Religion news

WORLD AIDS DAY: Ursuline Sisters Mission, which operates the Ursuline Sisters HIV / AIDS Ministry, is leading the local commemoration of World AIDS Day. Other partners include the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Full Spectrum Community Outreach and Equitas Health.

The annual event aims to increase awareness, combat stigma and support people affected by HIV / AIDS.

While World Aids Day is Dec. 1, which is Friday, the Ursuline Sisters HIV / AIDS Ministry will host events 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield.

The gathering opens with prayer and a candlelight vigil at 3:30 p.m. in the Ursuline Center Auditorium; a call to action in at 4 p.m. in the Ursuline Center lobby; and a Remembrance and Reflection guided labyrinth walk at 4:30 p.m.

Beginning Monday, USM will display red ribbons at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown, 1107 Elm St.; Equitas Health, 7067 Tiffany Blvd., Boardman; and the Ursuline Center, to remind us that people are living with HIV in every community. Each ribbon symbolizes 40 people living with HIV in the Mahoning Valley.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown speaker series season will host a luncheon noon Dec. 7 with guest speaker Joseph Torma, retired professor at Walsh College.

Torma will present "The Domestic Church: Becoming Renewed Catholics" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield.

There will be an opportunity for participants' questions following the talk. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. Cost is $20, and reservations must be made by Dec. 1 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited.

Torma worked for the Diocese of Rochester, New York, organizing and training parish social action communities. He has written several books.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Greater Apostolic Faith Church, 3571 Tod Ave. NW, Warren, will hold a leadership conference 9:45 a.m. Dec. 9. Refreshments will be served.

Guests are Pastor Jeffery Ball of Ritman, Pastor N. Strange of Canton, Pastor Steve Kline of Warren and Pastor Dewey Salyers of Niles.

PARENT NIGHT OUT: Bristol Community Church, at the corner of state routes 45 and 88, is encouraging parents to bring their children ages 3 to 11 to the church 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for an evening for kids. Called "Parents Night Out," the evening will wrap around a birthday party for Jesus and activities to celebrate Christmas, kid-style.

In addition to the traditional birthday cake, the children will enjoy pizza, games, crafts, music and the story of the first Christmas during the course of the evening.

There is no charge and each child will make a seasonal craft, which they will take home with them. Call Gayle at 330-647-9111.

ADVENT PROGRAM: St. Columba Cathedral will present its annual Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. The service will feature the Cathedral choir under the direction of Ralph Holtzhauser, cathedral lectors coordinated by Laura Elder, and families of the parish led by Sister Martha Reed. Bishop David Bonnar will preside.

The event is free but a freewill offering will benefit the Cathedral music program. There will be a reception afterward in the parish hall. Security and ample free parking will be provided.

MESSIAH: The Diocese of Youngstown is partnering with the Warren Civic Chorus to bring Handel's "Messiah" to St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. This concert will feature a collaboration with the Warren Civic Chorus Singers and music directors from the diocese

The concert will be 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A freewill offering will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Warren Civic Chorus will perform Handel's "Messiah" 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Warren. There will be a dress rehearsal 8 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2. Call Bob Kraynak at 330-824-3134 or email him at kraynak53@gmail.com.

MEN OF FAITH: The Trumbull County Men of Faith breakfast has moved to Aulizio's Banquet Center, 4359 Youngstown Road SE, Warren.

Breakfast is still on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m., with guest speakers addressing issues men deal with in their Christian walk.

Discussion Dec. 2 will be on plans for the Men's Rally in the Valley in Youngstown on April 8. The rally highlights ministries in the area.

For information about the Trumbull Men of Faith Breakfast in Warren call, text or email Bob Faver at 330-770-6675 or

bobfaver101@gmail.com.

SEASON OF GIVING: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host the annual Season of Giving campaign. The annual 60-day campaign benefits those in need throughout the six-county Diocese of Youngstown. Gifts to Catholic Charities.

There are many ways to engage with Catholic Charities during the annual celebration, including in-person events and online at https://www.ccdoy.org/season-of-giving/.

The second annual Breakfast with the Bishop will be 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown. The event features a presentation from Bishop David J. Bonnar, a holiday bake sale, a basket raffle, a perishable / taxable goods collection and "education stations" highlighting Catholic Charities' ministries and services.

