Lessons, Carols and Benediction
CRANSTON — The Knights of Columbus Rev. Richard A. Donnelly Council #322 will host Lessons, Carols and Benediction on Thursday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. in St. Mark Church, 9 Garden Court. Come and join Council 322’s ongoing monthly Holy Hour program for its special Advent celebration before the most Blessed Sacrament. The celebration of Lessons and Carols is a service of scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. This celebration is specially geared to families. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer. The celebration will conclude with a brief homily and solemn benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament. Hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be provided. All are welcome.
Christmas Pageant
EAST GREENWICH — Our Lady of Mercy Parish and school will hold their Christmas pageant on Thursday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. in the parish church, 65 Third St.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass
PROVIDENCE — The annual diocesan Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated on Dec. 11, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence. The sacrament of reconciliation and prayers of the Rosary will be offered at 9 a.m. and a solemn bilingual Mass with Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, accompanied by priests and deacons who serve in our parish communities, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. This Mass is sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry and the diocesan Guadalupe Committee. For more information call Silvio Cuellar, coordinator of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, 401 -421-7833, ext. 233 or email scuellar@dioceseofprovidence.org.
An evening of Christmas music and dancing
WARREN — St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., will host an evening of Christmas music and dancing on December 11. Music will be provided by Gary James Farias 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. You may bring your own food and drinks or purchase something from the kitchen. Food, including limited sandwiches, pizza, favas and chourico, along with soft drinks, will be offered. Coffee, tea, and pastry is included in the price of admission. The event will feature a raffle, 50/50 split the pot and silent auction.
The Sweet Spirit of Christmas
BRISTOL — The Sweet Spirit of Christmas, sponsored by the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Rosary/Altar Society, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 4 – 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. – noon, in the Monsignor Lolio Parish Center, 141 State Street. Festive trays of homemade assorted cookies and delicious holiday candies will be for sale. Tickets for the Annual Christmas Raffle, with the top prize of $1,000 will also be available for purchase. The raffle will be drawn on Dec. 12.
Knights to host breakfast
NORTH KINGSTOWN — The Knights of Columbus will hold a breakfast at the council hall, 1265 Tower Hill Road, on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. The menu will include eggs, pancakes, home fries, sausage, baked beans, pastries, Christmas streusel, orange juice, coffee and tea. Children 6 and under are free.
Advent Parish Mission at SS. John and Paul
COVENTRY — SS. John and Paul Church, 341 South Main St., will host an Advent Parish Mission, Monday through Wednesday, December 13-15, at 7 p.m. (Mass and Mission Talk each evening). Father Joseph Medio and Father Francis Godkin of the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance will preach the Mission, entitled “God BLESSES America: Canonized Saints, Blesseds and Venerables from the United States.” Confessions will be heard each day of the Mission from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. in the church. For more info, call 401-821-5764 or visit stsjohnpaulri.com.
Education and the Liberal Arts
RIVERSIDE — A presentation by Dr. Ryan Messmore, D. Phil., president of Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts, will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., St. Brendan’s Parish Center Hall, 60 Turner Ave. This lecture and Q & A will be geared toward high school students, eighth grade Catholic students with their parents, and homeschoolers. Refreshments will be provided. Inquiries to parish office 401-433-2600 or Father Scott Carpentier at revscottcarpentier@gmail.com.
Christmas Concert
WOONSOCKET — Saint Joseph’s Parish, 1200 Mendon Road, will present a Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m. The event will feature soloists, a quartet, the choir, as well as special guests the Providence Youth Guitar Ensemble. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.stjosephwoonsocket.com.
Advent Service at Saint Rocco Church
JOHNSTON — A special Advent Service in preparation for Christmas will take place at Church of Saint Rocco, 927 Atwood Ave., on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. The parish music department will host an evening of prayer, music and reflection. Father Angelo Carusi, KCHS, pastor, will preside and Christopher Carmello, KHS, music director and parish organist, and Marissa DiBiase, LHS, assistant music director and parish cantor will lead attendees in song. The evening will feature soloists, choir and instrumentalists. Reception to follow in Café Rocco in Saint Rocco School.
Amos House Volunteer Opportunity
PROVIDENCE — Amos House is a leading social services agency in Providence founded by Sister Eileen Murphy in 1976. It prepares free tax returns for income-qualified individuals and families from the last week of January through mid-April. Please consider donating four hours of your time each week to serve as a tax preparer or helping with document intake. Participants receive IRS training and certification. If you believe you’d enjoy using your skills to help the less fortunate in this way, and would like more information, please call Mike Speidel at 617-645-1584
