'Issues in Human Sexuality'

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Human Sexuality Task Force presents "Issues in Human Sexuality" from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008, at Bishop Alemany High School, at 11111 N. Alemany Drive in Mission Hills.

The Human Sexuality Task Force exists to promote open and honest conversation and develop skills around a pastoral response to current human sexuality issues.

This workshop will provide a brief introduction to Catholic theology on sexuality and the pastoral reponse to current issues in human sexuality. The most current medical research on sexuality transmitted diseases will be presented, as well as curriculum and classroom idea. Useful skills and exercises surrounding talking to children and youth about sexuality will also be shared.

Cost is $25 per person before Jan. 4, 2008, and $35 per person after Jan. 4, 2008.
This event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Human Sexuality Task Force, Department of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education, Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry Office and St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care.

For more information and a registration form, call Frank Montejano at (213) 637-7317 or e-mail fmontejano@la-archdiocese.org.

'Sacred Space in a Busy Life'

Come and join us for an evening of prayer, reflection and fellowship with Rev. Jack Stoeger at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, at 3424 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

To RSVP, call Theresa Thibodeaux at (213) 637-7498 or Michael Aguilera at (213) 637-7382 by Dec. 3.

Suggested donation is $5, payable to the Office of Religious Education.

'I hope you know how much God loves you'

You are invited to a very special evening of musical inspiration.

A concert fundraiser featuring young adult catechist, and singer and songwriter Jennifer Lynn Wienchowski and the St. John Eudes Children of God Choir will be presented at 7:30 p.m Nov. 16 in St. John Eudes Church.

The concert benefits the St. John Eudes children's ministry.

Be the first to hear Wienchowski's latest compositions that will be on her soon-to-be-released album.

St. John Eudes Church is at 9901 Mason Ave. in Chatsworth.

'The Many Faces of St. Francis Xavier' concert/fundraiser

St. Francis Xavier's Cornerstone music group is holding a concert to benefit the parish's efforts to install handicap facilities at the church and school.

Cornerstone has spiritually enhanced liturgies, ministries and lives for over 25 years. Cornerstone provides music during the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass.

In the past few years, Cornerstone has taken their talents to the stage and has enriched the St. Francis Xavier community with their beautiful music. The music and professional stage performance is invigorating — from rock, blues, country and jazz. Cornerstone offers music for all ages.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 in the parish's Holy Cross Hall. Snacks, beer, wine and other refreshments will be available.

Every dollar raised will make a difference to the people in the community, young and old. Donations for this benefit are payable to St. Francis Xavier, with a notation on the memo of "Cornerstone, The Many Faces of SFX."

For more information, call Angie Resendez at (562) 856-3894 or e-mail arrgo@charter.net. For general directions for the event, call St. Francis Xavier at (818) 504-4400.

Blessing of Santa Clara Mortuary, cemetery offices

On Nov. 2, Archbishop of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, will celebrate the annual All Souls Day Mass at 10 a.m. at Santa Clara Cemetery and Mausoleum in Oxnard. As part of this special celebration, His Eminence will also bless the new Santa Clara Mortuary & Cemetery Offices.

After the Mass and blessing, representatives from Catholic Mortuaries will speak, and then the public will be invited to meet the staff and enjoy refreshments. In addition, gifts will be given to those attending.

The blessing of Santa Clara Mortuary by Cardinal Mahony gives local Catholic families the option of choosing the convenience and security of arranging all their funeral needs serviced at a single location.

“We are committed to providing Catholic families throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with the very finest and most convenient services and facilities during their time of bereavement,” said Jim Tixier, Director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese. “We want to expand and enhance the Church’s ministry to bereaved Catholic families, and will make available mortuary services that fully support Catholic rites and traditions at Santa Clara Cemetery.”

The new mortuary is located on the grounds of Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, the oldest operating Catholic cemetery in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Because the cemetery office will be located within the mortuary, it provides the opportunity for families to make all of their arrangements in one location, thereby easing the burden of securing final plans. The mortuary will also offer the ability to prearrange funeral plans for additional convenience.

The architecture of Santa Clara Mortuary & Cemetery Office is in the California mission style, and it was built with the comfort of visiting families in mind. The spacious building covers more than 11,000 square feet and offers families many places to gather. There are three large rooms where visitations can be held, as well as five arrangement offices. The mortuary also provides a chapel that seats 260 people as an added optional convenience for those familieswhose parish priest chooses to hold the funeral service onsite. In keeping with the “all services in one location” concept, flowers will also be available in the mortuary. Visitors to Santa Clara Cemetery can purchase bouquets for placement on the burial sites of their loved ones. Or, those attending a funeral service can call ahead and order stunning floral displays.

For more information, call (805) 485-5757.

'Sharing the Call of Jesus in an Era of Emerging Leadership Models'

St. John Eudes Young Adult Ministry invites you to a presentation on "Sharing the Call of Jesus in an Era of Emerging Leadership Models" presented by the Rev. Lawrence Estrada of St. Stephen Martyr Parish in Monterey Park at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

The talk will take place at St. John Eudes Parish, at 9901 Mason Ave. in Chatsworth.

'Stretch Your Heart' Summer Volunteer Program

Single women, ages 18 to 40, are invited to consider a unique summer service opportunity assisting in a summer vacation Bible camp at St. Helen Parish in South Gate Aug. 5 to 10.

The "Stretch Your Heart" Summer Volnteer Program is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The women volunteers will be enriched not only by a good feeling of giving service to others in the Los Angeles area but will also benefit by working side by side with religious women by experiencing community living and by prayeruflly reflecting on their experiences each evening.

During the week of service, participants will live in the convent with the Sisters of Notre Dame. The sisters are also sponsoring additional summer service opportunities in northern Kentucky and Ohio, working with migrants and refugees or with women and children in a crisis care facility.

Those interested in any of the summer service projects are invited to apply by calling Sister Judeen Julier at (562) 301-7373 or e-mailing smjudeen@hotmail.com, or calling Sister Kathleen Burns at (562) 496-3224 or e-mailing srkburns11@msn.com.

RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 4

Juliette Marsh Williams | 'Say, What? Communication in Relationships: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say'

Is there someone you’ve tried to talk to but the words just didn’t come out right? Not sure how to respond? Ever want to talk to God but don’t know where to start?

Communication is key in all relationships. Our relationship with God, family, friends, spouses and coworkers. How we inTeract with and communicate is a direct reflection of who we are as Christians.

Juliette Marsh-Williams will use stories and share experiences from her life to illustrate how we can become comfortable in our communication, find the right words, say what it is we mean to say and be more effective.

About Juliette Marsh Williams

Juliette Marsh Williams serves as pastoral associate at St. Elizabeth's Parish in Altadena. She has worked at both parish and diocesan levels in Los Angeles and in Chicago.

Her gifts led to a study of canon law, and she is a member of the Paulist preaching teams, which travel around the country preaching parish missions.

In addition to her love for the church, she also brings a passionate love for her husband, Brian, and three daughters.