Calendar

Adult faith formation 

St. Francis Church, 31 County Rd. 1, Carlton, is hosting an adult faith formation course on Catholic worship and sacraments Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The course is being presented by Father Joel Hastings and covers topics such as sacraments and liturgy, baptism, confirmation, the Holy Mass, and more. The sessions are held at St. Francis Church in the parish social hall. Come early for Mass at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Sessions are also available online via livestream. Visit www.stfmjcatholic.org for links to sessions and course schedule.

Advent retreat 

The Center for Spirituality and Enrichment at St. Scholastica Monastery will offer an Advent retreat, “A Romance with God,” Wednesdays, December 6, 13, and 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at St. Scholastica Monastery or via Zoom. Advent is a beautiful time of the year to take a long, loving look at our relationship with God. This retreat is a wonderful way to begin these reflections. The retreat will be given in three sessions, each developing themes of Advent that can help us grow in our love relationship with God. For more information and to register visit www.retreatduluth.org/a-romance-with-god. 

Advent retreat 

St. Benedict Church, 1419 St. Benedict St., Duluth, will host an Advent retreat, “Rejoice in Hope,” Saturday, Dec. 9, beginning with 8:30 a.m. Mass and ending at 3 p.m. This Advent retreat will be centered around increasing our trust in God who keeps his promises and will include time for confession, small group opportunities, talks, and adoration. Cost is $18, a light breakfast and lunch are included. Register online at www.stbensduluth.org or by calling the St. Benedict parish office at (218) 724-4828. 

Christmas bingo 

The East Duluth Catholic churches are hosting a Christmas bingo Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Stella Maris Holy Rosary gym, 2802 E. Fourth St., Duluth. The proceeds will go toward its summer youth events, such as mission trips, retreats, and more. The suggested donation will be $1/board or $4 for five boards. Please contact Megan Tschida at [email protected] with any questions. 

Advent program 

The Center for Spirituality and Enrichment at St. Scholastica Monastery will offer “Fastening Ourselves in Shaky Times: Advent Wisdom from Isaiah 7-9” on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Scholastica Monastery or Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. At a time of intense social climate, Isaiah once described how the “hearts of the people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.” Many today feel shaken by recent social trends that affect us to the very core. Isaiah can help us to refasten ourselves by faith! For more information and to register visit www.retreatduluth.org/fastening-ourselves-in-shaky-times. 

Christmas caroling 

McCabe Renewal Center will host its annual Christmas caroling on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 2125 Abbotsford Avenue, Duluth. Let them know you are coming by calling (218) 724-5266 or email [email protected]. All are welcome! 

Retreats 

Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo will host an Advent silent retreat for both men and women Dec. 8-10. They will also host an Advent day retreat for men and women on Dec. 6. Call (763) 682-1394 or visit www.kingshouse.com for online registration or more information. 

Christmas tree and wreath sales 

St. Michael’s Church, 4901 E. Superior St., Duluth, will be selling Christmas trees beginning Saturday, Nov. 25, until sold out. This is St. Michael’s 36th year of selling trees. High quality spruce, balsam fir, Norway pine, and white pine trees, along with Christmas wreaths will be available. The event runs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds go to help with parish buildings and grounds maintenance needs. 

Visio Divina 

The Center for Spirituality and Enrichment at St. Scholastica Monastery will host an evening of contemplative prayer through the use of images, music, and sacred writings via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. No prior experience is needed. All are welcome to this hour of peace and communal hope. Register at www.retreatduluth.org/visio-divina. 

Theology Uncapped 

Theology Uncapped presents a series of theological discussions reviewing both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox perspective. The next event will be Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. and will feature Father Nick Nelson, pastor of Queen of Peace Church in Cloquet, and Father Dustin Lyon, priest of Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Duluth, discussing salvation and redemption. The event will be held at St. Benedict Church, 1419 St. Benedict St., Duluth. The cost is $30, which includes dinner catered by Famous Dave’s and two drink tickets for beverages provided by Super One Liquor. Doors open at 5 p.m. Register online at www.theologyuncapped.org. Call (218) 393-0631 with questions. 

St. Vincent de Paul Society 

The St. Vincent de Paul Society meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 E. Fourth St., Duluth, in the multipurpose room. They meet regularly to grow in holiness and help neighbors in need, including car repairs, rent, and utility assistance, and more. Email [email protected] for more information. 

Carmelite community 

A third order Carmelite community meets monthly at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 315 S.W. 21st St., Grand Rapids. Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month. Rosary at 8:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 9 a.m., and morning prayer. Meetings are 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. For information on the Carmelite community, please call Marie Gibeau at (218) 999-7168 or Karen Tok at (218) 245-3402. 

