Free Income Tax Preparation
PROVIDENCE — Amos House, a fully handicap-accessible agency, 460 Pine St. prepares free income tax returns for those earning $55,000 or less in 2017. Wednesday and Friday appointments may be made through April 13 by calling 401-272-0220. For last-minute 2017 filers, Amos House has added a Saturday walk-in-only session on April 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other free tax sites may be found at https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.
St. Mary’s to offer End of Life Issues Talk
CHARLESTOWN — St. Mary’s Parish Respect Life Ministry will host a talk by Father Christopher Mahar on the Church’s teachings on End of Life Issues on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at St. James Chapel. Coffee reception to follow. All are welcome.
Helping our Brothers and Sisters in the Caribbean
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Through the Storm: Helping our Brothers and Sisters in the Caribbean is an initiative organized by Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, to support victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through the Storm will take place on Thursday, April 5 and will be focused on showing solidarity with parts of the Caribbean that are still suffering from the effects of the hurricanes and still need to rebuild and restore churches, homes, schools, and hospitals. Through the Storm will be a day of prayer and will culminate in a Mass and a benefit reception will be held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Manchester at 5:30 p.m., with Most Reverend Roberto Octavio González Nieves, O.F.M., Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands attending. Parishes, communities, and individuals are all invited to participate by joining the Diocese of Manchester in prayer at any time. For more information visit, www.catholicnh.org/throughthestorm.
Treasures of the Church: 150 Relics at St. Pius V
PROVIDENCE — More than 150 sacred relics will be presented at St. Pius V on Thursday, April 5, at 7 p.m. Treasures of the Church is a ministry of evangelization of the Catholic Church. Run by Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross, its purpose is to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics of his saints in the form of an exposition. Each exposition begins with a multi-media presentation on the Church’s use of relics that is scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic faith for many people. After the teaching those in attendance have an opportunity to venerate the relics of some of their favorite saints. An exposition involves some 150 relics, including those of St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Faustina Kowalska. The supreme highlight is one of the largest relics of the True Cross in the world and a piece of the Veil that belonged to Our Lady.
Family fun night scheduled at St. Francis of Assisi Parish
WAKEFIELD — Pizza Bingo, a family fun night event, will be held at St. Francis of Assisi, in the church hall, on Friday, April 6, from 5 – 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and $5 for children under 10. The fee includes two bingo cards, pizza, salad, dessert and beverage. Prizes will be awarded. For further information, please contact the rectory at 783-4411 or saintfrancis00@aol.com.
Legion of Mary to host bilingual Acies Ceremony
NORTH PROVIDENCE — The Acies Ceremony, sponsored by the Legion of Mary Providence Comitium, will be held on Saturday, April 7, 1 p.m. at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Holy Family Chapel, 399 Fruit Hill Ave. Reverend John O’Brien, Pastor of St. Lucy Church, Middletown, will preside over this year’s ceremony. Those present will reconsecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary and renew their fidelity to Mary, our Mother. Refreshments will follow. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information call Alice Dabney at 722-6388.
The Five First Saturdays Devotion
PROVIDENCE — On December 10, 1925, Our Lady of the Rosary appeared to Sister Lucia of Fatima fulfilling a promise made to the three children on June 13, 1917 to “come to ask…for the Communion of Reparation on the first Saturdays. During the 1925 apparition Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death, with the graces of salvation, all who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for fifteen minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the purpose of making reparation to me.” The fourth of the Five First Saturday devotions will be held on April 7. Since January 6, 2018, many Parishioners of St. Augustine Church, 639 Mt. Pleasant Ave., have taken advantage of the opportunity to complete the Five First Saturday Devotion. Devotions begin with the Sacrament of Reconciliation 3:45 p.m. (continuing until 5 p.m. the Holy Rosary in song at 4 – 4:25 p.m., meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary at 4:25 p.m. and Mass with Holy Communion beginning at 5 p.m. The message of Our Lady at Fatima has never been more relevant in our history. Only in abiding by her requests to pray the Rosary daily, sacrifice for the conversion of sinners and make the Five First Saturday Devotions, will we begin to save our society. All are invited on Saturday April 7th and again on May 5th, and we hope you will make every effort to attend this very beautiful and special devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary. In addition, celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Augustine Church with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song. The Chaplet will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday April 8, 2018 and will be followed by 11:30 a.m. Mass. Please join us for this beautiful prayer in song.
