ANNIVERSARIES

William Ferris Chorale: 40th anniversary celebration, food, silent auction and the Chorale sings Beatles’ hits, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., at Loyola University Corboy Law Center, 25 E. Pearson, call (773) 508-2940 for more info.

BENEFITS

St. John Cantius International Festival: explore tastes, music and traditional dances from around the world, Feb. 11, 2-9 p.m., to benefit Casavant organ, 825 N. Carpenter, call (312) 243- 7373 for more info.

The Women’s Center: 27th annual Life Banquet, Feb. 11, sign-in at noon, lunch 1 p.m. and silent auction, speaker Charmaine Yoest, of Americans United for Life, at the White Eagle in Niles, for tickets or to donate, phone (773) 794-1313.

Catholic Charities: pizza party Feb. 4, 6:30-11 p.m., benefits Catholic Charities Homeless Services in Southwest Region, all priest-bartenders’ tips will be donated, entertainment for children, at Beggar’s Pizza: 15600 S. Cicero, Oak Forest, for more info call Jeff Simms at (708) 430-0428.

Josephinum Academy: winter luncheon, Feb. 8, $50, at Women’s Athletic Club, contact Morgan Henington at (773) 292- 3964, Ext. 232.

DEVOTIONS

Taize Prayer: third Tuesdays each month, 7:30 p.m., at St. Viator Parish, 4170 W. Addison, call (773) 286-4040 for more info.

Taize Prayer: Feb. 9, 7 p.m., St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler, Oak Lawn, (708) 422-2400.

St. Michael League Masses: for first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, the military, for peace 6 p.m. every third Tuesday at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 9525 S. Lawndale, Evergreen Park, also Jan. 22, 10 a.m. Mass and every fourth Sunday, at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, 3111 S. Aberdeen, call Barbara at (708) 422-0206 for more info.

Eucharistic Adoration: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily, in the chapel at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 181 Dundee Road, Wheeling, call Dan (847) 834-1603 for more info.

St. Bede Church: First Friday eucharistic adoration after 7 a.m. Mass and concluding at 7 p.m., with rosary and Benediction, 36455 N. Wilson, Ingleside, (847) 587-2251.

Marytown: National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Mass at noon, Mondays-Saturdays, except holy days, eucharistic adoration 24/7, confessions 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1600 W. Park, Libertyville, for more devotions and pilgrimages, call (847) 367-7800 or visit www.marytown.com.

DINNERS/DANCES

KC Spaghetti Dinner: Feb. 4, 5- 7:30 p.m., $8/person, $5/kids under 12, $25/families of four, hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 4977, St. Theresa Parish Center, lower level, 455 N. Benton St. Palatine, for more info, call Brian at (847) 934-4320.

St. Sylvester Church: Valentine’s Day Mass and blessing in honor of those married by the Catholic Church, Feb. 18, at 5:30 p.m., dinner-dance follows, 2915 W. Palmer, call Emily at rectory for tickets, $30/person and “sweethear t package” available, call (773) 235-3646.

St. Raphael the Archangel Parish: Caribbean dinner-dance, Feb. 18, 6 p.m., hosted by Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ Court of the Archangels, $25/person, cash bar, at Bristol Oaks Country Club, 16801 75th St. in Bristol, Wis., RSVP to Elizabeth at (847) 265-0825.

St. Helena of the Cross School: food, music, comedy, dancing, raffles, Feb. 11, 7-11 p.m., $25/person in advance, $30/at door, 10115 S. Parnell, call Jennell at (773) 779-2243.

40th Paczki Dance: Feb. 18, doors open 6 p.m., polka music at 6:30 p.m., by Danny Mateja & the Downtown Sound, $10, in advance or at door, Polish cuisine by Taste of Poland Restaurant, Dyer, Ind., for purchase, at St. Andrew the Apostle Gym, 156th and Freeland, Calumet City, benefits restoration project, for more info, call (708) 862-4165.

Valentine’s Day Hooley: Feb. 12, 4-9 p.m., $12/person, includes light refreshments, live music by Gerry Haughey and Teresa Shine, dancing, and a cash bar, for tickets, call Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, at (773) 282-7035 Ext. 10, or at door.

ENTERTAINMENT

“A Lie of the Mind”: Sam Shepard dark comedy for mature audiences, Feb. 3-12, previews Feb. 1-2, $15, by Theatre School at DePaul University, at Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo, call box office at (312) 922 1999, for days, times, tickets.

“Venus”: based on a true story, Feb. 10-19, previews Feb. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., presented by Theatre School at DePaul University’s New Directors Series at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, call box office at (312) 922-1999 for time and days, free, but reservations recommended.

