Bishop's Appeal

Bishop's Appeal
YOUNGSTOWN -- The 2001 annual Bishop's Appeal in the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is the most successful annual fund drive in the history of the 58-year-old diocese. Pledges surpass $3.9 million. The goal was $3.4 million.
More than 36,000 donors from the 116 parishes and two missions of the diocese have contributed with donations up 23 percent over last year's appeal.
The success of the Bishop's Appeal comes at a time when the downturn in the economy has affected both donors and the assets held by charitable organizations. In addition, since the Sept. 11 attacks, charities have seen a drop in donations because donors steered contributions to relief efforts and mail appeals were canceled.
"The Catholic people in the Diocese of Youngstown continue to demonstrate overwhelming generosity even in the most difficult times," said diocesan Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
"I am most grateful for their response to our Bishop's Appeal. Catholic people have contributed over $109,000 to the disaster fund established."
The appeal funds the work of Catholic Charities, which serves the needy in all six counties of the diocese.
Parishes that surpass appeal goals also receive a 100 percent rebate of the money raised above their goal.
According to Pat Palombo, diocesan director of development and stewardship, "To date, 85 of the 188 parishes and missions have surpassed their appeal goal and will receive rebate checks next March. Parishes use these funds to provide services and meet needs in their parish community."
Peacemaker awards
MINERAL RIDGE -- The Peacemaking Subcommittee of Eastminster Presbytery will recognize local peacemaking efforts at its 10th annual Peacemaker Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge.
Each year, people and organizations that have made significant contributions to peace are honored.
This year, the winners are: Dr. Carol Baird, Youngstown; Harry and Mary Lu Buck, Youngstown; the Rev. Janet Lowery, Akron; Sister Patricia McNicholas, Youngstown; Arthur Minson, Akron; William H. Rogers, Akron; the Rev. Harold Walker, Kent; and the Youngstown Connection.
The dinner will include a program by the Youngstown Connection, a singing and performing group of students from Youngstown's high schools.
Assignment announced
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Most Rev. Robert J. Shaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon in Los Angeles, has announced the assignment of Rev. Anthony J. Salim to the position of full-time director of the office of religious education.
Father Salim will relocate to the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. He has served the St. Maron Parish here as pastor since 1988.
The Rev. Gary George, who has been the parochial vicar of St. Maron's for the past two years, will be acting administrator of the parish until further notice.
An evening prayer service and farewell social will be held in Father Salim's honor beginning at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 5.
Labyrinth walk
YOUNGSTOWN -- First Presbyterian Church will present "Prayer in Motion" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 20, when people can walk on its new canvas labyrinth.
The labyrinth is a replica of one constructed about 1200 A.D. in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral, France.
Remembrance service
AUSTINTOWN -- Catholics and Orthodox Ukrainians will have an ecumenical service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Anne's Ukrainian Catholic Church to remember the more than six million Ukrainian farmers who starved to death in Russia under Joseph Stalin's rule.
A documentary will be shown before the service. A collection will be taken for area charities, and a coffee hour will follow the service.
A date in Advent was chosen for the memorial to remind people during a time of feasting how others suffered under intolerable politics.