CONFERENCES
West Des Moines – The Iowa Catholic Men’s Conference will be March 29 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Tickets are $30 per adult, $15 for students, $45 for a family group and $10 for seminarians. Clergy may attend at no cost. Tickets are at iowacatholicmensconference.com.
EDUCATIONAL
Bettendorf – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is offering two programs to help people grow in their spiritual life. The first program is Oremus: A Catholic Guide to Prayer on Thursdays at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. beginning March 6. The second program is Living the Discerning Life, Saturdays at 9 a.m. since March 1 and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. since March 4. A DVD presentation will cover St. Ignatius’ 14 rules for discernment. More information is at www.lourdescatholic.com.
Bettendorf – People are welcome to a Life in the Spirit Seminar over seven Thursdays, through April 10, from 7-9 p.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Release the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit given in baptism. The seminar consists of presentations, small group sharing, prayer and music. For more information, email CircleOfLovePrayerGroup@gmail.com.
Burlington – A Theology on Tap event for Catholics in their 20s and 30s will take place March 6 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at Big Muddy’s restaurant. Father Marty Goetz will speak on “How do I find God in my everyday life?” For more information, call (319) 572-0302 or visit www.renewTOT.org.
Burlington – The CAFÉ (Catholic Adult Fellowship Evening) will be open in the Notre Dame School cafeteria at 6:45 p.m. March 19 for “Catholic Witness to Muslims” by Tony Kanaan. A Catholic born in Lebanon, he will discuss the Blessed Mother as a bridge between Catholics and Muslims.
Clinton – Peace Soup sessions will take place at St. Boniface Center, 2520 Pershing Boulevard, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. during Lent. The events include free soup suppers and presentations on world religions and their paths to peacemaking. March 11 is Hinduism, March 18 is Buddhism, March 25 is Judaism, April 1 is Islam and April 8 is Christianity.
Clinton – The Center for Active Nonviolence and Peacemaking will show the film “Bowling for Columbine” at The Canticle at 6:30 p.m. March 20.
Davenport — A Biblical Walk through the Mass is offered the first Thursday of each month through April in the St. Anthony Parish Center from 6:30-8 p.m. The Adult Faith Formation Committee is offering the five-part DVD series series so people understand what Catholics say and do at Mass.
Davenport – Journalist and author Cokie Roberts will visit St. Ambrose University’s Christ the King Chapel March 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. She will speak about founding mothers and courageous Sisters in the history of the United States.
Iowa City – The Knights of Columbus of St. Wenceslaus Parish invite people to the second annual Culture of Life Dinner at the parish hall March 29 at 5 p.m. The free event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Gregory McKernan discussing his experiences with NaProTECHNOLOGY, a holistic method of women’s health care, in his private practice. Dr. Stephen Pallone will speak. Attendees will hear from 2013 Fertility Appreciation Grant recipients Jamie Rathjen and Kari Beadner, graduates of the Creighton NaProTECHNOLOGY course. For more information, visit www.stwenc-ic.com or call David Fetzer at (319) 400-5695.
LITURGY/PRAYER
Des Moines County – An Introduction to Centering Prayer will take place at churches in Burlington, Dodgeville and West Burlington during Lent. Ruth Skeens will facilitate. The first session is March 8, 3:45 p.m., St. John Church, Burlington. For a full schedule, visit http://ssjohnpaulburl.org.
RETREATS
Henry, Ill. – Rachel’s Vineyard, a retreat for women and men struggling with the pain of abortion, will be held March 14-16. Cost is $140 for room, meals and retreat materials. For more information or to register, call (309) 264-1489 or the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., office of family life at (309) 671-1550.
SOCIALS
Cosgrove – A community blood drive will be held March 13 in St. Peter’s Church Hall from 3-7 p.m. The Altar & Rosary Society will provide refreshments. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Contact person is Trish Rohret at (319) 545-2086 or trish@southslope.net or www.uihealthcare.org/bloodcenter for appointments.
Davenport – St. Alphonsus Parish will hold fish fries on Fridays from March 7 to April 11 from 4-7 p.m. Meal is $9 for adults and $3 for children. Desserts cost $1.
Fort Madison – The Century Strong gala with a fundraising dinner, concert and auction for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools is March 22 at 6 p.m. at Roling Hall. Tickets cost $50 and are available at the school offices. Tables for four are in the balcony for $200, and tables that seat eight will be on the main floor for $400. Holy Trinity is soliciting sponsorship donations of cash, auction items and door prizes. For more information, contact Development Director Lori Wilson at (319) 371-4028 or lori.wilson@ holytrinityschools.org.
Grinnell – The Knights of Columbus will hold fish fries on Fridays during Lent from 5-7 p.m. in the religious education center. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-14, free for children 4 and younger, or $20 for a family. Proceeds benefit youth scholarships.
Iowa City – St. Patrick Church is hosting an Irish breakfast March 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. Sixteen themed Pots o’ Gold will be given away; winners’ names will be drawn at 1:45 p.m. Chances will be available for a $1 donation or six chances for $5.
Iowa City – The Knights of Columbus of St. Mary Parish will hold fish fries at the KC Family Center, 4776 American Legion Road, on Fridays through April 11 from 5-7 p.m. Catfish dinners are $12; shrimp and salmon dinners are $10 each. For more information, call (319) 341-9097 or e-mail kofc842@gmail.com.
Mechanicsville – On March 30, St. Mary Parish will hold a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and live auction at 12:30 p.m. in the church basement. To donate to the auction, bring items to the basement beginning March 16. For more information, call Ryan Crock at (319) 533-1999.
Muscatine – The Knights of Columbus will hold a shrimp or catfish dinner at Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School beginning at 5 p.m. Fridays during Lent (excluding Good Friday). Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children younger than 5.
West Liberty – The Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph’s Parish will hold fish fries on March 14, March 28 and April 11 in the Parish Life Center. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5.
