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.

Baltimore Archdiocese liturgical ministers gather for day of formation

April 2, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Faith Formation, Feature, Local News, News

A Ministry Enrichment Gathering, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Divine Worship and facilitated by Liturgy Training Publications of Chicago, attracted participants from approximately 26 parishes March 30.

Missionaries share faith from Annapolis to Emmitsburg to Towson

March 19, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Positively Catholic, Young Adult Ministry

FOCUS missionaries are having an impact in the faith lives of young adults at three universities within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

More than 600 throughout Archdiocese of Baltimore seek entrance into the Catholic Church

March 15, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Faith Formation, Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized

In Annapolis, Baltimore and Emmitsburg, 611 people seeking full communion with the Catholic Church gathered for the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion March 10.

Monsignor Baumgartner, former pastor who ‘epitomized’ a Vatican II priest, dies at 88

March 8, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries

Monsignor A. Thomas Baumgartner, a former pastor of three Baltimore-area parishes who was known for his commitment to the priesthood and his enthusiastic embrace of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, died March 4 at age 88.

Peace is theme of Ash Wednesday display in Westminster

March 6, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Lent, Local News, News, Schools

Each school created its visual representation on a 10-by-10 inch panel with recycled materials, using a color palette of only shades of blue – the color of peace, and of the Blessed Mother.

Increased urgency accompanies annual Maryland March for Life

March 5, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life, Video

The Maryland March for Life took on added urgency, as the General Assembly considers legalizing physician-assisted suicide.

‘Spiritual boot camp’ deepens men’s faith ahead of Easter

March 5, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Lent, Local News, News

Exodus 90 centers on men achieving “spiritual freedom” from what its founders described as “societal enslavement.” It helps men seeking to grow in their vocations of priesthood or marriage, and for men struggling with an addiction.

Glyndon parish well represented at World Youth Day in Panama

February 20, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News

A trip to Central America strengthened bonds within Sacred Heart, Glyndon’s, Hispanic youth group.

Formation, fellowship abound at Mid-Atlantic Congress

February 15, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News

Nearly a decade old, the MAC allows leaders in Catholic ministry a regional opportunity for formation and fellowship.

Guests ‘shine’ at Ellicott City special needs prom

February 14, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized

Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the prom experience was hosted by churches around the world the night of Feb. 8. A first-time host, OLPH was the only Archdiocese of Baltimore parish to participate.

Sykesville family carries on tradition

February 9, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News

When three-month-old Leah Therese Ballor was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Community in Sykesville Jan. 20, she continued a family tradition by wearing a gown that has roots with an aunt who was a Daughter of Charity who had served in China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One more benefit of Catholic schools

February 1, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Amen, Commentary

Catholic Schools Week always serves as a time to reflect upon the many gifts that those institutions give us: a solid education, a deeper faith and lasting friendships.