EDUCATIONAL
Burlington – The CAFÉ (Catholic Adult Fellowship Evening) will be open in the Notre Dame School cafeteria at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 11 as Don Boucher presents “Youth and the Church.”
LITURGY/PRAYER
Clinton – The Sisters of St. Francis invite people to pray Advent vespers every Sunday during Advent at 6 p.m. in The Canticle chapel. Reflections will focus on the “O Antiphons of Advent.” Upcoming dates are Dec. 8, 15 and 22.
Davenport – A healing Mass will be celebrated at Eagles’ Wings on Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. There will be prayers for healing and an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.
Farmington – St. Boniface Parish will celebrate its 150th anniversary Dec. 15. Bishop Martin Amos will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m., and a potluck will follow.
MEETINGS
Moline, Ill. – The Secular Discalced Carmelite Community of St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah invites people to join in the study of prayer in the tradition of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. The group meets on the second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Church. For more information, call Annette at (563) 359-7052 or Donna at (563) 323-1719.
RETREATS
Clinton – The Clinton Franciscans will host an Advent Retreat: “Giving Birth to Peace” on Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Canticle, 841 13th Ave. N. The day will focus on the teachings of peace in Scripture and the writings of St. Francis and St. Clare. Sister Nancy Miller, OSF, will facilitate the retreat. Suggested offering, including lunch, is $25. Register by calling (563) 242-7611 or emailing office@clintonfranciscans.com.
Davenport – Married couples are invited to a Marriage Encounter Retreat Weekend to renew their relationship, improve communication and enhance their mutual commitment. The event takes place Dec. 6-8 at Our Lady of Victory Church. All discussions are private between spouses. Cost is $95 and includes five home-cooked meals. To register, call Joe and Tracy Ripslinger at (563) 388-0355 or email tracy@ripslinger.com.
Grand Mound – The Advent retreat “The Light of Christ Heals” will be at Ss. Philip & James Church, 606 Fulton, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is presented by Marcia Moore and Cyndi Jarvis of Eagles’ Wings of Davenport. Lunch is included and registration is $15 at the door. Fee for high school and college students is $5.
Wheatland – Eastern Iowa Contemplative Outreach will host an Advent retreat, “Dark Nights and Doubts in Our Lives,” on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Participants will view the second part of a video by Father Ron Rolheiser. People wanting to speak with a spiritual companion can make appointments during individual quiet time. Lunch is provided as part of the $25 fee for the day. Scholarships are available. For more information, email jensenyetta@gmail.com or call (563) 355-1162. Registration is due Nov. 30.
Wheatland – Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat welcomes people to the following events. On Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is “Weaving Prayers and Baskets” with Sister Kathleen Storms. Learn simple basket weaving in the context of prayer and meditation. Fee: $30. On Dec. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is “Come to the Quiet.” Fee: $20. To register, contact (563) 336-8414 or olpretreat@gmail.com.
SOCIALS
Buffalo – St. Peter Parish will host a cookie walk in the rectory at 406 Fourth St. on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $10 for a large container or $7 for a small container. Bring a camera for photos with Santa.
Davenport – Eagles’ Wings will host “Creating From the Heart of Christmas” on Dec. 13 from 6–9 p.m. Participants will be open to experience the Holy Spirit through artistic expression. Bring a canvas or paper (11×16 or larger) and water color or acrylic paints. Eagles’ Wings has pastels, colored pencils and crayons. Wine, cheese and worship music will be provided. Registration is $15: marcia@eagleswings.ws or (563) 324-7263.
Davenport – All Saints Catholic School will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Dec. 14 from 4-6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Cost is $8 for adults or $6 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds support the school gala Feb. 22.
Davenport – The Marycrest Alumni Association will host the annual St. Nicholas Day celebration with the Sisters of Humility on Dec. 8 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Congregation of the Humility of Mary Center, 820 W. Central Park Ave. Marycrest alumni, faculty, staff and friends are invited to drop by for conversation and refreshments. For more information, call Linda VanHese at (563) 322-3332.
Davenport – All are welcome to attend the fifth annual CHM Holiday Movie and Gift Swap, presented by the CHM Care of Earth committee, on Dec. 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Humility of Mary Center, 820 West Central Park Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Movies start at 6:45 p.m. and include the short film “The Story of Solutions,” which explores how to create a more just, sustainable economy. There will also be videos on people who care for the Earth. After the movies will be a gift swap. Bring new or gently used items.
Iowa City – St. Wenceslaus Parish’s holiday bazaar will take place the weekend of Dec. 14-15. On Saturday from 8-11 a.m., there will be a bake sale, trash to treasure booths, crafts and silent auction items. The bazaar also will be open after Saturday 5 p.m. Mass and after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses on Sunday.
Iowa City – On Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., people across the nation, including Lower City Park in Iowa City, will gather 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 statue in remembrance of children. Everyone is invited to the indoor heated warming house (shelter 8) at the park. For more information, call Bruce of St. Patrick Parish at (319) 936-0745.
Keokuk — The Men’s Schola, a group that provides music ministry at Church of All Saints, will participate in a free holiday concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The group is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