Inaugural Hall of Fame to Honor 10 Alumni from Saint Raphael Academy
PROVIDENCE — After 94 years, Saint Raphael Academy will induct its first members into its Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 7, at the Hilton in Providence. The Hall of Fame will honor those who have had a long association and outstanding record of service and loyalty to Saint Raphael Academy. The inductees for 2018 are Thomas E. Burgess ’29, David A. Duffy ’57, William F. Farley ’60, Br. Lawrence D. Goyette ’67, James M. Leahy ’44, James A. MacDougald ’46, Joseph J. MarcAurele ’69, Joseph T. McHale ’62, John J. Partridge ’57, and Charles E. Walker ’64. For more information, call 401-723-8100, x 146.
Dr. Scott Hahn to speak at McVinney Auditorium
PROVIDENCE — Dr. Scott Hahn will be at McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, on Saturday, April 7 beginning at 9 a.m. for a morning discussing the importance of our Catholic faith, on topics including “The First Society: The Miracle of Mercy in Marriage” and “The Fourth Cup: The Miracle of Mercy in the Eucharist.” Register at http://www.mcvinneyauditorium.com/.
St. Eugene planning Italian Night celebration
CHEPACHET — On April 7 at 5:15 p.m., St. Eugene Parish will offer an Italian Night celebration in the church hall, located at 1247 Putnam Pike. The buffet style meal will feature salad, pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers, eggplant and chicken Parmesan, Italian dessert and ice cream, with beverages including soda, wine and coffee. Tickets are $15 per person ($8 for children 10 and under) and will be available at all Masses or by calling the rectory at 568-5102. Early ticket purchases are recommended as tickets will not be sold at the door.
Holy Rosary Sodality to host Annual Tea Party
BRISTOL — The Holy Rosary Sodality of St. Elizabeth Church is sponsoring their 3rd annual Tea Party on Saturday, April 7 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Tea Room, located in the parish auditorium, 577 Wood St. Many kinds of hot tea will be available, along with tasteful sweets and mini-sandwiches, served elegantly by the “Tea Cup Girls.” There will be a ‘Hat Contest!’ Wearing hats is optional. Prizes will be awarded for hats that are the funniest, most original, ugliest, etc. Tickets are $20 each and are limited. For reservations, call Pauline at 253-7488. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Pasta dinner to benefit Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen and Day Shelter
RIVERSIDE— St. Brendan will host a pasta dinner to benefit Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen and Day Shelter, Saturday, April 7. Soup, salad, pasta and meatballs will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 433-0045 for tickets, or visit goodneighborsri.org for more information. Tickets are $10 for adults.
Saint Mary School to present Disney’s The Little Mermaid
CRANSTON — Saint Mary School will present Disney’s The Little Mermaid on April 7, 6 p.m. and April 8, 2 p.m., in Saint Mary Parish Center, Vallone Road, Cranston. Tickets are $15 and available at https://stmary.booktix.com, or at the door. For more information, please call 944-4107.
The Feast of Divine Mercy at St. Theresa Shrine
HARRISVILLE — St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church and Shrine, 35 Dion Drive, will celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 8. Schedule of devotions: 11:30 a.m. – Holy Mass, Veneration of Relics of St. Faustina and St. John Paul II; 12:30 p.m. – Lunch; 1:30 p.m. – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions; 3:00 p.m. – Chanting of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The Shrine is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 102. For more information phone 401-568-8280.
Learn about service, spiritual enrichment opportunities
PROVIDENCE — The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) will hold a Friend-Raiser on Sunday, April 8, from 3 - 5 p.m., at the Genesis Center, 620 Potters Ave. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about IVC’s inner city service and spiritual enrichment opportunities for retired persons. For more information about this annual event, please contact Bina Hansen at 401-932-1569.
