AROUND THE DIOCESE

Around the Diocese 11.26.15

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Pro-Life Sidewalk Counseling Training
PROVIDENCE — Servants of Christ for Life will host a free training seminar on how to most effectively counsel and pray on the sidewalk outside an abortion center. The local pro-life group has teamed up with Dallas-based "Sidewalk Advocates for Life" to bring this very informative and important seminar to Rhode Island. The event is completely free and will include a catered breakfast and lunch. It will be held on Saturday, December 5, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., at St. Pius V Church, 155 Elmhurst Ave. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Tyler Rowley: t3rowley@gmail.com, 290-7201.

Prayer Service to be held in memory of 35th Anniversary of U.S. Churchwomen killing
PAWTUCKET — On December 2, St. Joseph Church, 195 Walcott St., will observe the 35th anniversary of the four U.S. churchwomen who were brutally killed in El Salvador in 1980 with a prayer service, celebrating the lives of Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clarke, Ita Ford and Jean Donovan. All are invited.

‘The Mass Explained’ at Adult Faith Formation Series
WARWICK — St. Gregory the Great Parish, 360 Cowesett Road, continues its Adult Faith Formation series on Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the church hall with “The Mass Explained.” The class will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Led by Heather Skidds, St. Gregory’s music director, this topic focuses on all aspects of the Mass, from its purpose and structure to the Mass as a Sacrifice and a Holy Meal. It will also explore the Church’s teaching on Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist and its scriptural basis. This is the second of four classes that takes a closer look at all aspects of the Church, continuing to explore the Catholic faith. Two additional classes on the Ten Commandments and the Sacraments will be held in February and May. To register for this class or for more information, please contact St. Gregory the Great Church Parish Office at 884-1666.

Lincoln parishes to highlight St. Luke’s Gospel of Mercy
LINCOLN — St. Ambrose parish in Albion and St. James parish in Manville will offer three evening sessions during the season of Advent on the Gospel of St. Luke, often labeled “The Gospel of Mercy,” in celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis and beginning throughout the world this December. The Scriptural lessons will follow the 7 p.m. Mass at St. James Church, 33 Division St., Manville, on Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. The church is readily accessible. Father John A. Kiley, weekly columnist for the Rhode Island Catholic, will lead the three discussions emphasizing the Evangelist’s theme of mercy, the Biblical “loving kindness” of God toward all humanity, especially the poor, the foreigner, the handicapped, the outcast and notably, women. The scriptural discussions are free and open to the public. For more information, call 769-7670.

Holy Ghost Church to host Solemn Mass
TIVERTON — Holy Ghost Church, 316 Judson St., will offer a Solemn Mass in the Traditional Roman Rite for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8 at 5 p.m. Worship aids will be provided. For information visit www.HolyGhostCC.org or call 624-8131.

Day of Mercy
TIVERTON — Holy Ghost Church, 316 Judson St., will hold a Day of Mercy on December 18, to begin with 7 a.m. Mass, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions from 7:30 a.m. thru 7:30 p.m., and will close with a Holy Hour of Mercy at 7 p.m. For information visit www.HolyGhostCC.org or call 624-8131.
Catholic Women's League of Holy Ghost Church to host Christmas Party
JOHNSTON — The Catholic Women's League of Holy Ghost Church, 1 Knight St., will hold a Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 6, at noon, at the Atwood Grill, 1413 Atwood Ave. For more information, call 421-3551.

Knights to host annual Toy Drive
WOONSOCKET — On Saturday, November 28, Woonsocket Council 113 Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with the family of the late Ron Auger and the Woonsocket Police Department, is hosting an annual Toy Drive, to be held at All Saints Parish Hall, 323 Rathbun St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food, raffles and Santa. All who bring an unwrapped gift (or monetary donation) will receive a free photo with Santa. Proceeds to benefit children in the Woonsocket area.

Mount Saint Charles Academy offers December entrance exam
WOONSOCKET — Mount Saint Charles Academy will hold its December Entrance Exam on Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12, both at 8:15 a.m. Prospective Mount students can take the test at the Academy on either day. On December 5, prospective Mount parents are invited to stay for coffee and breakfast pastries during the exam. It will be an opportunity to meet with current families, ask questions, and learn more about the Academy. For more information and to download the registration form, students and parents can visit www.mountsaintcharles.org/exam. They can also contact Mr. O'Neill, Director of Admissions, at 401-769-0310 x137 or via email: admissions@staff.mountsaintcharles.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Prayer Shawl Ministry to sponsor Mass of Anointing
JOHNSTON — St. Brigid's Church, 1231 Plainfield St., Prayer Shawl Ministry will be sponsoring their quarterly Mass of Anointing on Saturday, December 5, at 11 a.m. Handmade shawls, made by the ministry, and blessed by Father Robert Rochon, pastor, will be available for anyone that may need one for themselves or for someone they know who could benefit from having one. Those who are elderly, preparing for surgery, suffering from a chronic illness or experiencing spiritual or emotional pain are welcome to come and join us in our healing prayers that contribute to our well being.