Communion and Liberation 

The Communion and Liberation School of Community meets every Sunday evening at 5:45 p.m. at St. Benedict Church, 1419 St. Benedict St., Duluth. Prayer, singing, and sharing experiences in light of our friendship in Christ. The community is a companionship that educates. For more information, please contact William Vouk at (320) 630-8119 or at [email protected]. 

Living in God’s Divine Will 

An introductory study group meets in Duluth every Thursday after the noon Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 325 E. Third St., Duluth. There is also a group that meets online every Monday at 1 p.m. Come learn how living in God’s divine will is so much more than doing God’s will. For more information, call Jean Esler at (218) 576-8239 or Barb Larson at (218) 724-0368 and visit the web page at www.littlechildreninthedivinewill.com. 

Adoration and Divine Mercy Chaplet 

Every Friday, immediately after the noon Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 325 E. Third St., Duluth, there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with adoration until 3 p.m. At 3 p.m. the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited, followed by Benediction. 

Grief support 

A grief support group meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Heart Church, 35208 County Road 37, Crosslake, in a lower level classroom. For more information, call Jean at (218) 839-1958. 

Prayer group 

A prayer group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the St. James Church cafeteria at 721 N. 57th Ave. W., Duluth. Please park in the back parking lot. Coffee and goodies for a social after prayer. Handicapped accessible. Contact Sharon at (218) 590-2265 with questions. 

Carmelite community 

A third order Carmelite community meets monthly at St. Patrick Church, 203 Lawler Ave. S., Hinckley, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the third Monday of the month. For more information on the Carmelite community, please contact Gail Von Reuden, TOC, at (320) 384-7305. 

Charismatic prayer group 

Proclaimers of Christ Catholic charismatic prayer group meets the second Thursday of the month at St. Agnes Church, Elm at Division Street, Walker. A potluck supper starts at 6:15 p.m. with praise and worship at 7 p.m. On the fourth Thursday of the month gatherings will be at Sacred Heart Church, 300 First St. N., Hackensack, at 7 p.m. For information, contact David LaFontaine at (651) 503-0168. 

Father Solanus Casey Fraternity 

The Father Solanus Casey Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets the third Sunday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 2430 W. Third St., Duluth. Secular Franciscans are lay Catholics and diocesan priests who commit themselves to living lives of simplicity, prayer, peacemaking, and service to the church and others, especially the poor. Secular Franciscans are part of the worldwide Franciscan family, including friars and religious sisters, who follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. For more information contact Franz Hoefferle, fraternity minister, at (218) 728-4904. 

Secular Franciscan Order 

The Spiritus Sanctus Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets the fourth Thursday of each month at St. Francis Church, 411 N. Tenth St., Brainerd. Gatherings begin at 5 p.m. with evening prayer, followed by Mass, a potluck dinner, and meeting. For information about the Secular Franciscans, contact Rose Clack at [email protected] or Esther Reagan at [email protected]. 

Young adult group 

Zenith City Catholic is a Catholic young adult group in the Duluth area that meets regularly for various events and fellowship opportunities. For details on upcoming events, please join the Zenith City Catholic Facebook group or email [email protected]. 

Public square rosary 

Our Lady of Fatima, Garrison, and Holy Family, Bulldog Lake, hold a public square rosary the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. near the big walleye fish at the lookout on Mille Lacs Lake in Garrison (Highway 169). All are invited to join in prayer. The rosary is prayed for the intentions of our Blessed Mother, the conversion of sinners, and to reconcile ourselves, our families, and our nation back to God. For more information contact Jean Fetters at (218) 764-2665. 

Log church tours 

Tours are offered of the old log church at Sts. Mary and Joseph Church in Sawyer. The log church is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Narrated tours are led by Deacon Bryan Bassa. Call Deacon Bassa at (218) 879-6933 or call St. Francis Church, Carlton, at (218) 384-4563 to schedule a tour. For more information on the church visit www.stkaterisawyer.com. 

Courage/EnCourage 

Are you experiencing same-sex attractions and looking for support in living your Catholic faith? Contact Deacon Walt Beier at [email protected]. Do you have a family member or loved one who is experiencing same-sex attractions? EnCourage is a support group for Catholics seeking to balance the love of their faith with the love for their family member. For more information, contact Deacon Walt Beier at [email protected]. For additional resources, visit www.couragerc.org. 

Catholic Singles Group 

Catholic Singles Group in the Twin Ports serves singles age 40 and up and hosts weekly and monthly events such as swing dance lessons. Contact Laverne at (218) 491-3241 or visit www.twinportscatholicsingles.blogspot.com. Call at least one day in advance of event to register. 

Serra Club 

Serra International promotes and fosters vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The Duluth chapter meets on the first and third Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at Black Woods on London Rd. All are welcome to attend. For further information, call Karen Newstrom at (218) 343-7782.