ST. IGNATIUS, HICKORY
St. Ignatius parishioner to become deacon
James Longenecker, a parishioner of St. Ignatius, Hickory, was accepted into the candidacy period of the Diaconate Formation program in the archdiocese. Since September, Mr. Longenecker has been in the aspirancy period as he and the archdiocese further discerned his vocation to the diaconate. The candidacy period covers three years, which includes studying at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Roland Park, to cover the breadth of the theological disciplines.
Beginning January 2009, the pastoral formation will include a year-long internship to a prison, hospital or social outreach center, and a parish assignment will follow. The St. Ignatius parish office asks for prayer for Mr. Longenecker, his wife, Nadine, and their family during the full and demanding process over the three years.
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ST. ANN, HAGERSTOWN
Send stuffed animals around the world
It’s never too early to help those in need. St. Ann, Hagerstown, is thinking ahead to Christmas, and will collect new and gently used small stuffed animals to help fill shoebox gifts for children around the world. Many of these children have never received gifts and may be delighted to have a soft and cuddly friend.
Also accepted are small dolls, balls, and toy cars and trucks, items which can fit into a shoebox. Donations will be packaged for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan Purse, and are accepted in the parish office through Nov. 5. Contact Kelly Tharp at 301-733-0410, ext. 12, with questions, or e-mail ktharp@stannchurch.com.
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OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, ELLICOTT CITY
Sleeping bags needed in Tanzania
While visiting Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ellicott City, Sister Virginia Azcueta, S.F.C.C., is appealing for donations of sleeping bags for the Queen of Peace youth ministry in the diocese of Shinyanga, Tanzania. Each year the Young Catholic Students from various schools in the diocese gather for a weeklong Easter conference, she said, yet there is a limited supply of mattresses. Sleeping bags can help the young people take part in this special event.
Sister Virginia is in Maryland visiting family and will return to Tanzania Aug. 31. She will transport some of the sleeping bags, and others will be shipped to Queen of Peace Youth Center where Sister Virginia serves.
Sleeping bags can be dropped off in the marked container at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4795 Ilchester Road. A $10 offering will help cover shipping costs.
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OUR LADY OF FIELDS
Prayers for life
As part of the national 40 Days for Life campaign, parishioners of Our Lady of the Fields, Millersville, are holding daily hour-long prayer services before the Blessed Sacrament. The services are led by Father Jon Kightlinger, associate pastor, or Deacon Nick Pitocco and are designed to support a culture of life through prayer. They are held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7:45-8:45 p.m. on Sundays.
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