LITURGY/PRAYER
Clinton — The Sisters of St. Francis invite the public to join them at Vespers — evening prayer — on each of the Sundays of Advent beginning at 6 p.m. in the chapel of The Canticle, their home in Clinton. The remaining prayer services, will be Dec. 6, 13 and 21. Participants will join in song, in reflecting on the Scripture readings of the Advent season, and in praying together for the blessing of Christmas. For more information, call (563) 242-7611. Advent Vespers last about 45 minutes. Parking is available in front of The Canticle. Directions to The Canticle are available at www.clintonfranciscans.com/canticle%20directions.htm.
Davenport — A healing Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 10th and Iowa streets, Dec. 18. Confesions begin at 6 p.m., praise music at 6:40 p.m., and Mass at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome.
Davenport — The Sisters of Humility invite the general public to pray with them at 11:40 a.m. Wednesdays during a special Mass for peace. It will be celebrated in the Magnificat Chapel at the Humility of Mary Center, 820 W. Central Park Ave.
Iowa City — On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., people in Iowa City will gather at Faith United Church at 1609 Deforest Ave. for a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss of a child. After a few remarks, music and a moment of silence, the attendees are invited to leave a candle at a replica of a statue in remembrance of children. The vigil is one of many that will take place nationwide. For more information, call Bruce Titus of St. Patrick Parish in Iowa City at (319) 337-6096.
Iowa City — People meet to pray the rosary and receive Communion at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community. All Catholics are welcome.
Iowa City — Centering Prayer groups meet from 7-8 p.m. Mondays at the Mercy Hospital chapel, and from 9-11:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at a member’s home. For more information, call Maureen Kelley at (319) 338-8284.
Melrose — The Knights of Columbus of Albia sponsor a 24-hour adoration the first Friday of the month at St. Patrick Church in Melrose. Mass begins at 8 a.m., followed by 24 hours of adoration, and closes with benediction at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday. For more information or to sign up for an hour, call Tony Humeston at (641) 932-7709.
MEETINGS
Davenport — A Catholic Single Mothers Support Group invites new members for prayer and discussion on positive parenting and balancing life’s demands. Mothers will meet and hear a different speaker monthly in an informal setting. To take part, call Joan at (563) 323-0175.
Davenport — A group meets for Ignatian Lightworks exercises on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. at 2803 McKinley Ave. For more information, call (563) 324-7263.
Donahue — The Eudist Associates of Iowa meet the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8:30 p.m. at Eagles Wings Retreat Center. Dinner, teaching from St. John Eudes’ work and prayer will take place. For more information, call (563) 324-7263.
Moline, Ill. — The secular discalced Carmelite community of St. Joseph’s and the prophet Elijah meets the second Sunday of each month from 1-3:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Mary Church. For more information, call Leslie Schadt, OCDS, at (563) 370-3559.
Rock Island, Ill. — The secular Franciscans meet at 2 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the Jardine Auditorium at Trinity Medical Center West Campus, 2701 17th St. For more information, call Kent Ferris in Muscatine at (563) 264-0120.
Wilton — “GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays” aims to help people after a loved one’s death. A free seminar will take place Sunday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Mary Church in Wilton. The sessions feature video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death and who offer practical suggestions and reassurance.
RETREATS
Blue Grass — A Centering Prayer Advent retreat will take place at St. Andrew Church, 333 W. Lotte St., Blue Grass, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The retreat is for people who have attended an introductory workshop in Centering Prayer or who have experience using the form of prayer. The day will include Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, an Advent video and time for solitude. Coffee, tea and muffins will be served from 9-9:25 a.m. Cost is $15 per person. Bring a sack lunch; beverages will be provided. Register by Dec. 4. For more information, call (563) 285-7242.
Clinton — An Advent retreat will take place at The Canticle Friday evening, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. It will include presentations, silence, creative sharing, and contemplative prayer. Participants will explore the gift of God’s coming and the meaning of Incarnation. They also will explore ways to prepare themselves for the grace of gratitude for the past while creating a vision for tomorrow. For more information or to register for the Advent retreat, call Sister Mary Smith at (563) 242-7609, ext. 1369. Costs vary from $30 to $60 depending on lodging and length of stay. Participants may come as early as 9 a.m. Friday morning for eucharistic liturgy and to spend the day in quiet. They also may attend the presentations without staying the night. Scholarships are available.
Rock Island, Ill. – Join the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery for an Advent Day of Prayer. Prepare for Christmas with reflection, quiet and discussion on the birth of Christ. Presenter will be Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB. Event is slated for Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $30, including lunch. The day will take place at the Benet House Retreat Center at 2200 88th Ave. W. Contact Jackie Walsh at (309) 283-2108 or retreats@smmsisters.org to register.
SOCIALS
Buffalo — A cookie walk will take place at St. Peter Church’s rectory, 406 Fourth St., Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8 for a large container and $5 for a medium container. Patrons may bring cameras to take photos with Santa.
Holbrook — “Christmas Time in Ireland,” a holiday celebration of music, song and dance starring Irish entertainer Tony Kenny, comedian Joe Cuddy, dancer and singer Victoria Kenny and the Dublin City Dancers, will take place at the former St. Michael Church Dec. 10. The family show begins at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30. Holbrook is in southeast Iowa County, seven miles south of exit 225 from Interstate 80 on U Avenue.
Iowa City — St. Wenceslaus Parish, 630 E. Davenport St., will hold a holiday bazaar Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. Kolaches, cinnamon rolls, booths to browse, attic treasures, a silent auction, complimentary coffee and Scrip will be available.
