Western Vicariate

At Quo Vadis retreat, it’s easy to meet ‘new seminarian every day’

July 31, 2019
By Kevin J. Parks
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized, Vocations, Western Vicariate

EMMITSBURG – Quo Vadis, an annual summer retreat for high-school aged males considering a religious vocation, took a different tack July 25. The retreat is hosted by seminarians of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. On the third of its four days, however, 62 participants heard not from a seminarian studying Theology or in his pastoral year, […]

Camp GLOW smiles brighten Howard County parishioner’s battle with cancer

July 11, 2019
By Kevin J. Parks
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Disabilities Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life, Western Vicariate

Even cancer couldn’t keep Jane De Hitta away from her role as a companion at a camp for adults with disabilities.

South Washington County pastorate celebrates ‘Pentecost in the Park’

June 10, 2019
By Karen Sampson Hoffman
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

The three parishes of South Washington County grew closer June 9, with a community Mass and picnic.

Garrett County parishioners maintain strong faith, serve others

May 16, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Faces of Faith, Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

Jean and Bill Schrider are active parishioners at Western Maryland’s St. Peter the Apostle in Oakland who volunteer in hospice ministry.

Luke mill closure sends prayers, former pastors to Allegany County

May 7, 2019
By Paul McMullen
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

Bishop Adam J. Parker and Monsignor James W. Hannon added their presence to prayers for the Tri-Towns community affected by the impending closure of one of Western Maryland’s largest employers.

Cumberland priest dies at 80

April 9, 2019
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries, Western Vicariate

In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Father Petruha served as an instructor at the Capuchin Novitiate in Annapolis (1966-67), as associate pastor at Ss. Peter and Paul in Cumberland, which is now part of Our Lady of the Mountains (1972-75), and again at Our Lady of the Mountains (2015 until recent months, when medical issues intervened).

Three Western Maryland churches recommended to close

March 28, 2019
By Catholic Review Staff
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

The proposed closure of three Western Maryland churches, all part of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in Cumberland, was announced at Masses over the weekend of March 23-24.

Hagerstown’s St. Maria Goretti High will move in fall

March 22, 2019
By Christopher Gunty
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate

St. Maria Goretti High School President Chris Cosentino announced to the school community at a meeting March 21 that the school will move in fall 2019 to a new campus, due to the current academic building sitting in a flood plain.

Faith guides family of Taneytown boy diagnosed with rare condition

November 30, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate

As their 5-year-old son battles a rare condition with polio-like symptoms, a Taneytown family finds strength in faith and support from family and friends.

Ijamsville composer strikes a chord with faithful amid sexual abuse crisis

November 28, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Child & Youth Protection, Divine Worship, Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate, Worship & Sacraments

“How Can We Pray?” was written by Zachary Stachowski, director of music ministry at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville, moved by the anger he felt immediately after the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report on clergy sexual abuse was released in mid-August.

Frederick County father honored for dedication to Catholic schools

October 3, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate

Bill Ballantyne was honored Oct. 2 at Ceresville Mansion in Frederick as the 2018 John McElroy Award winner by the Friends of Catholic Education, an independent organization which provides scholarships and tuition assistance for Catholic schools in Frederick County.

Cumberland parishioner strengthens faith on mission trip

September 20, 2018
By Emily Rosenthal Alster
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Faces of Faith, Feature, Local News, Missions, News, Western Vicariate

Micah Bruser’s faith was rejuvenated during a recent mission trip to Haiti.