BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — The nuns of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery raised almost $175,000 at their annual Bridegroom Banquet fundraiser Nov. 10. The nuns raised $87,486 from the 280 people in attendance, as well as donors who contributed before the event, and a generous anonymous donor pledged to match the amount raised. The funds will go towards general monastery expenses, hospitality expenses, and renovations to their chapel bathrooms, lighting, roof, gutters, siding and mold removal in the chapel basement. READ MORE.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — St. Nicholas parishioner Peter Swanney was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at his troop’s court of honor July 21. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, which is achieved only by 4 percent of Scouts. The process takes several years and involves passing through the various ranks, earning at least 21 merit badges, of which 13 are required for Eagle. READ MORE.

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — A fourth-century bishop, who is also the patron saint of Byzantine Catholics, has inspired Christians and non-believers for the past 17 centuries, said Father Joseph Marquis, founder and director of the St. Nicholas Institute in Detroit. READ MORE.

The feast of St. Nicholas is nearly upon us and so we are reminded once again of the generosity of this legendary saint of the church. We all know the story of how he secretly managed to drop bags of gold coins through an open window into stockings hung by the fire. This gold was then used as dowries for three poor girls. READ MORE.

CHICAGO — A new nonprofit organization, called Byzantinos, in cooperation with Sts. Cyril and Methodius Choir of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Kosice, Slovakia, has released a new one-hour recording of traditional Ruthenian Christmas carols. READ MORE.

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Parish activities are always more than just an activity. They are venues where the Holy Spirit acts in ways that are unique to each event, and where personal and communal formation happen. On the heels of the two-day inaugural regional pilgrimage at St. Mary Parish in Whiting, Indiana, Oct. 6-7, the ByzanTEENS and pre-ByzanTEENS of Annunciation Parish planned a hiking trip Oct. 8, with Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma at Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby, Illinois, where Bishop Lach’s grandfather was born. READ MORE.

We are in this time of preparation for Christmas. In the next 40 days for Christmas, we will hear many Christmas carols in the supermarkets and stores. We will sing carols when we get to Christmas. But, before this, we need to prepare for the Nativity of our Lord.

St. John the Baptist Parish rolled out is new logo, “Holy Rolls,” for the sale of its Hungarian nut and poppy seed rolls at the city’s “Dessert First...Taste of Solon” event, held at Signature of Solon Country Club Nov. 11. READ MORE.

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — The annual Prairie Fest at Annunciation Parish, Aug. 10-12, offered many “Simeon Moments.” These are moments when one is moved to pronounce the words of the Just Elder Simeon, as he encountered the Christ child in the temple: “Now you may dismiss your servant, O Lord, according to your word, in peace” (Lk 2:29). READ MORE.