Our Lady of Czenstochowa Parish to host Divine Mercy Sunday
COVENTRY — Our Lady of Czenstochowa Parish, 445 Washington St., will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 8, with 12 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; 1 p.m. confessions with devotions; and 3 p.m. sung Divine Mercy Chaplet. All are welcome. Bring a friend.
Columbiettes planning fashion show
EAST PROVIDENCE — The Columbiettes Chapter # 3623 will host their annual Spring Fashion Show and Ladies Luncheon on Sunday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at the East Providence Knights of Columbus Council Hall located at 3200 Pawtucket Avenue. Fashions will be provided by Dress Barn, and the event will feature a luncheon, fashion show, door prizes and more. Limited seating is available, with a ticket donation price of $10 per person. For questions or information contact Event Chairperson Jean Oliver 401-497-0515.
Divine Mercy Devotions
PROVIDENCE—St. Pius V Church, 55 Elmhurst Ave., will celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 8. Schedule: 2 p.m., Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary; 2 – 4:30 p.m., Veneration of a First Class Relic of St. Faustina; 2 – 5 p.m., confessions; 3 p.m., Chaplet of Divine Mercy and readings from St. Faustina’s Diary; 4:15 p.m. Benediction; 4:30 p.m., Mass. For more information call, 751-4871.
SS Rose and Clement Parish to host Deanery Holy Hour
WARWICK — SS Rose and Clement Parish, 111 Long St., will host a Deanery IV Holy Hour Tuesday, April 10, at 7p.m., and will offer Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary, prayers for life, Consecration to the Immaculate, Litany of Loreto, and Benediction. All are welcome. Bring a friend.
AARP Smart Driver Course
NORTH SMITHFIELD — The Villa at Saint Antoine, 400 Mendon Road, will host AARP Smart Driver Course on Tuesday, April 10 from 9:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please register by calling 767-2574.AARP members are $15 and non-members are $20. The AARP Smart Driver Course offered by AARP Driver Safety, is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for people older than 55 years old. The course offers an important opportunity to learn how to drive more efficiently and safely.
Parker Quartet Concert
PROVIDENCE — Presented by Rhode Island Chamber Music Concerts, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet brings inspiring performances, luminous sound, and exceptional musicianship to McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, on Wednesday, April 11 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tickets available at www.mcvinneyauditorium.com.
Pasta Night and basket raffle at St. Adalbert’s
PROVIDENCE — St. Adalbert’s Parish at 866 Atwells Ave. invites everyone to their Pasta Night on Saturday, April 14. Dinner will be served following the 4:30 p.m. Mass through 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per adult & $5 per child under 10, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Gift basket raffles will be featured. For more information, please call (401) 351-9306.
Spring dance scheduled
WARREN — St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., will host a spring dance on April 14 from 5 -9 p.m. in the church hall. Music will be provided by Deja Vu/4’s Country. A $7.00 cover charge will be collected at the door. Kitchen will be open selling limited sandwiches, soda and water or you may bring your own food and drinks. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 and a raffle. You may bring a pastry to share.
Called and Gifted Workshop
PROVIDENCE — St. Pius V Church is hosting the Called and Gifted Discernment Workshop on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This workshop, developed by Catholic author and speaker Sherry Weddell (Forming Intentional Disciples), helps participants discern their charisms — spiritual gifts given at Baptism and Confirmation — for the good of families, those we work with, the community and the church. This is the first time this nationally known workshop is taking place in the Diocese of Providence. A fee of $40 includes a light breakfast, lunch and participant workbook. For more information, or to register online, visit the St. Pius V website at spvchurch.org or email calledandgifted@spvchurch.org.
