Conference set

Conference set

villa maria, pa.

Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will host a conference Dec. 6 and 7 on “What on Earth is Discipleship Today?” Presenter will be the Rev. Anthony Gittins, professor of theology and culture at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

The program will include four presentations by Father Gittins and liturgy. This event is co-sponsored by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. The conference will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 and conclude at 1 p.m. Dec. 7. Cost is $90 that includes program, lodging for one night and meals. Commuter option is $50 that includes program and meals.

Registration is due by Dec. 2. Call 724-964-8886.

Crossing Paths

HUBBARD

Crossing Paths local TV ministry, founded by Donald G. Reed Sr. and seen on more than 100 cable companies, Time Warner WKBN-TV 27, Fox 17-62 and UHF 29, will have the annual Christmas banquet at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Brentford House, 737 Myron St.

Amish brothers, Steve and Jake Lapp, founders of the Light of Hope Ministries, will be the main speakers.

The event is free and open to the public; no children younger than 14. Reservations are required; call 724-981-7777. Sponsors are needed to defray costs. Sponsors and reservations are needed by Dec. 6.

Tree lighting

YOUNGSTOWN

Our Lady of Mount Carmel/St. Anthony of Padua Parish will host its first Christmas tree lighting at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 343 Via Mount Carmel, after the 5 p.m. Mass next Saturday. A blessing and caroling will be included.

A social gathering and light supper will be available in the church social hall following the ceremony.

Reservations are suggested; call the rectory at 330-743-4144.

Spirituality Day

WARREN

Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Heaven Monastery will host a Spirituality Day from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Center, 180 Belvedere Ave., NE.

Dr. Sandra Collins, professor of biblical studies at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, will discuss biblical models of faith and discipleship. She replaces a previously announced speaker.

There will be time for reflection, questions, refreshments and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Participants also may pray vespers with the nuns.

To register, call 330-856-1813 or send email to qohm@netdotcom.com. Deadline is Dec. 3.

Support group

COLUMBIANA

“Seasons of Hope,” a Christian support group for the bereaved, will meet at 3 p.m. Sundays, starting Dec. 1, at St. Jude Church, 180 Seventh St.

The Christ-centered group will focus on prayer, Scripture and sharing.

For information, call Deacon Chris Evans at 330-402-5450 or the church office at 330-482-2351.

Advent devotions

YOUNGSTOWN

The Central YMCA will offer Advent devotions at 8 a.m. in the chapel at the Central YMCA, 17 N. Champion St.

Sessions will be: Dec. 2 with Pastor Rafael Cruz Jr. of Unity Baptist Church; Dec. 9, Deacon Paul Milligan of St. Rose Church; Dec. 16, Helen Durflinger, religious lay person from the YMCA; and the Rev. Julius Davis of Friendship Baptist Church, Dec. 23.