Auditions for a new, original rock musical titled “ACtS” and based on the Acts of the Apostles will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 in the Heritage Center, 117 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield. Those auditioning are asked to bring a preselected song and monologue.
“ACtS” is written by Clark County Probate Judge Richard Carey, who has been choir director of Springfield St. Teresa Church for 38 years and is a member of the Christian rock band This Day.
Its debut is scheduled for Wednesday to Friday, Nov. 16 to 18 at the John Legend Center in Springfield.
“This high-octane musical reintroduces this generation to the Apostles of old – all very ordinary men who together accomplished something extraordinary. It is a story about hope and redemption, about second chances,” Carey said.
‘“ACtS’ celebrates especially our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a joy-filled celebration of God’s mercy and love and most certainly will inspire and give hope,” said Father John MacQuarrie, pastor of the Springfield Family of Parishes.
For more information, and to hear the music for the show, go to www.actsmusical.com.
Author will present retreat in Hocking Hills
Area Christian author Cecile Smith will present the second of four seasonal retreats at the St. Martin de Porres Family Retreat House in southeastern Ohio’s Hocking Hills from 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. The house’s address is 22997 Goosecreek Road, South Bloomingville.
The retreat is for women ages 18 and older, as well as girls 13 to 17 accompanied by an older woman. It will combine gardening and landscaping of the retreat house grounds with the method of prayer presented in Smith’s book Connecting with God in the Garden, which includes silent reading and reflection, conversation and journaling. There also will be a nature outing with picnicking, swimming and boating at Lake Hope.
The cost for the full retreat is $115 per person for double-occupancy rooms, or $165 for a private room. The cost for one day is $75, and boating will be available for $15. Meals are included, as well as a signed copy of Smith’s Inspirational Journal for All Seasons with study materials.
The retreat is limited to 12 overnight participants. To register, go to www.CecileSmith.com/contact or Seeds_of_Grace@yahoo.com.
CCR is sponsoring monthly book study
Columbus Catholic Renewal (CCR) will sponsor a study of the book The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month , beginning Aug. 26 at Columbus Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 5225 Refugee Road.
The study, to be conducted by Deacon Tom Maedke of the Diocese of Steubenville, also will be available via Zoom. Registration is free. The book focuses on the teachings of seven doctors of the Church.
CCR also will sponsor a Healing Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Fernandes at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Sunbury St. John Neumann Church, 9633 East State Route 37.
Proposed abortion amendment to be discussed at luncheon
Columbus attorney Don Brey and Dr. Michael Parker, former president of the national Catholic Medical Association, will speak to the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club on Friday, Sept. 1, about the proposed Ohio constitutional amendment that would expand abortion access in the state if approved by vote.
The meeting will be at Patrick Hall of Columbus St. Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Ave., following the church’s 11:45 a.m. Mass. Reservations aren’t necessary. A $12 donation for the lunch and meeting is suggested.
John Bradford of Wilderness Outreach will speak at the club’s next meeting on Friday, Oct. 6. For more information, or to find out about sponsoring a future luncheon, contact Jim Gernetzke at jimgernetzke@noslumine.com.