MARIETTA--Over 400 Catholic singles gathered at Transfiguration Church Sept. 30 for Mass celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue in recognition of the unique Christian challenges faced by those in the single life.

Planned by the Cobb Catholic Singles Over 35, an organization made up of members from the six Catholic churches in Cobb County, this was the second annual Mass for singles with the archbishop. The organization, with a membership of over 350, includes Catholics who are widowed, separated and divorced, as well as Catholics who have always been single. Archbishop Donoghue said in his homily that single Catholics, in a most unique way, have the life of Christ as their model.

"Christ did not marry, nor can it be said that He was ordained, since His priesthood transcends all earthly rites and disciplines," the archbishop said. "But what He did have is what He has now given to you--the clear unencumbered freedom of soul, to try to be exactly as He was, and to try to do exactly as He did....The Church depends on you for this witness, and for what you are and have already done, I can say, on behalf of the Church, thank you and bless you."

Transfiguration parishioners Susan Graham and Dan Willis were co-chairs of this event for the Cobb organization, which plans spiritual, social and service events. "We cover the whole spectrum of singledom," Graham said. The archbishop's Mass is designed to strengthen the connection for singles, since "some of us feel kind of left out" in the life of the Catholic Church, she noted.

However, the organization has blossomed since its foundation three years ago and provides a community of mutual support. Members meet on the first Sunday of each month for Mass at a different Cobb Catholic church, followed by brunch and a meeting, and on the third Tuesday of each month for a home Mass. Service projects include painting murals for children's hospitals and participation in the AIDS walk and an annual fund-raiser for cancer research. A hotline with information on all activities can be reached at (770) 621-5035.