unlike Bible study or even Renew groups, these communities have members who function somewhat as a family, who consider the meeting a sacred space to unburden themselves, share problems and help other members.

Those with disabilities typically don’t want sympathy or charity. They want to belong, just like every other parishioner.

“Catacombs by Candlelight” perhaps conjures images of a subterranean tour in Rome led by a guide wearing a headlamp. In New York, it’s the name of a revenue-generating history lesson told while exploring the cemetery and burial vaults of one of the city’s oldest Catholic churches.

More than 1,000 people gathered for an interfaith service honoring firefighter Rodney William Pitts III’s life and final sacrifice, while many hundreds more remained outside.

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.