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. 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 online at www.clintonfranciscans.com.
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 — 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.
MEETINGS
Davenport — Afterglow Ministry teams meet for prayers for healing and personal needs Saturdays after 4 p.m. Mass at St. Alphonsus Church.
Davenport — A SWAP (Soaking With A Purpose), quiet prayer and worship group will meet the second and fourth Friday evenings of the month at 7 p.m. at Eagles’ Wings Retreat Center, 5816 Telegraph Road. Call (563) 324-7263 for more information.
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 Blessed John XXIII fraternity of the Secular Franciscans meets at 2 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at Trinity Hospital, 2701 17th St. For more information, call Kent Ferris in Muscatine at (563) 264-0120.
RETREATS
Davenport — Our Lady of Victory Parish, sponsored by the Diocese of Davenport, invites people to “save the date” for the 2011 Marriage Encounter Weekend. It will be held Friday, Feb. 18, through Sunday, Feb. 20, at the church. It’s a gift married couples can give themselves to revitalize, strengthen and enrich their marriage. The cost is $95 for couples (financial assistance is available) and is open to couples of all faiths. Contact Tracy or Joe Ripslinger at (563) 388-0355 or tracyrip@mchsi.com for information regarding the weekend or to have an application mailed to you.
SOCIALS
Davenport — The Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir Ensemble and soprano Kim McDonald will offer a free concert at the cathedral Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. The cathedral is located at 422 E. 10th St.
Davenport — Christmas decorations, holiday gift items and holiday clothing for the family are available at Cinderella Cellar, 230 W. 35th St. The store is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Proceeds benefit the Kahl Home for the Aged and Infirm. Cinderella Cellar is operated by volunteers from the Catholic Service Board.
Davenport — All Saints Catholic School’s greenery sale is ongoing. To buy 24-inch wreaths, 36-inch wreaths, roping garland, crosses or canes, call Trish Zinger at (563) 323-2458.
Fairfield – Lynn Cooper, a Catholic contemporary singer and songwriter, will present a concert Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 3100 W. Madison Ave. Freewill offerings will be accepted. CDs will be for sale, and refreshments will be served.
Fairfield — St. Mary Parish is hosting a Nativity tea Dec. 12 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the church hall. The event is a free, Advent, family activity. For parishioners wishing to display a nativity scene, the hall will be open Dec. 10 from 5-7 p.m. and Dec. 11 from noon to 6 p.m. Treats can be dropped off in the kitchen during those times or on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Iowa City — St. Wenceslaus Church will hold its annual holiday bazaar and bake sale at the church, 630 E. Davenport St., Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. to noon and after 4 p.m. Mass and on Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon. Freshly made kolaches, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods will be for sale. There also will be a country store, crafts and attic treasures. Scrip will be available to purchase, and complimentary coffee will be available.
