MERCY21 with Bishop Bruce Lewandowski
DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE — Bishop Bruce Lewandowski is inviting everyone to join him on a 21-day journey focused on mercy, called MERCY21. The program begins on Sunday, September 14, and ends on Sunday, October 5. Each day, participants will receive a daily “REP” (Reflection, Exercise, Prayer) to guide them. These daily guides are based on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and the principles of Catholic social teaching. To participate, sign up to receive the daily REPs by email or text at https://www.provd.io/mercy21, or follow the Diocese of Providence on social media.
First Annual St. Andrew Dinner with Bishop Lewandowski
PROVIDENCE — Join Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. on Friday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. for the Diocese of Providence Office of Vocations First Annual St. Andrew Dinner. This will be an evening of fellowship and to learn more about a vocation to the priesthood. This gathering is open to all young men high school-aged and up. Advance registration required, please contact Father Ryan Simas at fathersimas@gmail.com.
End of Summer Dance
WARREN — St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., will be having a dance in the church hall on Saturday, Sept. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Goat Roper Band will provide the music. There is a small cover charge at the door which includes pastry, coffee, and tea. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
SPRED Mass and Picnic
EXETER — The 34th Annual Special Religious Education (SPRED) Mass and Picnic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road. The event begins at 11 a.m., with Mass at 12 noon with Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski. A picnic will follow. For more information, call 401-278-4578 or email Irma I. Rodriguez at irodriguez@dpvd.org.
40 Days for Life & Jericho Walk
PROVIDENCE — A 40 Days for Life Kick-Off with a Jericho Walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. starting at St. Patrick Parish, 244 Smith St., and walking to the RI State House to pray for human life. A 40 Days for Life campaign of peaceful prayer vigils will take place from Wednesday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, November 2, outside the abortion facility at 175 Broad St. For more information, visit or email info@rirtl.org.
Tour of Saint Joseph Cemetery
NEWPORT — The Museum of Newport Irish History invites the public to a free tour of the historic Saint Joseph Cemetery (also known as the Barney Street Cemetery) on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. The tour, led by local historian Steve Marino, will explore Rhode Island’s oldest Catholic cemetery and the site of the state’s first Catholic church. Registration is requested at www.NewportIrishHistory.org or by calling Ann at 401-841-5493.
Healing Retreat
PASCOAG — The St. Eugene Church/St. Joseph Church Militia of the Immaculata will host a Healing Retreat at the St. Joseph Church Parish Hall, 183 Sayles Avenue. The retreat will be held on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The retreat will focus on “Experiencing God’s love and knowing who you are to God” and will feature guest presenter Father David Mary Engo, meals, presentations, and a Mass with prayers for healing. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact 401-568-2411 or stjosephrcchurchpascoagest1884@gmail.com.
Talk on Padre Pio’s Teachings
CRANSTON — Join Bob Oberg for a talk on Padre Pio’s teachings about the “shadow side of spirituality.” He will discuss a subtle temptation, which Padre Pio called “the woodworm of holiness,” that can affect people on a spiritual journey. The event will take place Monday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Saint Paul School, located at 1789 Broad St.
Mass of Creation & Evening Talk
PROVIDENCE — Providence College, 1 Cunningham Sq., will host a Mass of Creation followed by a panel discussion with Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event is being hosted by the diocesan Laudato Si Committee.
Following the Example of St. Francis of Assisi
PROVIDENCE — A free event sponsored by the St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at St. Patrick’s Church, 244 Smith St. The event, which begins with Mass at 9 a.m. and ends with lunch around noon, will teach participants how to grow closer to Jesus by following the example of St. Francis. To register, email StClareFraternityProvidence@gmail.com or call 703-517-9274.
Annual Rose Gala
NARRAGANSETT — Mother of Life pregnancy resource center will host its annual fundraiser on Sunday, September 28, 4 p.m., at The Dunes Club. The event features a cocktail hour, dinner, a keynote speaker, and music and dancing. Tickets can be purchased by Sept. 11 at www.motheroflife.org/gala-2025 or by phoning 401-421-0821.
Magnificat plans Pilgrimage Day Trip
SMITHFIELD — Magnificat is hosting a special pilgrimage trip on October 1. The trip has two destinations: The St. Anne Arts and Cultural Center in Rhode Island, where you’ll see North America’s largest collection of fresco paintings and enjoy a hot lunch buffet. The Missionary Shrine of our Lady of Fatima in Holliston, Mass., for a Rosary, Adoration, and Meditation. You can also see the world’s largest rosary sculpture. The bus departs at 9:30 a.m. from the Home Depot Lot in Smithfield. Space is limited, so you must reserve your spot by September 19. To reserve, call Darlene at 401-374-4057 or Sister Catherine or Brother Leo at 401-644-3699.
Shrine of the Little Flower Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux
NASONVILLE — The Shrine of the Little Flower will celebrate the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux on Wednesday, Oct. 1 beginning at 8 a.m. with the Rosary followed by Mass, a procession, coffee and, a talk and Holy Hour. Confession will be available during Holy Hour. The Shrine is pleased to welcome Father Jay Finelli, pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, and son of Jerry & Shirley Finelli, the Shrine’s first coordinators, as the speaker. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Canonization of St. Therese. The Shrine is located at 35 Dion Drive in the Nasonville section of Burrillville. For further information please contact the office at 401-568-8280.
