Emily Rosenthal Alster

Emily Rosenthal Alster, a former staff writer for the Catholic Review, is a contributing writer. The former parishioner of St. John in Westminster now lives in Maine.

Emily is a graduate of Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Pa. She holds a bachelor's degree in business communication from Stevenson University.

Service learning at Notre Dame Prep aids refugees

January 24, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Eastern Vicariate, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

“The social service program exists to connect students to the broader community surrounding NDP, specifically through the lens of transformation and justice,” said Steven Pomplon, director of the school’s social service program.

Scenes from the March: Baltimore Archdiocese out in force for life

January 20, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life, Video

Catholics of all ages represented the Archdiocese of Baltimore well at the annual March for Life in Washington Jan. 19.

Mass celebrates the beauty of life, remembers those lost

January 16, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life

More than 1.5 million hands have held the pro-life brochures created by Linda Brenegan, former director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Catholic Charities warm hundreds in Baltimore with meals, shelter

January 3, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Catholic Charities, Feature, Local News, News, Urban Vicariate, Video

As 2018 began with temperatures in the single digits, hundreds are finding food and shelter through Catholic Charities of Baltimore.

Fire only serves to forge spirit, OLPH outreach of Ellicott City family

December 22, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Video

After being displaced from a house fire, the Hendersons continue to serve the homeless population of Baltimore.

Baltimore schools’ interfaith partnership spreads ‘kindness to all’

December 21, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Students from Cardinal Shehan School in Baltimore teamed up with students from Al-Rahmah School, an Islamic school in western Baltimore County, to prepare lunches for those in need Dec. 19. (

Small Miracle: However long they have him, family cherishes its youngest

December 20, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Video

The D’Orazio family, parishioners of St. Ignatius in Baltimore, see their infant son, Leo, as a gift from God. Leo suffers from a rare condition that is likely to make his earthly life brief.

Beloved former Cumberland and Ellicott City pastor dies at 78

December 11, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries, Western Vicariate

“He was so well-loved in all the parishes he served,” said Father Michael Roach, longtime friend of Monsignor James McGovern. “I’ve never known his equal.”

Knights of Columbus warm Baltimore students with 1,000 coats

December 5, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Knights of Columbus, Local News, News, Schools, Urban Vicariate, Video

For the third year in a row, Archbishop William E. Lori joined the Maryland Knights of Columbus Dec. 5 to distribute coats to children in Baltimore.

Advent begins with Mercy

December 2, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Divine Worship, Feature, Local News, News, Video

Giving time, talents and resources via spiritual and corporal works of mercy offers a way for Catholics to serve while preparing for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord.

Capuchin Franciscans honor Blessed Solanus Casey in Baltimore

November 28, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Urban Vicariate

Eight days after Father Solanus Casey was beatified in Detroit, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori celebrated a Mass honoring the Capuchin Franciscan Friar at St. Ambrose in Park Heights Nov. 26.

Choir from St. John in Westminster heads to Carnegie Hall

November 21, 2017
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Video, Western Vicariate

“We’re a little parish choir in Westminster, invited to perform at Carnegie Hall,” said Regina McCurdy, director of liturgical music for the largest parish in Carroll County. “This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.”