St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Canton officially will be recognized as one of the 74 Roman Catholic basilicas in the United States at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The special service to elevate the church to its status as a basilica will be celebrated by Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Bishop George V. Murry. Admission is by ticket only.
The Vatican designates a church as a basilica because of its historic, ministerial or architectural importance. St. John the Baptist, established in 1823, is the oldest Catholic congregation in Northeast Ohio. It joins the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey as the only two basilicas in Ohio.
As a basilica, St. John the Baptist, at 627 McKinley Ave. NW, is charged with promoting the teachings of the pope and celebrating special religious feast days of the Roman Catholic Church. It received its designation as a basilica in June.
For more information, visit www.stjohncanton.com or call 330-454-8044.
In other religion news:
Events
Grace Church, Norton Campus — 3970 Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton. 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Services will be held in the rebuilt auditorium for the first time since it was destroyed by fire almost two years ago. The early service will be a traditional one, followed by two contemporary services. 330-825-6291.
Journey Covenant Church — 2679 N. Haven Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls. 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Free, hot dinner to local residents on the last Tuesday of every month. Christ Kitchen Dinners are open to the public. 330-923-8021.
Magnificat of Stark County — at Walsh University Barrette Center, 2020 E. Maple St., North Canton. 9 a.m. Dec. 16. Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth Chapter of Magnificat, a women’s ministry modeled after the Visitation, will host a breakfast. Seating is limited, doors open at 8:30 a.m. No reservations will be accepted after Dec. 1. There will be an optional Mass at 8 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel at Walsh University. For more information, call Raquel Berroteran at 330-686-2088.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church — 442 Bell St., Akron. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Community clothing giveaway. Donations of clothing and shoes for men, women and children are needed. Donations accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday next week at the church.
Wintergreen Ledges Church of God — 1889 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday. Free hot meals served to all. Free coats, hats and gloves available while supplies last. 330-753-3027.
Performances
Oak Grove Mennonite Church — 7843 Smucker Road, Smithville. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The 24th year of Search For the Christ Child, a 45-minute indoor-outdoor walk-through experience, will re-enact the events of the first Christmas. Dress warmly. Admission is one canned food or toiletry item for People to People Ministries. 330-669-2697.
Park United Methodist Church — 2308 24th St., Akron. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The Joyfulaires Quartet will be in concert at both services. Free-will offering. 330-745-3714.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church — 241 S. Main St., North Canton. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Ringing in Christmas, presented by the Harmony Ringers with their own Malmark handbells and handchimes. Free-will offering.
The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. Items must be in writing. Please fax information to 330-996-3033, email it to religion@thebeaconjournal.com or send it to Religion, Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron OH 44309.