Transitus of St. Francis
PROVIDENCE — St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., will hold a Transitus Service (the passing of St. Francis to eternal life) on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in the church. All are invited to participate. This event is co-sponsored by the St. Clare of Assisi and Holy Spirit Secular Franciscan fraternities in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Francis of Assisi Triduum
WAKEFIELD — St. Francis Church, 114 High St., will celebrate the feast day of its patron saint with a Triduum from Thursday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 4. The first two nights will feature a talk with adoration/benediction, and Saturday will include a Mass followed by a light reception. The schedule and speakers are as follows: Thursday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.: Talk led by Father Peter Gower; Friday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.: Talk led by Father Peter Gower; Saturday, Oct. 4, 4:30 p.m.: Mass celebrated by Father Albert Ranallo.
Blessing Of Animals
PROVIDENCE — St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., will hold the Blessing of Animals on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. in the parking lot. All are invited to participate. This event is sponsored by the St. Clare of Assisi Secular Franciscan Fraternity in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Human Life Guild Day
PROVIDENCE — The 2025 Human Life Guild Day, titled “Together we renew our commitment to life,” is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The event kicks off with a Holy Mass at 9 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Michael J. Najim, pastor, St. Philip Parish, Greenville, and Vicar for Priests for the Diocese of Providence, followed by the presentation of the Human Life Guild Awards. Attendees will then move to the lower Cathedral for brunch and two informative presentations. The first talk is “Medication Abortion: Myths and Misadventures” by Christina Cirucci, M.D., and the second is “Catholic Response to Domestic Abuse: Hope, Help and Healing” by Sharon O’Brien, Ph.D. Ticket includes the brunch and all presentations. Advanced registration is required, with an RSVP deadline of Friday, September 26th. To register, you can visit the website at www.dioceseofprovidence.org/life or contact Jean at 401-278-2518 or jernster@dpvd.org.
Life Chain Event
DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, October 5, from 2 to 3 p.m., join the Respect Life Sunday /Life Chain Sunday, a peaceful and prayerful event that serves as a public witness to the sanctity of human life and a call for the end of abortion. This event takes place at various locations throughout the diocese. For a complete list of where you can participate, visit www.dioceseofprovidence.org/life or call 401-278-2518.
St. Thomas Music Ministry Concert
PROVIDENCE — St. Thomas Music Ministry will be hosting a concert of hymns, songs, and reflections honoring the life of Linda Reid on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m., at 65 Fruit Hill Ave. Refreshments will follow. Donations for new instruments and equipment for the music ministry will be gratefully accepted.
Second Annual Great Marian Procession
PROVIDENCE — The second Great Marian Procession, led by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 from St. Mary Church, 538 Broadway, and processes to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, 30 Fenner Street, Providence, where Bishop Lewandowski will celebrate Holy Mass followed by fellowship, gathering in the Lower Cathedral. This special event welcomes the participation of every Marian advocate in the diocese — including parishes, schools, Catholic organizations, students, families and individuals. Bring your Rosary, your faith, and your love for the Virgin Mary! Register the participation of your Marian group/parish/school/organization/individuals by visiting www.dioceseofprovidence.org/GMPReg. Please confirm your participation in the procession by Thursday, September 25, if possible. Questions? See our FAQs at https://www.dioceseofprovidence.org/gmp. For more information, contact Celso Vera (Spanish) at 401-421-7833, ext. 233/ cvera@dpvd.org or Edward Gallagher (English) at 401-573-3630. More at www.dioceseofprovidence.org/GMP.
Catholic Athletic League to Host Gala Honoring Hall of Fame Inductees
WARWICK — The Catholic Athletic League’s Gala & Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza. This special event marks the league’s 90th anniversary and will honor the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, a silent auction, and raffle baskets. The deadline to purchase tickets is Oct. 3. Visit www.givebutter.com/c/CALGala for tickets.
Walk for Life
WESTERLY — The Walk for Life will take place at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm Street, on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The event begins with the opening of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by a procession to St. Sebastian Cemetery, where a priest will lead a short prayer service at the Tomb of the Unborn. The group will then process back to the church for Benediction. Walkers are welcome to bring signs (not graphic).
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE — A confidential post-abortion healing retreat in English & en Español will be held from Friday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 26. This retreat is an opportunity for anyone struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion to find healing. For the English retreat, contact Jean at 401-278-2518. For the Spanish retreat, contact Loren at 401-742-1510 or Rosa at 401-688-4687.
St. Martin de Porres Center to hold 70th Anniversary Gala
WARWICK — St. Martin de Porres Center is holding a 70th Anniversary Gala themed, “Honoring our Legacy, Embracing our Future,” on Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave. Early Bird ticket specials available now through Sept. 30. Visit provd.io/smdpgala for all the details on tickets, tables, ads and more. Questions? Contact Linda A’Vant-Deishinni, St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Center Director, phone 401-735-3882 / 401-735-3880 or email LDeishinni@dpvd.org, StMartinDePorres@dpvd.org.
