Wednesday, February 24, 2010 DAYTON DEANERY — Retired Archbishop of Cincinnati Daniel E. Pilarczyk recently received the Daniel J. Kane Religious Communications Award, presented annually by the University of Dayton’s Institute for Pastoral Initiatives.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 By Father Rick Hilgartner During Lent in parishes nationwide and around the world, candidates for the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation and Eucharist) experience final preparation to become members of the Catholic Church. The “elect,” as they are called, depend on the support and the encouragement …

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 ARCHDIOCESE — Recession, unemployment, bailouts, natural disasters, military conflicts — there is much to pray about today. But these crises also offer us many reasons to express our gratitude for what we have and to share it with others. The annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), administered …

Friday, February 26, 2010 (updated) Diane J. Paul, 60, of Milford died Feb. 17. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 22 at St. Andrew Church in Milford.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 By David Eck ARCHDIOCESE — Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebrations Feb. 21 marked the start of final preparations for 1,049 people who are planning to join the church at Easter. The celebrations were held in Dayton and Cincinnati.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 By Michael Daley Recently, L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s semi-official newspaper, had a congratulatory article celebrating the Simpsons 20th anniversary. Yes, I mean the show about the beer-guzzling, nuclear plant working, incompetent, overweight and vulgar resident of Springfield, Homer Simpson.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 By Terrance Callan Second Sunday of Lent: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36 We are often misled by the things we hear and see. When we observe someone’s behavior, we may completely misunderstand the motive for it. Full understanding requires more than simply watching someone. …

Friday, February 19, 2010 ST. FRANCIS DE SALES DEANERY — The Lay Pastoral Ministry Program of the Athenaeum of Ohio is presenting two information meetings at the main campus, 6616 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, for anyone interested in discovering the opportunities the program offers.

Friday, February 19, 2010 DAYTON DEANERY — A senior official with Catholic Relief Services will discuss how agriculture and the environment figure in emergency response to natural disasters during a conference Saturday, Feb. 27.

Friday, February 19, 2010 ARCHDIOCESE — The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Knights of Columbus held its biennial Salute to Religious Vocations dinner Feb. 4 in the undercroft at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains.