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.

Forming leaders: New program at Maryvale Prep offers experience beyond classroom

September 8, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

As director of Maryvale Preparatory School’s Leadership Institute, Mary Ellen Fise is dedicated to developing innovative methods that will form the lions of society.

Inside and out, lake vacationers revel in Deep Creek Mass

September 6, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News

McHENRY – Massgoers happily overflow St. Peter at the Lake Center. Both sides of the nine-year-old building, a mile east of Deep Creek Lake, are lined with sliding glass doors followed by a row of benches. Beyond that is a pasture where people can unfold lawn chairs, and parents roam with antsy children.

Calvert Hall’s champions include marching band

September 5, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

TOWSON – While many of their peers enjoyed an extended summer, members of the Calvert Hall College High School marching band honed their craft in the heat.

First day for three Catholic schools includes Archbishop Lori, other visitors

September 4, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

On the first day of school Sept. 4, Archbishop William E. Lori – accompanied by Jim Sellinger, chancellor of education, and Donna Hargens, superintendent – visited schools in Harford and Baltimore counties.

Educators gather for Catholic schools convocation in Timonium

August 30, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Child & Youth Protection, Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Uncategorized

Educators gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium for the eighth-annual convocation to kick off the 2018-19 year.

Sister Michelle Carroll, R.S.M., founding principal of Mercy High School, dies at 96

August 29, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries

Sister Michelle Carroll, founding principal of Mercy High School in Baltimore, died Aug. 23. She was 96, and had served as a Sister of Mercy for 73 years.

Notre Dame of Maryland University welcomes biggest freshman class ever

August 28, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Colleges, Feature, Local News, News, Video

Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore welcomed approximately 220 freshmen this year, the largest incoming class to enter the university in its 124-year history.

Ask, pray, talk: Little Italy pastor connects during annual festivals

August 17, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, Missionary Disciples, News

The festival, which draws those from the greater metropolitan area to the St. Leo community, offers an opportunity to normalize Catholicism in everyday life, as well as promote religious vocations.

St. Agnes parishioner receives first Communion at Camp GLOW

August 9, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Disabilities Ministry, Feature, Local News, News

“This is a Camp GLOW first,” said Deacon Fleming, who leads the camp. “It is truly a blessing. How appropriate to be with her family and friends to receive this blessed gift.”

St. Bernardine parishioner offers comfort with meals

August 3, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Black Catholic Ministry, Faces of Faith, Feature, Local News, News, Urban Vicariate

As a child, Jo Ann Thomas watched her grandmother cook for the retired Josephite priests and brothers in residence at St. Joseph’s Manor in Roland Park. Those memories of growing up around the Josephites (her mother served them as a nurse) surround Thomas when she cooks with commercial-sized pots and pans in the kitchen of […]