The Regina Coeli Society to host dinner and comedy show
CRANSTON — The Regina Coeli Society of St. Mary Church will host a dinner and comedy show on Saturday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Feast Society Hall on Phenix Avenue. The Italian dinner is being catered. A “divine” comedy of belly laughs, blessings, Blarney and Bingo will be presented by David Kane in the role of Father Patrick Aloysius Misgivings. This hilarious interactive comedy includes a collection, a raffle and an actual bingo game. Tickets are $35 per person and will be sold at all Masses April 7 and 8. All parishioners and their guests are invited. For additional, information and tickets please call 944-7323.
Knights of Columbus to host Portuguese Breakfast
NORTH KINGSTOWN — The Knights of Columbus will hold a Portuguese Breakfast at the Council Hall, 1265 Tower Hill Road, on Sunday, April 15, from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Eggs, Portuguese-style potatoes, Linguica, baked beans, traditional Portuguese sweetbread, grilled hash, orange juice, coffee and tea will be served. The cost is $10, children 6 and under are free.
St. Vincent de Paul Society fundraiser to benefit Soup Kitchen
WEST WARWICK — The West Bay St. Vincent de Paul Society will host the annual Pat Collins Fundraiser on April 15, at the West Warwick Senior Center at 1 p.m. Funds raised will support the Saturday Soup Kitchen run by the society. The dinner selections this year include turkey and all the fixings or baked fish. Tickets are $22. Please call 821-0475 to make reservations.
A Journey of Faith
WEST WARWICK — St. Mary Church will celebrate its 175th Anniversary in 2019. In recognition of this historic event, a special 9-day pilgrimage to Italy is planned. The pilgrimage will leave on Monday, December 3, 2018, returning Tuesday, December 11, 2018. It includes: Vatican City, Rome, Florence, Assisi and Venice as well as an audience with Pope Francis. Mass and the rosary will be prayed daily, with visits to many shrines and holy places. The complete itinerary and cost will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Father Gibson Church Hall, 68 Church St., West Warwick. The pilgrimage is being organized by the Captain Cruise & Crew Travel Agency, East Providence and will take place under the spiritual guidance of Father Doug Spina, pastor of St. Mary Church. For more information, call Father Doug at the rectory, (401) 821-5555.
Switching Sexes? The Transgender Agenda
PROVIDENCE — Dr. Michelle Cretella, President of the American College of Pediatricians and native of Westerly, will speak at St. Pius V on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. Last year, the State of Rhode Island made it illegal for a licensed medical professional to counsel a child away from the desire to change his/her gender identity, yet it remains legal to inject that same child with hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones. Currently, Rhode Island public schools are deciding how to implement statewide transgender policies that would open up bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams to anyone who claims to be the opposite gender from their biological sex. Dr. Cretella has been on the front lines of the fight against the transgender agenda for twenty-five years. She has seen firsthand the severe mental and physical abuse that children have endured at the hands of medical professionals who are willing to “transition” a child from boy to girl or girl to boy, a feat that is biologically impossible. This talk will be held in the St. Pius V church hall immediately following Adoration.
‘Revival Day’ is coming!
PROVIDENCE — The acclaimed Mixed Magic Exult Choir will present their spring concert, “Revival Day!” at McVinney Auditorium, Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. “Revival Day!” is a concert celebrating Gospel in ‘The Old Time Way’ with songs from Clara Ward, Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and more. The concert will feature a variety of songs that cover the full spectrum of gospel and spiritual music that inspires “Revival Day!” The show will also feature several special guest gospel singers and some very enchanting dramatic surprises. This family-friendly event welcomes all ages. Tickets available at www.mcvinneyauditorium.com.
Brunch to be held at Father Lawless Hall
WARWICK — On Sunday, April 22, a brunch will be held at 10 a.m. in the Father Lawless Hall, 70 Transit St. (behind St. Benedict Church). The Two of Hearts will be singing a medley of show tunes performed by Carol Lyon and Audrey Kaiser. Tickets are $30 which includes buffet brunch by Sophia’s Tuscan Grille, dessert and coffee. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for chances on wonderful baskets and gift certificates. For ticket information, call Mary Lee Newman 401-467-3416 or Elaine Hazard 401-467-1522.
