CHARLOTTE — The Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive raised more than $438,000 this year – the most ever – to provide food and financial assistance to people in need around the world and here at home.
More than 1,500 volunteers came together to pack 312,000 meals, many of which have already arrived in Puerto Rico.
Financial support continues to provide food, medical care and education in Haiti, while $68,000 was sent to Venezuela for food assistance and rebuilding after devastating earthquakes.
In India, 50 boys from poor families continue to receive shelter and education thanks to these funds, which also support local food banks and hunger initiatives here in the diocese.
— Catholic New Herald
BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College’s Biology Department is hosting its first Gold Mass offered for the intentions of the scientific community.
The Nov. 14 Mass will honor St. Albert the Great, patron of scientists.
After Mass there will be a lecture and reception featuring Belmont Abbey College alumnus Dr. Patrick Kuhlman, who will reflect on the intersection of faith, science and vocation.
Belmont Abbey College now has an official chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists, an international nonprofit organization that fosters fellowship among Catholic scientists and witnesses to the harmony of faith and science. Building on that community was one of the reasons behind starting what is hoped to become an annual event.
“It’s an opportunity for Catholics who are scientists or affiliated with a STEM field to come and socialize and have fellowship,” explained Dr. Heather Ayala, associate professor of biology and the chair of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at Belmont Abbey College.
The Mass will be celebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari at 1 p.m. in the Abbey Basilica followed by a 2 p.m. lecture and reception in the Haid Ballroom.
The event is free but registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/4zrw3hvm
— Catholic New Herald