less, effective June 1. Korda will remain in his position of president at CTNY.

Korda's background in communication, attention to details and a steady demeanor will help to implement the regional pastoral plan promulgated by the late Bishop George V. Murry in 2019. The plan calls for one worship site in Campbell.

Christ the Good Shepherd Parish was established on April 29, 2012, as a merged unit from the parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph the Provider, St. Lucy and Sta. Rosa de Lima. Bonnar said with 379 households and with mounting financial debt, it is necessary to study the viability of the parish.

KICK OFF SERIES: The Greater Apostolic Faith Church will be kicking off a series of "Pandemic Pandemonium Outbreaks" with worship, songs and fellowship with various surrounding churches of different faiths throughout the community on Wednesday nights throughout the year, with a common denominator of "Loving and Serving God." The first guest speaker will be from Calvary Ministries International (a sister church) of Youngstown. Bishop C. Shawn Tyson, along with his members and choir, will visit 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Greater Apostolic Faith Church.

SERVICE FOR MISCARRIED: The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is hosting memorial services for miscarried or stillborn children May 23 at locations in Youngstown. The Youngstown service will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 248 Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown. Parents, family, grandparents and other relations of any child lost to miscarriage or stillbirth are encouraged to attend. Call 330-744-8451, Ext. 272.

OUR DAILY BREAD: Our Daily Bread Ministries debuts a six-episode documentary on YouTube sharing the courageous stories of health care workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Our Daily Bread Ministries launched the new episodic documentary, "Instruments of Peace: Faith on the Frontlines." The stories of six health care workers are told through retrospective interviews and in-the-moment diaries captured over the past year, including an ICU nurse in Brooklyn as she tells how she continued to show up for work despite terrible nightmares about the virus.

New episodes air each Monday until May 24 on Our Daily Bread Ministries' YouTube channel.

LABYRINTH EVENT: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road, Villa Maria, Pa., will offer "Virtual Introduction to the Labyrinth Journey" 2 to 4 p.m. May 23 via Zoom.

The virtual labyrinth walk invites people to participate in an ancient path symbolizing cultural passageways.

Future programs during this ongoing series are scheduled on various dates on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center, tentatively set in person. Pre-registration is preferred for these dates, and group size will be limited to 10-15 participants: June 16, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 19.

Guided Labyrinth Walks are offered free. Call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org.

Registration is required for May 23, and there is no group limit to participate on Zoom.

RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a weeklong individually directed retreat opportunity 7 p.m. June 20 to 10 a.m. June 27 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. The environment of the Villa Maria grounds offers the background for the retreat.

Each retreat attendee will meet individually with a director daily who will help them.

Cost is $565 and includes daily sessions with a spiritual director, lodging and meals from a light supper (at 5:15 p.m.) on the first Sunday to breakfast on the next Sunday.

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

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

Religion news

BISHOP APPOINTMENTS: Bishop David Bonnar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has made the following clergy appointments:

* Rev. Steven Agostino, administrator of St. Brendan Parish, Youngstown, effective June 1

* Rev. Simon Mino, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Youngstown effective July 1. He will remain Parochial Vicar of St. Christine Parish, Youngstown.

AWARD RECEIVED: Judging is complete for the 27th annual Communicator Awards, and CTNY, the Catholic Television Network of Youngstown, has been selected by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts to be recognized four 2021 Communicator Awards.

CTNY received two Awards of Excellence and two Awards of Distinction. The Awards of Excellence are for "The Mass for Shut Ins," with the Rev. Jim Korda, and, "Spotlight," with host Korda and guest, Dr. James Kravec, on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two Awards of Distinction are for "Wineskins," with radio host, the Rev. Jim Korda, and "The Funeral Mass for Bishop George V. Murry, SJ." The mission of the Communicator Awards is to seek out and recognize outstanding work in marketing and communications.

The Communicator Award honors those who spread their message to the world. It is the leading international creative awards program of its kind. The prestigious award is hand-made and customized by the craftsmen at RS Owens, the same firm that produces the Oscar and Emmy Awards. CTNY has received a total of 17 Communicator Awards.

WALK FOR LIFE: This year's Walk for Life to benefit the Friends of Pregnancy Help Center will be today at the Canfield Fairgrounds. For information, visit phcwalk.com.

RETURN TO CHURCH: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Warren is planning for the return to church with a celebration Welcome Back to Church picnic with a tent on the lawn at the church site at St. James at 12:30 p.m. June 6.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a Wedding Anniversary Celebration to honor couples who are observing their 25th, 40th, 50th or over anniversaries at 2 p.m. on June 13 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish before May 13.

The celebration will include Mass with Bishop David Bonnar, renewal of marriage vows and a personalized certificate for each couple. Couples may opt to attend the Mass in person at St. Columba Cathedral or they may participate remotely via livestreaming on the diocesan website at www.doy.org. Limited spaces are available for couples at the cathedral.

To register, or for more information, couples are to contact their parish office.