McVinney welcomes PBS star in concert
PROVIDENCE — Sixteen year-old international music sensation, singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, actor, philanthropist and PBS star, Ethan Bortnick, will be in concert at McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, for just one night, Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m., with his newest PBS special, “Generations of Music!” featuring special guest Assia Ahhatt, classically-trained violinist and Eastern European star. Tickets are available at www.mcvinneyauditorium.com/.
One-Day Spiritual Retreat for Grieving Parents
CUMBERLAND — The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents at St. John Vianney Church is offering a One-Day Spiritual Retreat for Grieving Parents on Saturday, April 28, from 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. This ministry is a unique, ongoing Catholic program serving the spiritual needs of grieving parents. The retreat is open to anyone whose child of any age has died by any cause, no matter how long ago. All are welcome, regardless of situation or religion. To register, visit www.emfgp.org or contact Denise Carlucci, Mother of Nicholas, at 401-480-3330 or sjvdenise@gmail.com. Pre-registration by April 21 is requested.
St Pius V is celebrating its Centennial
PROVIDENCE — St Pius V Church is celebrating its Centennial. Former parishioners and alumni of the school are invited, but the event is open to anyone. Saturday, April 28, the parish will host a “Dinner Dance” at the Venus de Milo in Swansea, Massachusetts. A cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. followed by music and dancing with the popular band, Blurred Vision. Tickets are $50 each (adults only). If you would like to join us please visit SPVchurch.org and click on the Centennial tab to purchase tickets. It will be a great opportunity to connect with current and former parishioners, school alumni, and guests from around the diocese.
Madonna Della Strada Award ceremony scheduled
BOSTON, Mass. — The Ignatian Volunteer Corps will hold its annual Madonna Della Strada Award ceremony on Sunday, April 29 at Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd., beginning with Mass at 4 p.m., and reception, dinner and presentation of awards from 5 - 7 p.m. This year Mary Reilly, RSM and Deborah Thompson (posthumous) founders of Dorcas Place in Providence will be honored. For additional information, please contact Bina Hansen 401-932-1569 or NewEngland@IVCUSA.org.
A Walk through the Mass
RIVERSIDE — Come to a deeper understanding of the Holy Mass with this talk, which will be held on Monday, April 30 in St. Brendan’s parish hall from 6:30-8 p.m. It will explore the various elements of the liturgy, emphasizing how they can shape our spiritual life and draw us closer to God. For more information, contact Philip at philipatstbrendan@gmail.com.
NET Ministries Retreat dates for Fall 2018 – Spring 2019
PROVIDENCE — NET Ministries is an international Catholic youth ministry that is committed to challenging young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. The organization’s acronym stands for National Evangelization Teams. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, NET offers training in youth evangelization and leads approximately 1,000 retreats annually. Each year, young adult volunteers are sent out in teams across the United States to conduct middle school and high school retreats for Catholic teens. The 15 NET teams share their faith with 75,000 youth nationally on an annual basis. Drama, music, games, small group discussions, and large group presentations are all used to present the Gospel in a dynamic way. There are several retreat dates still available for middle school or high school retreats in the 2018/2019 academic year within the Diocese of Providence (or Fall River). Available dates are: October 12-23, 2018 and March 15-26, 2019. Visit www.netusa.org/retreats, contact scheduling@netusa.org, or call Diane Castro at 401-792-8684 to schedule a retreat for the youth in your parish or school communities. Multi-parish retreats can be scheduled as well.
Child & Family seeks ‘Friendly Visitors’ for Elders
MIDDLETOWN — Child & Family Elder Care seeks volunteers for its “Friendly Visitors” program, an outreach to senior residents in need who live in Newport County. The goal of the program is to provide homebound seniors opportunities for socialization and companionship. Volunteers and elders enrolled in the program will be pre-screened for compatibility, such as having similar vocations or interests, and they will be introduced to each other by a Child & Family Elder Care program staff member. The time commitment for volunteer Friendly Visitors is as little as one hour per week. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. For more information, email glepage@childandfamilyri.org or call (401) 848-4185.