Cornell professor to lead science and faith lecture
PROVIDENCE  — On Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m., Jonathan I. Lunine, professor in the Physical Sciences at Cornell University, will deliver a lecture entitled “LeMaitre, Teilhard, and Laudato Si': Science and Faith in Confrontation and Collaboration,” at the Petteruti Lounge in the Roberts Campus Center with a reception to follow. The event is hosted by the Brown-RISD Catholic Community.  Dr. Lunine's talk will explore why Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si' motivates the faithful to think about the relationship between science and faith, using two priest-scientists, George LeMaitre and Teilhard de Chardin, as examples of different approaches to the problem. He also serves as director of the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science. For more information, call 863-3314. 

Jesus Savior Church plans Christmas Concert for Charity
NEWPORT—The St. Vincent de Paul Society at Jesus Savior Church, 509 Broadway, is hosting a Christmas Concert for Charity — featuring the Wakefield Concert Band — on December 14 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the event, which will benefit the needy in the local community. A donation of $10 is appreciated. Tickets will be available at the door on the night of the performance, or for advance tickets, call 846-0115.
St. William Parish to host Evening of Sacred Music for Advent and Christmas
WARWICK — St. William Parish, 200 Pettaconsett Ave., will host “An Evening of Sacred Music for Advent and Christmas” with the St. William Choir and the Rhode Island College Chamber Singers on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the church. A reception in the parish center will follow. Free will offering. For more information, call 781-7226.
St. Joseph to host night of ‘Lessons and Carols’ 
NORTH SCITUATE — St. Joseph Church in North Scituate is sponsoring a night of “Lessons and Carols” (a candlelit service of Scripture reading and sacred music) that will help prepare the way for the Advent season. It will be presented on December 2 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 144 Danielson Pike, North Scituate. The presentation is under the direction of Stephen DeCesare and will feature the St. Joseph Church adult choir. For more information, call 647-2255. 
Christmas Festival at St. Mark Church
JAMESTOWN — St. Mark Church, 60 Narragansett Ave., will hold its annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Taste and See Café will feature a variety of hot and cold breakfast and luncheon items including a homemade soup bar. There will also be a raffle that includes cash prizes and a Smart TV as well as homemade baked goods with pies, cakes and breads. Fresh greenery arrangements, hand crafted knitted and crocheted items and religious gifts will be available. There will also be a children’s corner with games, toys and puzzles.  
Cluny School presents ‘A Living Nativity’
NEWPORT — Cluny School will present its 9th Annual “Living Nativity” Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. on the school grounds, 75 Brenton Road, off Ocean Drive in Newport. A Christmas in Newport event, this annual reenactment of the “first Christmas” is held outdoors, under the stars, and is enhanced by live animals and choral music performed by the entire student body.  Hot chocolate and sweets will be served before the presentation, which will last 25-30 minutes.  This free event is a gift to the community, expressing the true meaning of Christmas. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a flashlight. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place Wednesday, Dec. 16.  For more information please call Stephanie O’Connor at 855-2252 or visit www.ClunySchool.org/Events.
St. Paul’s Annual Christmas Bazaar
FOSTER — St. Paul Church, 116A Danielson Pike, will host an annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and following the 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, call 647-3664. 
Enjoy an evening of Christmas music to benefit Special Religious Education
HARRISVILLE — St. Theresa’s Christian music group will perform an evening of Christmas music, entitled Manna, on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m., at St. Theresa’s Church Hall, 35 Dion Drive. Soup and refreshments will be served. Goodwill donations to benefit SPRED.
Christmas Bazaar and Polish Food Faire
CENTRAL FALLS — St. Joseph Church, 391 High St., will hold a Christmas Bazaar and Polish Food Faire on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the parish center. The bazaar will feature Polish foods, games of chance, children’s entertainment, flea market, pastry, penny social, and photos with Saint Nicholas. Admission is free. For more information, call 723-5427.
St. Timothy Church hosts Family Christmas Sing-a-long
WARWICK — St. Timothy Church, 1799 Warwick Ave., invites the community to a Family Christmas Sing-a-long, on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m., immediately after the 4:15 p.m. Mass. Hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies will be served. For more information, call 739-9552. 
Breakfast with Santa at St. Theresa
TIVERTON —  On Saturday, December 5, at St. Theresa Hall, 265 Stafford Road, families are invited to have Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m.; pictures with Santa at 10 a.m., followed by crafts and cookie decorating. Children 5 and under attend free. Please call the rectory at 624.8746 for more information.