SERVICE FOR MISCARRIED: The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is hosting memorial services for miscarried or stillborn children on May 23 at locations in Youngstown. The Youngstown service will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 248 Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown. Parents, family, grandparents and other relations of any child lost to miscarriage or stillbirth are encouraged to attend. Call 330-744-8451 ext. 272.

THEOLOGY PROGRAM: Those interested in a locally hosted, part-time, graduate-level program in theology and spirituality from a Catholic university can attend upcoming information sessions concerning the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program of Loyola University New Orleans. Information will be shared and questions answered in a virtual meeting, 7 p.m. May 12 or 10 a.m. May 18, or in person 4 p.m. May 20 at St. Michael Church Hall, 300 N. Broad St, Canfield. Make a reservation to attend one of these sessions, whether online or in person, to learn about the program and application procedures.

Plans are that a local learning group will begin this fall.

For information contact Joan Lawson of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, 330-744-8451 x290, or email jlawson<\@>youngstowndiocese.org

OUR DAILY BREAD: Our Daily Bread Ministries debuts a six-episode documentary on YouTube sharing the courageous stories of health care workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Our Daily Bread Ministries launched the new episodic documentary, "Instruments of Peace: Faith on the Frontlines," revealing the extraordinary courage of six frontline workers who faced the darkness head on -- in some of the hardest hit places in the world -- and found renewed hope and strength in the steadfast promises of their faith.

Told through retrospective interviews and in-the-moment diaries captured over the past year, including an ICU nurse in Brooklyn, as she tells how she continued to show up for work despite terrible nightmares about the virus.

New episodes air each Monday until May 24, on Our Daily Bread Ministries' YouTube channel.

RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a weeklong individually directed retreat opportunity 7 p.m. June 20 to 10 a.m. June 27 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. The environment of the Villa Maria grounds offers the background for the retreat.

Each retreat attendee will meet individually with a director daily who will help them.

Cost is $565 and includes daily sessions with a spiritual director, lodging and meals from a light supper (at 5:15 pm) on Sunday to breakfast on Sunday.

Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or 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.

Religion news

CONCERT AT CHURCHES: New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host Sojourner Quartet from Findlay at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The quartet will be ministering in song at Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, at 6 p.m. Sunday. A free will offering will be accepted, but the song services are free.

WALK FOR LIFE: This year's Walk for Life to benefit the Friends of Pregnancy Help Center will be May 8 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. To register and for information, visit phcwalk.com. For information, call Jessica at 330-788-4000, ext. 13.

DAY OF PRAYER IN YOUNGSTOWN: The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley will participate in National Day of Prayer on Thursday with the public invited to take part virtually. This year marks the 70th annual National Day of Prayer and has set a goal of 100 people to sign up to pray on the national day observance.

The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by President Harry Truman and is held the first Thursday in May. Prayers will be said for government, military, education, church, family, media, business, and family. Sign up at www.RescueMissionMV.org.

DAY OF PRAYER IN HUBBARD: Hubbard Christians in Action will host a National Day of Prayer noon Thursday at the Hubbard administration building senior center. The event will take place rain or shine and will have prayers for the country, military members and the community.

DAY OF PRAYER IN SALEM: The 15th annual National Day of Prayer observance will be noon Thursday at the Salem Memorial Building. The event also will be broadcast via the wesbite at praysalem.org and cable channel 1021 later in the day. This year's theme is "Lord pour out your Love, Life and Liberty." The event will include a proclamation for Salem city, flag presentation, musical selections and Scripture readings and prayers by clergy and lay people.

BLESSING OF CARS: A Blessing of the Cars will be 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Continuing Healthcare at the Ridge, 3379 Main St., Mineral Ridge. People of all denominations can drive by Continuing Healthcare at the Ridge and Reverend Mykhaylo Farynetts of Infant Jesus of Prague Church in Boardman will bless them from their vehicle. Those who attend also will receive a blessed angel keychain and special prayer card. For information and to register, call 330-652-9901.

CHURCH TO BE AUCTIONED: The former Richard Brown Memorial United Methodist Church on Youngstown's North Side will be offered for online auction. The 4,400-square-foot stone building was built in 1905 and was designed by famed architect Charles Owsley. The online bidding site is by ceonline.com, and final bidding and closing for the online auction will be 4 p.m. May 24.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a Wedding Anniversary Celebrations to honor couples who are observing their 25th, 40th, 50th or over anniversaries in 2021 at 2 p.m. on June 13 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish before May 13.

The celebration will include Mass with Bishop David Bonnar, renewal of marriage vows and a personalized certificate for each couple. Couples may opt to attend the Mass in person or they may participate remotely via livestreaming on the diocesan website at www.doy.org. Limited spaces are available for couples at the cathedral.

To register, or for more information, couples are to contact their parish office.

PROGRAM OFFERED: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road, Villa Maria, Pa., will offer a virtual presentation via Zoom with Maureen Lauer-Gatta and Dena DeLuco, entitled "Virtual Women's Retreat." This opportunity will take place 7 p.m. May 7 to 4 p.m. May 8 in four sessions. During the retreat the focus is on specific practices and tools to help you show up more fully as who you are meant to be.

Cost is $45 with program information and registration available at 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.