Tickets are $25 per person by advance sale only.

FOOD DRIVE: The third annual food drive to benefit the people of Grahn, Kentucky, is taking place at the churches of Trumbull North, including St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, St. William in Champion and St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna.

Items can be dropped off in the churches' halls or basements during service hours. Suggested items include but are not limited to peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, baking supplies, rice and boxed potatoes.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

FOOD COLLECTION: St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown will collect nonperishable food items to support the needs of its parish community and those at St. Edward Parish, also in Youngstown, the weekend of Dec. 2 and 3. Donation bins will be located at the back and front entrances of the church. Anyone wanting to make a cash donation or donate a gift card to local grocery stores can place their donation in an envelope marked "food donation" and put in the collection basket. The collection takes place the first weekend of every month. Suggested items are macaroni and cheese, canned soup / meat / vegetables / fruit, pasta and sauce, small container of peanut butter and jelly, crackers and granola bars.

CONCERT SET: The St. Robert's Contemporary Ensemble will reunite for a benefit concert at the church in Cortland. Music will include contemporary Christian, old favorites, secular numbers and a few original songs. The concert will be at 7 p.m. today after the 6 p.m. Mass.

The concert is free.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Upcoming events for the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, Pulaski, Pa., include:

¯ The virtual series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger, 7 p.m. Dec. 6 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website. This month's topic is Chanukah Music.

¯ Taize Prayer, 7 p.m. Dec. 12 in the surroundings of Magnificat Chapel. Taize is a form a Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. One is invited to rest in God through the singing of psalm verses and other simple chants, alternating with periods of silent reflection. The theme is "Advent."

Music ministers are Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn.

Call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org for information.

Religion news

GUEST SPEAKER: St. Christine Catholic Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, will have guest speaker Maggie Craig at 6 p.m. Sunday. Craig will talk about how to deepen one's relationship with Christ.

PIANO CONCERT: St. Joseph Church in Austintown will host a four-hands piano concert at 5 p.m. Sunday. On Thursday, the Thanksgiving Mass will begin at 9 a.m. at the church.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host a Thanksgiving Eve service 7 p.m. Wednesday. The service will feature the center's music directors, Mina and Rick Miller.

SOUND THERAPY: Unity Spiritual Centre is offering sound therapy with Maria and and Calvin Wagner of the Center for Sound Therapy at 7 p.m,. today at the center, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road. Sound therapy has been used for centuries by many cultures for balance and healing. Fellowship hour is at 6 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown speaker series season will host a luncheon at noon Dec. 7 with guest speaker Joseph Torma, retired professor at Walsh College.

Torma will present "The Domestic Church: Becoming Renewed Catholics" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.

There will be an opportunity for participants' questions following the talk. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. Cost is $20 and reservations must be made by Dec. 1 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited.

Torma was born and raised in a very traditional Catholic family. While working on his master's degree in theology, he worked as a social worker in Detroit. He taught theology at Creighton University, where he started the university's Community Service Center. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Ottawa was "The American Catholic Reaction to the Concept of Social Action in Vatican II."

Torma worked for the Diocese of Rochester, New York, organizing and training parish social action communities. He worked at St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester as field education director, social ministry professor and chairman of Pastoral Studies Division. Torma also helped to develop the permanent diaconate program. Torma went on to work for 37 years at Walsh University, teaching across the spectrum of theology and directing both the Institute for Justice and Peace and the Pastoral Ministry Degree Program.

He has written several books.

SEASON OF GIVING: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host the annual Season of Giving campaign. The annual 60-day campaign benefits those in need throughout the six-county Diocese of Youngstown. Gifts to Catholic Charities will keep families stably housed, put food on tables and allow utility services to remain connected. Such gifts express the love of God and compassion for one another.

There are many ways to engage with Catholic Charities during the annual celebration, including in-person events and online at https://www.ccdoy.org/season-of-giving/.

The #GivingTuesday Online Fundraiser on Nov. 28, aims to collect more than $20,000 in just 24 hours. Thanks to Catholic Charities' corporate sponsors, all donations received online on #GivingTuesday will be matched, up to $10,000.

