Saint Angela Merici Parish Prepares To Celebrate Patronal Feast When we hear the title “Saint” precede a name, we often envision a tragic figure in a Gothic painting or stained glass window. But say the name St. Angela Merici and a living, thriving ministry right here in the Mahoning Valley comes to mind. The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown are tirelessly working as our founder St. Angela instructed us – comforting the ill, aiding the poor, connecting those who have gifts to share with those who have very little. In 2012, the combined parishes of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception in city-center Youngstown changed their name to St. Angela Merici Parish to honor the work of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and the saint who founded the Ursuline order. And for the nine Wednesdays preceding St. Angela’s feast day – Jan. 27 – a novena is being offered her honor. Following the 10-minute novena prayer said Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the parish, 400 Lincoln Park Dr., Youngstown, Ohio, 44506, a presentation on St. Angela’s life and ministry will be offered by Ursuline Sister of Youngstown Mary Alyce Koval. Sister Mary Alyce is on the Ursulines’ leadership team and also is the Education Director for Beatitude House, Youngstown. On Jan. 16, new Ursuline Associate Dr. Linda Lucarell Miller will present following the novena prayer. Dr. Miller is a member of the Religious Education faculty at Ursuline High School, Youngstown, and completed her Doctor of Ministry project on the Charism of St. Angela Merici at the school (founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown) and how it effects the thriving of adolescents there. Her presentation at St. Angela Merici Parish will focus on living out the Merician Charism.