St. Katharine Drexel explores synodal participation in Frederick September 18, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Synodality, Western Vicariate The parishioners of St. Katharine Drexel in Frederick found themselves at a turning point in the summer of 2024 after the retirement of their founding pastor, Father Keith Boisvert.
Pilgrims walk in the footsteps of America’s first saint June 22, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate In celebration of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 50th anniversary of canonization this year, the four-day pilgrimage was organized to trace the steps of the first American-born saint’s journey from Baltimore to Emmitsburg in the 19th century.
Dinners build camaraderie for parishioners in Western Maryland May 19, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate Though all the diners are members of the Catholic Parishes of South Washington County – a pastorate that includes St. Joseph in Hagerstown, St. Augustine in Williamsport and St. James in Boonsboro – this steadfast rule has played a key role in maintaining the group’s cohesion and longevity.
Western Maryland parishes hit by devastating floodwaters May 16, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate Two days after torrential rain caused flooding in the Georges Creek Valley in Western Maryland, Father Scott Kady, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish felt blessed.
At St. Mary’s School in Hagerstown, vision takes shape to save a school May 12, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Western Vicariate St. Mary, a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School, has also set high academic goals alongside its faith-centered mission.
Bishop Adam Parker celebrates 25 years of priesthood April 29, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Vocations, Western Vicariate Here in Western Maryland near the Appalachian Mountains, Bishop Parker began his priesthood as an associate pastor at St. Peter 25 years ago. Bishop Parker returned to what he called “his number one assignment” to celebrate his silver jubilee with an April 27 Mass.
Controversy stirs over bar’s location in former sanctuary of closed Frederick chapel January 3, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized, Western Vicariate The Wye Oak Tavern at Visitation Frederick, the new hotel in Frederick, has made quite a stir since its opening on Dec. 19 and not because it is run by Frederick’s famous chefs, brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
Seminarian makes ‘a brave shave’ to raise funds for church playground November 15, 2024By Samantha Smith Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Vocations, Western Vicariate Jeremy Belk started the day Nov. 10 with a full head of hair and a beard. By the end of the day, his brother had shorn him of it all.
Monsignor James Hannon, known for pastoral outreach and planning, dies at 71 October 9, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries, Western Vicariate Monsignor James W. Hannon, a former pastor and director of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s clergy personnel office who was beloved for his pastoral presence to people, died Oct. 6.
Archbishop Lori offers support to Emmitsburg parish devastated by rectory fire August 31, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate The archbishop wanted to be with parishioners, he said, “to offer Mass, to pray together, and assure you that the archdiocese will work collaboratively with you in the time ahead.”
Padre Pio relics exhibit will visit St. Ignatius in Ijamsville Sept. 6 August 31, 2024By Gerry Jackson Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Saints, Western Vicariate Catholics will get a chance to venerate and learn about one of their faith’s more modern and fascinating saints when relics of St. Padre Pio are displayed for veneration Sept. 6 by St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Ijamsville.
Fire destroys rectory at St. Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg; one seriously injured August 30, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate A priest was injured in an early-morning fire Aug. 30 that destroyed the historic two-story rectory at St. Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg.