BREAKFAST WITH BISHOP : The second annual Breakfast with the Bishop will take place 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown. The event features a presentation from Bishop David J. Bonnar, a holiday bake sale, a basket raffle, a perishable / taxable goods collection, and "Education Stations" highlighting Catholic Charities' ministries and services. Tickets are $25 per person. Advance sales only.

FOUNDERS DAY: First Presbyterian Church in Warren will host a Founder's Day celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday. Those members with 50 or more years will be recognized. On Nov. 19, 1803, the Rev. Joseph Badger founded a congregation composed of four women and two men. This Congregation survives today as the First Presbyterian Church of Warren.

BRISTOL CHURCH PROGRAM: Bristol Community Church, state Routes 45 and 88, is postponing the weekly GriefShare sessions until after the holidays because of unforeseen circumstances. For information, call 330-889-3181.

MESSIAH: The Diocese of Youngstown is partnering with the Warren Civic Chorus to bring Handel's "Messiah" to St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. This concert will feature a collaboration with the Warren Civic Chorus Singers and music directors from the diocese

The concert will be 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 followed by a reception in the parish hall. A free-will offering will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

FOOD DRIVE: The third annual food drive to benefit the people of Grahn, Kentucky, is taking place at the churches of Trumbull North, including St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, St. William in Champion and St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna.

The churches are gathering non-perishable food items for the residents of Grahn, a disadvantaged community of 125 families nestled in the Appalachian region. Items can be dropped off in the churches' halls or basements during service hours. Suggested items include, but are not limited to, peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, baking supplies, rice and boxed potatoes.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

CONCERT SET: The St. Robert's Contemporary Ensemble will reunite for a benefit concert at the church in Cortland. Music will include contemporary Christian, old favorites, secular numbers and a few original songs. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 after the 6 p.m. Mass.

The concert is free and open to all. A goodwill offering will take place to benefit the food drive for residents of Grahn, Kentucky, a disadvantaged Appalachian community in need of a boost for the holiday season.

Food donations also may be dropped off during church hours at any of the three Trumbull North parishes, St. Robert, St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna and St. William in Champion.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, is offering several upcoming events:

∫ The virtual series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website. This month's topic is Chanukah Music.

BAZETTA CHURCH 175: Bazetta Christian Church will culminate its yearlong 175th anniversary celebration with a special service 10 a.m Sunday. The church is one of the oldest churches in Trumbull County. Former Bazetta Christian Church clergy will be participating.

There will be celebratory meal following the service. You must phone the Bazetta Christian Church office to give your name and number attending at 330-637-6312.

YOUTH SHOWCASE: A local community youth group under Pride and Joy Today LLC will be collaborating with a few nonprofits to showcase youth from the community at the youth showcase 5 to 7 p.m. today at 1137 Main Ave., Warren. The event was organized by the youth of Pride and Joy Today LLC and Torch Youth Group, led by Pastor Paul Ringold.

CHURCH HOSTS EVENT: Behind Closed Doors Ministries LLC, of Ohio has opened a new office location at 345 High St. NE, Suite A, Warren. On Sunday, there will be a worship service online. On Thanksgiving Day, a free community dinner will be 2 to 5 p.m. at Alta Behavioral Healthcare Camp Challenge, 939 Wilkinson Ave., Youngstown. RSVP to 330- 881-3434 or register online at https://form.jotform.com/232954190587163

T

Religion news

REVIVAL: One Nation Kingdom Ministries will host a revival at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Focus Building, 2041 Niles Road SE, Warren. Guest speaker is evangelist Michael Vance of South Carolina.

FALL FESTIVAL: First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., Niles, will host a free fall family event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Behind Closed Doors Ministries LLC of Ohio will host a soft opening 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at its new office, 345 High St. NE Suite A, Warren. On Thanksgiving Day, from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 23, the church will host a free community dinner.

BRISTOL CHURCH PROGRAM: Bristol Community Church, state Routes 45 and 88, will postpone the weekly GriefShare sessions until after the holidays due to unforeseen circumstances. For information, call 330-889-3181.

