LITURGY/PRAYER
Clinton — The Clinton Ministerial Association (CMA) will again sponsor the entire Gateway area observance of the annual “Church Unity Octave” in Clinton. This year the association is planning an inspirational worship service that celebrates the oneness shared through faith by all Christians. A one-hour service will take place at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 2 p.m. on Jan. 23.
Davenport — A healing Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 10th and Iowa streets, Friday, Jan. 21. Confessions start at 6 p.m., praise music at 6:30 p.m., and Mass at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome.
Hills — A healing Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at St. Joseph Church. Confessions will begin at 6:15 p.m.
MEETINGS
Clinton — An evening of reflection at The Canticle, home of the Clinton Franciscans, 841 13th Ave. N., will be offered on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 4-8:30 p.m. This twilight retreat will explore the wisdom of Thomas Merton through excerpts from his writings. With the direction of leader Sister Mary Smith, OSF, participants will discover, as Merton did, that the epiphany of God in time comes at any moment and anywhere. The evening will include prayer, presentations and discussion. Cost is $15, which also includes an evening meal. For details and to make your reservation, call (563) 242-7611. More information is available at: www.clintonfranciscans.com. Select “Evening with Merton” from the home page.
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.
DeWitt — Christian Experience Weekends (CEWs) will take place at St. Joseph School this winter. The women’s weekend is slated for Jan. 28-30, and the men’s weekend is Feb. 11-13. The CEW begins on Friday night at 8 p.m. and ends at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. It includes talks, discussions and activities conducted by religious and lay people. Cost is $35. No one is turned away for financial reasons. To register for the women’s weekend, contact Sue Thole at (563) 659-8686 or thole. susan@yahoo.com. To sign up for the men’s weekend, contact Jason Fuglsang at (563) 659-2444 or jmfugsab@iowatelecom.net.
SOCIALS
Fort Madison — Catholic singles will meet Jan. 26 for game night at McAleer Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Ottumwa — St. Mary of the Visitation Parish is hosting its annual spaghetti dinner Jan. 23 in the church hall at Court and E. Fourth streets. Menu includes salad, French bread, spaghetti and meat sauce, cheesecake and beverage. Serving times are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-10 and free for children 3 and younger. Call (641) 682-4559 or (641) 683-1537 for more information. Carryouts will be available.
