Dates to Remember
Women’s Day of Reflection
Gisele Fetterman, founder of Free Store 15104, will discuss securing donations from companies that are overstocked and distributing them to the poor during Women’s Day of Reflection at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. on May 6. Gisele is wife of Braddock Mayor John Fetterman.
Free Store 15104 serves an average of 1,600 people per month and is funded by honoraria he makes in his position as mayor. Gisele’s concept for her charitable work is: “Just be kind. Take only what you need. Pay it forward.” For more information, go to www.freestore15104.org/ ourstory. Call the Office of Religious Education at 412-322-8773 to register or download the brochure at www.archpitt.org.
National Catholic Singles Conference
The National Catholic Singles Conference will be held May 19 to 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, 500 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree. A Byzantine Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. May 20 in one of the banquet rooms. For more information, go to www.nationalcatholicsingles. com.
Genealogy Workshop
“Nashi Predky — Our Ancestors” Family History Group of the Ukrainian Historical and Educational Center of New Jersey will host a “Rediscovering Your Family Stories” genealogy workshop 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 6 at the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Club, 302 Mansfield Blvd., Carnegie, Pa.
The organization’s goal is to help Ukrainians and others in the United States learn about their family histories, collect stories and documents about their immigrant ancestors and get advice on preserving family records. Workshop topics include: the basics of Ukrainian genealogy; finding and using Ukrainian church records; and the history of Lemkos, Boykos and Hutsuls. Featured speakers are Justin Houser, Michael Buryk, Rich Venezia and Michelle Chubenko.
Cost is $55, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register online at www.NashiPredky. org/workshop.
Saint Vincent College Summer Program for Youth
Saint Vincent College will host the seventh annual Faith and Reason Summer Program, an intensive, one-week introduction to the Catholic, liberal arts tradition June 11 to 16.
The program is directed by Dr. Michael P. Krom, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department.
It is designed for advanced high school and first-year college students who are seeking an opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and its integration in college education. Students age 15 and older are invited to apply for admission to the program.
All staff are Benedictine and lay professors on the faculty of Saint Vincent. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the relationship between faith and reason, examine the perennial questions of humanity, develop their communication skills, learn how to analyze difficult arguments, prepare for college studies and integrate their moral, intellectual and spiritual development.
Each day is structured around the Saint Vincent monastic schedule of prayer and Mass. During the class sessions, students analyze and discuss selected reading passages in a seminar setting. There is also leisure time for recreational activities, movies and excursions to attractions in the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh areas. Housing in a college residence hall and three daily meals in the college dining hall are included in the $495 cost. Saint Vincent College students serve as residence hall directors.
Limited scholarship funding is available for Byzantine youth. Additional information is available by contacting Krom at 724-805-2844 or michael. krom@stvincent.edu. Register online at www.stvincent.edu/ faithandreason.
Byzantine Perspectives on the Theotokos Conference
The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius will host Byzantine Perspectives on the Theotokos Conference May 15 to 16 at the Seminary. Mariologist Mary B. Cunningham of the University of Nottingham will deliver the keynote address:
“The Intercessory Power of Mary, the Mother of God: The Byzantine View.” Students, academics, independent scholars, priests and lay individuals are welcome to attend. Registration includes meals. For information, go to www.bcs.edu/theotokos-conference/
Young Adult Retreat
The third annual Young Adult Retreat, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Basil at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, will be held June 23 to 25, 500 W. Main St., Union town, Pa.
The weekend retreat begins with registration at 7 p.m. Friday and concludes 11 a.m. Sunday. Sister Barbara Jean and a team of young adults are preparing the program with the theme “An Invitation to Happiness: Finding the Courage to Be the Best Version of Yourself.” Each participant will receive the book “Resisting Happiness.”
All Christians, ages 18 to35 are invited. Offering is $105. and the deadline for registration is June 16. For more information, call 724-438-7149 or hpmsm@verizon.net. sistersofstbasil.org