MESSIAH: The Diocese of Youngstown is partnering with the Warren Civic Chorus to bring Handel's "Messiah!" to St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. This concert will feature a collaboration with the Warren Civic Chorus Singers and music directors from the diocese

The concert will be 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A freewill offering will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

CHURCH RIBBON CUTTING: Second Baptist Church "A House of Hope," 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren, will celebrate its 107th church anniversary with a special homecoming service at 10 a.m. Sunday. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Rickey Brown, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Wooster and moderator of the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association.

As part of the festivities, a "Legacy Choir" made up of present and former members of various Second Baptist choirs will render music and those members who have served in the armed forces will receive special recognition in honor of Veterans Day. Immediately following the service, there will be a ribbon- cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Maj. Tim Raimey Community Pavilion at the Garden of Hope. After his death in October 2022, the church undertook the project and held a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 1.

BAZETTA CHURCH 175TH: Bazetta Christian Church will culminate its yearlong 175th anniversary celebration with a special service at 10 a.m. Nov. 19. The church is one of the oldest churches in Trumbull County. Former Bazetta Christian Church clergy will participate.

A celebratory meal will follow the service. Guests must call the Bazetta Christian Church office to give their name and number attending at 330-637-6312.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host a Thanksgiving Eve service at 7 p.m. Nov. 22. The service will feature the center's music directors, Mina and Rick Miller.

SOUND THERAPY: Unity Spirituality Centre is offering Sound Therapy with Maria and Calvin Wagner of the Center for Sound Therapy at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the center, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road. Sound therapy has been used for centuries by different cultures for balance and healing. Fellowship hour is 6 p.m.

SERVICE CANCELED: Because of illness, Bryan Basket had to cancel his healing service Sunday at the Unity Spirituality Centre in Liberty.

Basket will be back the second Sunday in December to resume his regular schedule.

GUEST SPEAKER: St. Christine Catholic Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, will host guest speaker Maggie Craig at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. Craig will talk about how to deepen one's relationship with Christ.

BLESSING CUPBOARD: Church of the Holy Spirit, 1996 Coit Road, Warren, will offer a Blessing Cupboard to reach out to the community. Individuals needing assistance with food items can stop and take what they need. The cupboard is located at the front of the church. To donate items, place them in the cupboard. Only nonperishable items will be accepted, and no glass containers are allowed.

VETERANS DAY: Cortland Christian Church, 153 Grove Drive, will host a Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. Sunday with Kenneth David as special guest speaker. David is a U.S. Army veteran and received the nation's second highest award for extraordinary heroism, the Distinguished Service Cross.

SEASON OF GIVING: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host the annual Season of Giving campaign. The annual 60-day campaign benefits those in need throughout the six-county Diocese of Youngstown. Gifts to Catholic Charities will keep families stably housed, put food on tables, allow utility services to remain connected, and expresses the love of God and compassion for one another.

Many ways are available to engage with Catholic Charities during the annual celebration, including in-person events and online at https://www.ccdoy.org/season-of-giving/.

The #GivingTuesday Online Fundraiser, Nov. 28, aims to collect more than $20,000 in just 24 hours. Thanks to Catholic Charities' corporate sponsors, all donations received online on #GivingTuesday will be matched, up to $10,000.

The second annual Breakfast with the Bishop will be 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown. The event features a presentation from Bishop David J. Bonnar, a holiday bake sale, a basket raffle, a perishable /taxable goods collection, and "Education Stations" highlighting Catholic Charities' ministries and services. Tickets are $25 per person. Advance sales only.

FOOD DRIVE: The third annual food drive to benefit the people of Grahn, Kentucky, is taking place at the churches of Trumbull North, including St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, St. William in Champion and St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna.

The churches are gathering nonperishable food items for the residents of Grahn, a disadvantaged community of 125 families nestled in the Appalachian region. Items can be dropped off in the churches' halls or basements during service hours. Suggested items include, but are not limited to, peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, baking supplies, rice and boxed potatoes.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

CONCERT SET: The St. Robert's Contemporary Ensemble will reunite for a benefit concert at the church in Cortland. Music will include contemporary Christian, old favorites, secular numbers and a few original songs. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 25, directly after the 6 p.m. Mass.

The concert is free and open to all. A goodwill offering will take place to benefit the food drive for residents of Grahn, Kentucky.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, is offering several upcoming events:

• Coffee and Contemplation -- 10 to 11:50 a.m. Tuesday. This series focuses on a variety of spiritual and holistic topics. The program provides participants with input from a presenter and includes time for reflection and discussion.

