St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church has been a lot of change this year — a renovated and expanded sanctuary, and a new garden, among other undertakings. Since July 1, the parish has also been home to Reverend Andy Vill, who is serving as a parochial vicar.

Trinity Episcopal Church is pleased to announce the call of The Reverend Matt Babcock as its new Curate. Rev Babcock plans to begin his ministry at the Main Street house of worship on Sunday, August 4.

The description that runs in this newspaper’s Worship Notes each week for Connections Church says simply “Interdenominational evangelical church services Sundays, 10 am; children’s program available.” Pastor Rocky Veach and Assistant Pastor Adam Watt promise those who attend services will gain much more.

Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants spent a week last month working on homes of some of the nation’s poorest residents. Thanks to a project done by one workcamper before leaving town, hundreds of pairs of shoes were also shared with families in Hinton, W.V.

Helping hands from Black Rock Church visit the Newtown Fruit Trail.

Newtown students will bring assistance to a West Virginia community during a workcamp experience later this month. Meanwhile, one workcamper is collecting shoes to take with him, to further help the community he will be serving.

St Rose Knights of Columbus led a Memorial Day service at St Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook, Monday, May 27.

Many of the town’s faith leaders accepted an invitation by FAITH Food Pantry and the local Knights of Columbus to tour the nonecumenical food pantry now located at 46 Church Hill Road. A field trip of sorts was undertaken by council members in place of the council’s regular monthly meeting.

Three different styles of yoga classes are hosted by Newtown Congregational Church, whose minister of youth and mission sees the offering as a spiritual practice that is good for everyone.

For her Bat Mitzvah project, Newtown Middle School seventh grader Hanna Reps chose to assist kittens and cats though Sandy Hook-based Kitten Associates and Southbury’s Whiskers Pet Rescue.