FOREST CITY — A special “Day of Recollection,” sponsored by the Ladies Guild, was held Nov. 10 at Immaculate Conception Church.
The day started at 9:30 a.m. with Mass in the chapel, followed by a presentation by Benedictine Sister Gertrude Gillette, about the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sister Gertrude offered a number of meditations on Mary as part of a pre-Advent retreat.
She touched on the centrality of Mary in salvation history, and showed Mary’s loving care for each of her children with stories that illustrated her points.
At noon, participants enjoyed lunch together in the parish hall. After lunch, Sister Gertrude continued her presentation sharing inspiring anecdotes and events related to Mary and the value of prayer and fasting. She concluded the program by encouraging participation from the group.
— Giuliana Polinari Riley, correspondent
STATESVILLE — Ken and Donna Parker and their daughter, Samantha Milsaps, were recently presented with the Jewell Award for outstanding volunteer service at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville.
For years, the Parkers and Sam were responsible for the parish youth group as well as preparing confirmation candidates in their final year of formation. Ken also served as president of the parish council.
Pictured are (from left) Donna, Samantha and Ken; youth from the parish, Lia Mendoza, Max Velasco and Abraham Medina; and Ken and Connie Jewell.
— Connie Ries