Janet Burkhart, HM, will present this month's session in person and via Zoom. Cost is $10. Registration and information are available online at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.

• Tanak Studies for Christians -- Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh -- with Father George Balasko, will be 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Conference Center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website. This month's topic is "Why was Jesus from Galilee?"

The Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using video resources from various scripture scholars.

A freewill offering will be accepted. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

• Enneagram with Cheryl Rose, HM, will be 7 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Nov. 18. The Enneagram is a personality theory combining the insights of modern psychology with proven wisdom of ancient philosophies. Cost is $140. Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

• The virtual series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website. This month's topic is Chanukah Music.

FIRST FRIDAY SPEAKER: The 18th season of the First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown's monthly speaker series continues Dec. 7 with former Walsh University professor Dr. Joseph Torma, who will present "The Domestic Church: Becoming Renewed Catholics."

The lecture will take place at noon Dec. 7 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. An opportunity for participants' questions will follow the talk.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20. Call by Dec. 1 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited.

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For questions, call religion writer Bob Coupland at 330-841-1773.

Deadline is Wednesday for inclusion in the Saturday edition.

Religion news

Staff report

ALL SOULS DAY: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 3900 Villa Marie Road, Campbell, will host an All Souls Day Mass at 2 p.m. Sunday in the office chapel.

FOOD COLLECTION: St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown will collect nonperishable food items to support the needs of its parish community and those at St. Edward Parish, also in Youngstown, this weekend. Donation bins will be located at the back and front entrances of the church. Anyone wanting to make a cash donation or donate a gift card to local grocery stores can place their donation in an envelope marked "food donation" and put it in the collection basket. The collection will take place the first weekend of every month.

GOLDEN TICKET EVENT: The Golden Ticket Event 2023 Black and Gold Banquet with Perfecting Faith International Global Ministries will honor the founders, Apostle Wayne Penny Sr. and Apostle / Prophetess Deldra Penny, who have 42 years of combined service in global ministry. The event will be Nov. 11 at Family Community Center, 375 Boardman Poland Road. Cost is $47 per person or $80 a couple. For tickets, visit apostlepennyanniversary

42.rsvpify.com.

FALL FESTIVAL: First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St. Niles, will host a free fall family event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11.

GUEST SPEAKER: St. Christine Catholic Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, will have guest speaker Maggie Craig at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. Craig will talk about how to deepen one's relationship with Christ.

GATHERING PLACE: The Gathering Place will be discussed 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield. The program will celebrate the Gathering Place's 10th year. The free community outreach social program for senior citizens take place on the second Monday of every month. RSVP by Friday by calling Woody Gingery at 330-360-0419 or the church at 330-533-3531 or email gpcanfield@gmail.com.

SEASON OF GIVING: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host the annual Season of Giving campaign. The annual 60-day campaign benefits those in need throughout the six-county Diocese of Youngstown. Gifts to Catholic Charities will keep families stably housed, put food on tables, allow utility services to remain connected, and expresses the love of God and compassion for one another.

There are many ways to engage with Catholic Charities during the annual celebration, including in-person events and online at https://www.ccdoy.org/season-of-giving/.

The #GivingTuesday Online Fundraiser, Nov. 28, aims to collect more than $20,000 in just 24 hours. Thanks to Catholic Charities' corporate sponsors, all donations received online on #GivingTuesday will be matched, up to $10,000.

The second annual Breakfast with the Bishop will be 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown. The event features a presentation from Bishop David J. Bonnar, a holiday bake sale, a basket raffle, a perishable/taxable goods collection, and "Education Stations" highlighting Catholic Charities' ministries and services. Tickets are $25 per person. Advance sales only.

WINNING FOR LIFE: The Church of Genesis, 303 N. Cedar Street in New Castle, Pa., will host the third installment of its "Winning in Life" message series on Sunday. "Fighting Back" will be the theme that day with four-time Steelers Super Bowl champion and Vietnam War veteran Rocky Bleier as the featured speaker. Those attending will be able to meet Rocky in the sanctuary after the 10:15 a.m. service. Then at 1 p.m., area veterans will have the opportunity to attend a luncheon with Bleier where they will be honored for their military service.

