For engaged couples

For engaged couples

VILLA MARIA, Pa. — Engaged couples are invited to attend “2008 Marriage Preparation: It’s about the Loving,” on Feb. 16 and 17 at Villa Maria Community Center. An experienced team of married couples, clergy, religious and financial and legal counsel will present programs.

Cost is $240 per couple and includes all materials, meals, socials and lodging. A commuter rate of $140 per couple is available. Registration is required. For information, call (724) 964-8920, ext. 3241, or send e-mail to cwilpula@humilityofmary.org.

DVD series

MINERAL RIDGE — The adult church school class at First Presbyterian Church, 3654 Main St., will begin a study based on a DVD series titled, “Tales from the Madhouse.” Set inside the crumbling walls of a dilapidated Victorian sanitorium, the tale tells of six mysterious characters who reveal their secret stories to the visiting camera. The six are linked by one unifying and crucial event in their lives: Each of them had a brief encounter with Jesus of Nazareth in some way. The class, which meets at 9:15 a.m. in the church lounge, will follow this schedule: Feb. 10, “Pilate’s Wife;” Feb. 17, “The Best Friend;” Feb. 24, “The Servant Girl;” March 2, “Barabbas;” March 9, “The Centurion;” and March 16, “The Thief.”

About economics

AUSTINTOWN — Austintown Community Church, 242 S. Canfield-Niles Road, will begin a new sermon series, “In God We Trust: Rediscovering Transformational Economics,” during worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Throughout February and into March, the Rev. David B. Duffy, pastor, will discuss what God’s word has to say about our relationship with money.

Retreat planned

VILLA MARIA, Pa. — Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a special weekend retreat Feb. 29-March 1 featuring the Rev. Emmanuel Charles McCarthy. Father McCarthy is a former lawyer, university educator and one of the founders of Pax Christi. He has conducted retreats throughout the world on the issue of the relationship of faith and violence and the nonviolence of the Jesus. Father McCarthy was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on behalf of peace.

Registration by Friday is $135 for an overnight (accommodations and meals) and $85 for commuters (meals only). Register between Feb. 9-22 and the cost is $145 overnight and $95, commuter. For more information, contact Cindy Wilpula at (724) 964-8920, ext. 3241, or send e-mail to cwilpula@humilityofmary.org.

Rosary cenacle

YOUNGSTOWN — A rosary cenacle will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, 517 S. Belle Vista Ave. Refreshments will follow in the social hall. The cenacle was rescheduled from Feb. 6, Ash Wednesday.

Feast Day Mass

YOUNGSTOWN — Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 252 E. Wood St., will celebrate the conclusion of its 111th anniversary year and the Feast Day of its patron saints during a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17. A brunch will follow. Tickets are on sale after Masses and at the rectory. Reservations must be made by Feb. 14; call (330) 743-5291.

Church guild

NILES — The Infant Jesus of Prague Guild of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 381 Robbins Ave., will hold its monthly Mass at 10 a.m. Feb. 20 preceded by the rosary at 9:30.

Financial seminar

YOUNGSTOWN — Divine Assemblies, 1501 Glenwood Ave., (Salvation Army building), will present a financial literacy seminar based on biblical principles at 6 p.m. Monday. Minister Rosalyn Lampley of Christian Revival Discipleship Center will be keynote speaker and host pastor is Jeff Stanford.

Winter revival

FARRELL, Pa. — New and Living Way, 927 Lee Ave., will hold its annual winter revival next week with programs at 7:30 p.m. Speakers and musical guests will be: elder Sonja Theodore and Greater Mount Zion Church praise team, Tuesday; the Rev. Pat Tatum, pastor of New Life Covenant Church, and Cedar Avenue choir, Wednesday; evangelist Henrietta King of Hour of Power Full Gospel Tabernacle and Greater Morris Chapel choir, Thursday; and Pastor Jennifer Perry-Campbell of Breath of Life Holiness Church, Friday.  

Workshop planned

SALEM — Lion and Lamb Christian Resources, 145 S. Broadway, will sponsor a vacation Bible school workshop from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Presentations will be from 10:30 to noon with time set aside before and after for an open house. VBS starter kits will be available to review. For information, call (800) 537-0269 or (330) 332-8501.