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.
Deepening Your Relationship With Christ: Sister Mary Alyce Koval’s Vocation Story In our continuing series of Vocation Stories, short videos about the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown Sister Mary Alyce Koval shares her experience on life as an Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, what inspired her to become a nun, and offers advice on what you can do if you feel called to religious life. “I would encourage them to keep relationships with any religious women they know or establish some. I think that was the seed of my vocation – getting to know the sisters as individuals. Establish a relationship with a Sister or group for Sisters. Spend time with them, not just in prayer. Most people think we pray all day but we have very busy lives. Share meals with them. Do things socially with them. I think the core relationship that has to be established is the relationship with God. I think God can work miracles in people’s hearts and minds. Keeping that communication open through prayer – not just formal prayer but spending time with the Lord and listening to the Lord’s side of the conversation. Listen to what Jesus is instilling in your heart to move you forward in your journey. It is a journey, it’s not a decision you make in one day. You move into it and grow into it. Keep that vision of what you want ahead of you and do what you can to nurture it.” If you’re considering becoming a nun and would like to talk with someone about your thoughts and feelings, call Sister Mary McCormick or Sister Norma Raupple at 330-792-7636 or email them at [email protected].