Farm Mass July 18

The annual Farm Mass in the St. Marys Deanery is scheduled for July 18 at Maria Stein Center. The Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, begins at 7:30 p.m.

Several priests from parishes in the Sidney and St. Marys deaneries, will concelebrate.

A nearly 30-year tradition, the Mass alternates yearly from planting weeks in early May and the wheat harvest in mid-July. Different parishes host the Mass. The Mass is typically held outdoors on a farm or in a field. More than 100 people, bringing lawn chairs, typically attend.

SIDNEY DEANERY

Russia holds Respect Life Relay

The second annual Respect Life Relay in Russia will be held July 18, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Remy Hall. The event is a 12-hour walk-a-thon and bike rodeo that will help raise both money and awareness for the pro-life cause. This event is open to all ages.

During the day, there will be games, story time, and crafts for the children. Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be several pro-life speakers for the teens and adults.

Donations can be brought to the event or mailed to Respect Life Relay, c/o Connie McEldowney, 3350 Simon Road, Russia, Ohio 45363

DAYTON DEANERY

Theology on Tap in Centerville

Theology on Tap Dayton South began on July 10 and will be on Thursdays through July from 7-9 p.m. at the Fox and Hound Restaurant in Centerville.

The event provides a forum where young adults can connect with each other to discuss their issues, questions and concerns — things that matter to them and the Catholic faith. They gather for food and drink in a casual, comfortable restaurant for lively discussion. There is no charge for the program, but food and beverages are on your own. All young adults are welcome.

For more information, call 937-223-1001 or visit www.CatholicCincinnati. org/yamin/TOT

ARCHDIOCESE

Blog features old church photos

Historic photos from The Catholic Telegraph files are being republished — this time in cyberspace.

The Catholic Telegraph Photography Project is a new blog that features photos and captions that have appeared in The Catholic Telegraph over the years. The photos include churches, Masses, schools and other parish functions that have made up the rich history of the archdiocese. The captions also include the dates in which they appeared in the newspaper, which first began publishing in 1831.

Additional photos, most of which are black-and-white, are posted several times a week, said Catholic Telegraph Production Manager Rick Barr, who created and maintains the blog.

The blog can be accessed at http://tctphotos.blogspot.com.

DAYTON DEANERY

Dayton school collaborative gets full-time president

Anne Battes, deputy superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 2000, has resigned to become full-time president of the Catholic Education Collaborative in Dayton. She had held both positions since the CEC’s creation last year.

"I truly believe in the ministry of the Catholic Schools Office," Battes said. "This opportunity offers a new challenge to address some of the long-term needs of our schools while forging new possibilities of how we may collaborate together serving a communion of communities."

The Catholic Education Collaborative brings together all of the Catholic schools in the Dayton deanery, including 18 elementary and three high schools, to work together on areas such as professional development for educators, purchasing, and student enrichment. Among the benefits of the collaborative — one of the largest in the country — are increased purchasing power, new program opportunities for students and the ability to better analyze the cost of providing Catholic education.

COURTESY PHOTO

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Principal Mike Johnson chats with students Kendra Lang and Emily Tenkman at the Ice Cream Social on June 22.

ST. MARGARET MARY DEANERY

Combined school holds events to integrate students, families

On June 22, the newly combined and named Our Lady of Grace Catholic School held an Ice Cream Social at the Assumption Parish Center. Students, parents, teachers and principal gathered for an afternoon of fun and games and great conversation. For many it was their first opportunity to meet principal Mike Johnson and many of his teaching staff.

The Our Lady of Grace PTO and Education Commission have prepared a number of different opportunities to gather together and build community. The other summer events include Movie Night for Grades K-3 at 5:30 p.m. at Assumption Parish Center on July 17. On July 18, Grades 7 and 8 will have Social Night at Little Flower Parish Center from 8:30-11:00 PM. Family Fun Day will be held at St. Margaret Mary Madonna Hall on July 27, 4th grade 12:30-2, 5th grade 2-3:30 and 6th grade 3:30-5pm. For further information, check out Summer Events at www.CareNews.org.