Saint Sebastian Players: premiering adaptation of works by Mark Twain, Feb. 17-March 11, at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, free parking, call 773-404- 7922 for days, time and tickets, or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

Women’s Movie Night: Friday Feb. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 55-minute film, “Dreamworlds,” followed by processing, discussion and whatever, $15, at Claret Center, 5536 S. Everett, call (773) 643-6259.

Concert Honoring the Blessed Sacrament: sacred choral works by Palestrina, Mozart, Franck, others, and Schubert Symphony #5, with Sinfonietta Bel Canto Orchestra, Feb. 19, 3 p.m., $10/person, $5/students18 or under, at door, St. Odilio Church, 2244 East Ave., Berwyn, (708) 484-2161.

GAMES PARTIES

Valentine Bingo: Feb. 12, doors open 2:30 p.m., admission $2, hosted by Holy Name Men’s Club at St. John Brebeuf Ministry Center, 8305 Harlem, Niles, (847) 965- 8145.

JOB MINISTRY

“Taking a Survival Job”: the pros and cons, Feb. 13, 7-9:15 p.m., free, St. Huber t Ministry Center, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates, (847) 925-6005.

HOPE Employment Support: meet on third Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. at Our Lady of the Woods, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, for info, call Skip at (630) 743-1486.

LECTURES

Joseph M. Scheidler: founder Pro-Life Action League, subject, “The Long Road to Victory,” Feb. 10, 11:45 a.m., luncheon $35, hosted by Catholic Citizens of Illinois, at Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson, RSVP to Maureen at (708) 352-5834 by Feb. 7.

Fr. Oliver Williams, CSC: ethicist, will deliver the Christopher Chair in Business Ethics lecture, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m., reception at 6 p.m. in the atrium, free, at Dominican University Parmer Hall, 7900 Division, River Forest, for more info, call (708) 524-6452.

Heidi Russell: will lead discussion on “In the Beginning ... Recasting the Christian Story in Light of Scientific Developments,” Feb. 2, 7 p.m., hosted by Albertus Magnus Society, free, at Dominican University’s Siena Center, 7200 Division, River Forest, (708) 714-9105.

Theology of Park Ridge: Justice Anne Burke, “Discipleship,” Feb. 8, 9:15 a.m. coffee/rolls, $10, at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 9711 W. Devon, Rosemont, wheelchair accessible, for more info, call Mary Lou at (773) 774-4421.

First Friday Club of Chicago: luncheon Feb. 3, noon-1:15 p.m., $40/non-members, speaker to be announced, at Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson, RSVP to (312) 466- 9610 by Feb. 1.

Theology of Park Ridge: Fr. John Cusick, “A New Religious Agenda, Searching for Faith,” Feb. 15, 9:15 a.m. coffee/rolls, $10, at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 9711 W. Devon, Rosemont, wheelchair accessible, for more info, call Mary Lou at (773) 774-4421.

Symposium: on Timothy Matovina’s new book “Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America’s Largest Church,” Feb. 8, 4-6 p.m., hosted by Lumen Christi, location to be announced, see www.lumenchristi. org.

MEETINGS

Catholic Women’s Club of Lake County: invites all women rosary Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., and Valentine luncheon with entertainment, $15, at St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset, Waukegan, RSVP by Feb. 4, call Pat at (847) 249- 4372.

“Surviving Cupid’s Arrow”: for young adults, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. Rosary, 7 p.m. Mass, 7:30 p.m. catered dinner, talk by Anita Chlipala, of Relationship Reality 312, hosted by St. Mary of the Angels Young Adults, $10 or free if you bring a bottle of an adult beverage to share, 1850 N. Hermitage, call (773) 278-2644 for more info.

RETREATS

Day of Recollection for Religious: with Fr. Edward Panek, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. reconciliation available, closes 3 p.m. after Benediction, at St. Mary of Providence, 4200 N. Austin, call Sr. Ann Schaffer, (773) 545-8300, Ext. 307.

“For the Least”: Charis social justice retreat, Feb. 25 at St. Ignatius Prep Chapel, or March 10 at Simpson Living Learning Center, 6333 N. Winthrop, with a team of young adults to share experiences and lead small group reflections, relax, celebrate Mass and reconciliation, for info or to register, visit www.charisministries.org.

REUNIONS

St. John the Evangelist School: seeking former students and staff for Feb. 4 Mass, 4:30 p.m. and special blessing celebrating Catholic School’s Week and school’s 50th year, reception follows in parish center, bring photo as a youngster and nonperishable item for food pantry, 513 Parkside Circle, Streamwood, RSVP to (630) 837-6500.

