Western Vicariate

Radio Interview: Becoming thankful and grateful people

November 20, 2023
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Black Catholic Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview, Western Vicariate

Lara Schumacher and Father Collin Poston share their insights and stories of growing in gratitude in light of the month of November and the celebration of Thanksgiving. Schumacher is director of faith formation, evangelization of youth and the family at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville. Father Poston is pastor of St. Bartholomew in Manchester.

Slain Maryland judge honored at Catholic parish in Hagerstown

October 27, 2023
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Gun Violence, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

About 700 people, including 120 judges from Maryland and other states, attended the funeral rites at St. Ann Parish in Hagerstown. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other civic leaders were present.

New artwork honors hero of Cumberland

September 26, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Feature, Local News, News, Saints, Western Vicariate

It took Scott a full year to design and sculpt the nearly three-foot statue of Blessed Seelos, which was erected in March at the Shrine of Ss. Peter in Paul. Blessed Seelos walked the very grounds where his likeness now stands, when he served as pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul and prefect of students at a Redemptorist seminary in Cumberland from 1857 to 1862.

St. Maria Goretti High School faces uncertain future after difficult decision by archdiocese

September 21, 2023
By Christopher Gunty
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate

The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced Sept. 21 that it can no longer bridge the gap for operations and will cease providing funds to St. Maria Goretti Regional Catholic High School in Hagerstown at the end of the current academic year.

Perfect harmony: Music internship program helps parishes in Western Maryland

September 20, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Divine Worship, Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

Music interns from Frostburg State University are helping to bring new life to liturgies at Divine Mercy Parish in Western Maryland.

Frederick parish marks 260th anniversary with blessing of ‘new’ windows

September 11, 2023
By Christopher Gunty
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

A capacity congregation filled St. John the Evangelist Church here Sept. 10 to mark not only the 260th anniversary of the oldest parish in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, but to celebrate the blessing of newly installed stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Scripture.

Fishy business: Aquaponics lab yields big results at Bishop Walsh

September 6, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate

Now in its second year, the aquaponics lab at Bishop Walsh School helps students learn science in what school leaders said is a fun and dynamic way.

Filling the food gap: Cumberland food pantry steps up to meet need

September 6, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

In June, St. Anthony Place served 331 people, a 40 percent increase from the same month a year earlier. In July, the pantry served 339 people, also a 40 percent increase from last year.

Cumberland high school basketball tournament shutting down after 63 years

August 23, 2023
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Sports, Western Vicariate

A Catholic high school basketball tournament in Cumberland, billed as one of the most prestigious in the nation, is going on hiatus, according to tournament organizers.

Capuchin Franciscan Father Benjamin Madden, Cumberland native, dies at 90

August 9, 2023
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries, Western Vicariate

A funeral Mass for Capuchin Franciscan Father Benjamin Madden was offered July 21 at the Shrine of Ss. Peter and Paul in Cumberland.

Meet four 2023 Distinctive Scholars

July 12, 2023
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate

The Archdiocese of Baltimore honored the three top-performing graduating seniors from each of the 18 Catholic high schools of the archdiocese during the 31st annual Distinctive Scholars Convocation, March 30 at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn.

No place like Bill’s Place in Western Maryland

July 11, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

A priest walking into a bar is no joke at Bill’s Place, a remote, log-cabin hangout right in the heart of Western Maryland’s 49,000-acre Green Ridge State Forest.