Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A series of Catholic community events are scheduled in central Kentucky during December and January, offering worship services, support groups, and opportunities for charitable involvement.

St. Stephen Martyr Church will hold an Advent Lessons and Carols celebration on December 16. The event begins with a musical prelude at 6 p.m., followed by the service at 6:30 p.m.

On January 3, the Marian Committee will organize a First Saturday Devotion at St. Ignatius Martyr Church. Mass is set for 9 a.m., with the devotion and reconciliation following at 9:30 a.m. The program includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Gospel readings, a homily, and sacred music.

A Special Disciples of Jesus Mass designed for children with special needs and their families will take place on December 21 at St. Margaret Mary Church at 3 p.m. An Advent/Christmas party is planned after the service. Tara Mattingly can provide more information via phone or email.

The St. Serra Club of Louisville plans its next luncheon meeting on December 15 at Golden Corral on Taylorsville Road, starting at 11:30 a.m. Father Pat Dolan will speak during the event, which costs $12 for members and $15 for non-members.

St. Albert the Great Church offers two support groups: A NAMI family support group meets every third Sunday from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., providing resources for those caring for individuals with mental illness; and the Hope and Healing Grief Group convenes every third Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., supporting those affected by loss due to substance use or addiction.

St. Bernadette Church will host “Dealing with Grief During the Holidays” on December 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., aimed at helping attendees cope during this time of year.

Ups & Downs, affiliated with St. Michael Church, is a monthly support group addressing grief, depression, anxiety, and loss; it meets every first Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Forest Hills Commons Assisted Living Facility.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) holds weekly meetings each Sunday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., hosted by St. John Paul II Church.

The Priest Variety Show is scheduled for January 9 at St. Xavier High School beginning at 7 p.m.; proceeds benefit the Catholic Services Appeal’s Seminarian Education Fund through ticket sales available online.

Musical performances are also planned by the Loretto Community on December 29 featuring Susan VonHoven (flute) and Vernon Cherrix (piano) in Nerinx; admission is free.

Blood drives are being organized by Assumption High School on January 9 in honor of Kaitlyn Clements and by St. Bernadette Church on December 20 in Prospect; appointments can be made through redcrossblood.org.