The "Winning in Life" programs at Church of Genesis are open to the public. Those interested in attending should register online at www.churchofgenesis.com.

UGANDAN CLERGYMAN: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 2229 Reeves Road, Warren, will host Father Simon Menya, a clergyman form Northern Uganda, at 6 p.m. Wednesday. He will discuss how villages in his region of Northern Uganda are recovering from two decades of civil wars. The event will be a fundraiser to learn of his ministry and help support his efforts.

ALL SOULS DAY: In remembrance of All Soul's Day, Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St., Warren, will be lit with hundreds of candles for a service of compliance at 7 p.m. Sunday. The ancient liturgy will feature chants and hymns sung by the men of the parish choir. Susanna Reilly will play the cello.

BRISTOL CHURCH PROGRAM: Bristol Community Church, state Routes 45 and 88, is hosting weekly GriefShare session at 4 p.m. Sundays. The gatherings are aimed ay helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one and are offered free as a ministry of the church. Weekly handouts and refreshments will be available to those who attend. The two-hour sessions, led by Pastor Shirley Frantz, will be Sunday through the end of November. For information, call 330-889-3181.

This week covers two subjects that have been known to cause distress for those who have lost a loved one. The theme will be "Loneliness and Sadness -- Life after your Loss."

No pre-registration is required and all materials, as well as weekly refreshments, are provided.

ALTERNATE GIFT GIVING: First Presbyterian Church of Warren will host its annual alternative gift giving at 11 a.m. Sunday. This year's participants are Animal Welfare League, Free Indeed Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank, Girls Leading Our World and Water for the People.

BLESSING CUPBOARD: Church of the Holy Spirit, 1996 Coit Road, Warren, will offer a Blessing Cupboard to reach out to the community. Individuals needing assistance with food items can stop and take what they need. The cupboard is located at the front of the church. To donate items, place them in the cupboard. Only non-perishable items will be accepted and no glass containers are allowed.

VETERANS DAY: Cortland Christian Church, 153 Grove Drive, will host a veterans program at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 with Kenneth David as special guest speaker. David is a U.S. Army veteran and received the nation's second highest award for extraordinary heroism, the Distinguished Service Cross.

FOOD DRIVE: The third annual food drive to benefit the people of Grahn, Kentucky, is taking place at the churches of Trumbull North, including St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, St. William in Champion and St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna.

The churches are gathering non-perishable food items for the residents of Grahn, a disadvantaged community of 125 families nestled in the Appalachian region. Items can be dropped off in the churches' halls or basements during service hours. Suggested items include, but are not limited to, peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, baking supplies, rice and boxed potatoes.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

CONCERT SET: The St. Robert's Contemporary Ensemble will reunite for a benefit concert at the church in Cortland. Music will include contemporary Christian, old favorites, secular numbers and a few original songs. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 25, directly after the 6 p.m. Mass.

The concert is free and open to all. A goodwill offering will take place to benefit the food drive for residents of Grahn, Kemtucky, a disadvantaged Appalachian community in need of a boost for the holiday season.

Food donations also may be dropped off during church hours at any of the three Trumbull North parishes, St. Robert, St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna and St. William in Champion.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, is offering several upcoming events:

Coffee and Contemplation -- 10 to 11:50 a.m. Nov. 14. This series focuses on a variety of spiritual and holistic topics. The program provides participants with input from a presenter and includes time for reflection and discussion.

Janet Burkhart, HM, will present this month's session in person and via Zoom. Cost is $10. Registration and information are available online at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.

Tanak Studies for Christians -- Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh -- with Fr. George Balasko, will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Conference Center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website.

This month's topic is Why was Jesus from Galilee?

The 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 accepted. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

Enneagram with Cheryl Rose, HM, will be 7 p.m. Nov. 17 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18. The Enneagram is a personality theory combining the insights of modern psychology with proven wisdom of ancient philosophies. Cost is $140. Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

BEHIND CLOSED DOOR: Behind Closed Doors Ministries LLC, of Ohio will host a soft opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at new office, 345 High St. NE., Suite A, Warren. On Thanksgiving Day, from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 23, the church will host a free Thanksgiving community dinner.