St. Gregory the Great High School: seeking all alumni for Feb. 18, 7-11 p.m. in cafeteria. DJ Danny Luna, adult beverages served from the lunch line, walk the halls again, $10, call Natalie Crary for more info at (773) 907- 2104.

St. Peter Canisius Church & School: seeking parishioners and alums for Feb. 19, 2 p.m., event at Our Lady of Hope Parish’s Schwab Hall, 9711 W. Devon, Rosemont, as Fr. John Jamnicky explains how the former St. Peter Canisius Church interior is becoming the interior of St. Raphael the Archangel, in Lake County, for more info, contact Barbara (Balkonis) Barrett at bbarr30874@ aol.com or call (224) 628-5643.

Mother of Sorrows High School: seeking class of 1961 for proposed reunion mailing list, contact Geri Gerez Spindler at (815) 485-8326.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Monthly Focolare Community Open House: for those wanting to learn more about the ecclesial movement of unity, Feb. 5, 12:30-4 p.m., p.m., potluck and program with video, music, and experiences, at Focolare Center, 5001 S. Greenwood, (773) 285-2746.

“Pull Up a Chair”: for those returning to “practice” our Catholic faith, those unfamiliar with it, or those looking more closely at it, led by Fr. Glenn Phillips, OFM, Wednesdays, 12:10-12:50 p.m. Feb. 1-March 28, St. Peter Church 110 W. Madison, (312) 853-2376.

“Nun Run”: 24-plus hour experience for single women ages 18-40 to spend time with sisters ministering at several local sites, transportation provided, no fee for Feb. 3-4 weekend, contact Sr. Theresa at (812) 963-7563 or email Theresa. Sullivan@doc-ecp.org for a brochure and to register.

“The Grace of Purpose at 18 or 80: Dreaming God’s Dream for You”: Ignatian spirituality with Fr. Patrick McGrath, president of Loyola Academy, Wilmette, lecture/ workshop in “Taste the Grace” series, Feb. 12, noon-1:30 p.m. at St. Catherine Laboure, 3535 Thornwood, Glenview, free, refreshments, book table, (847) 998-4704.

Winter Spirituality Series: Connecting Body, Mind and Spirit, “Yoga and Christian Perspectives,” Feb. 25, 1:30 - 4 p.m., free will offering, at Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington, RSVP to (312) 421-3757.

Bridges to Contemplative Living: inspired by life and writing of Thomas Merton, Tuesdays, Feb. 7- March 27, 1-2:30 p.m., free-will offering, booklet $6, at The Well, 1515 W. Ogden, LaGrange Park, call (708) 482-5088.

Neocatechumenal Way: spiritual/ chatechetical programs, Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 p.m., baby-sitting available, at St. Ger trude Parish Hall, 9613 Schiller, Franklin Park, for more info, call (847) 455- 1100.

Nurturing Your Child’s Spirituality: “Sharing Lent with Children,” Feb. 15 or 18, 9:15-10:45 a.m., $10, free baby-sitting available, call to reserve space, at The Well, 1515 W. Ogden, LaGrange Park, (708) 482-5088.

Theology South: Feb. 2, 9 a.m. coffee, 9:30-11:30 lecture and video by associate professors Michael O’Keeffe and Kathleen Waller, on “Living in the Hereafter: Heaven in the American Imagination,” $6, Q&A follows, at St. Xavier University Butler Room, 3700 W. 103rd St., for more info, call Donatta at (708) 422-1635.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: finding ways to make marriage, family and church healthier, March 30-April 1, June 8-10, or Sept. 7-9, for Chicago and Northwest Indiana, call Jim and Kris at (800) 442-3554 to register.

“Meditation, What is it? Why do it?”: Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-noon, $20, at The Center, 801 Carillon, Bartlett, RSVP to (630) 837-8044.

Calix Society: Catholic outreach to recovering alcoholics, meets one Saturday a month, 9-11 a.m., at St. John Vianney Parish, 46 N. Wolf, Northlake, call (847) 540-9219 for more info.

Volunteer Opportunities: adults in their 20s to 30s can get involved with Charis Ministries (a Jesuit ministry) and inspire other young adults to grow in their faith, Charis is seeking volunteers who enjoy writing and reflecting on the Gospel, to write spiritual reflections for the Lenten season, contact Stephanie, at stephanie@charisministries. org or at (773) 508-2843.

POTPOURRI

St. Florian School: all-you-caneat Pancake Breakfast, Jan. 29, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the gym at 131st & Houston, Hegewisch. $6/person, $4/ages 4-11, children 3 and under free, and school open house, 10:45-noon, raffles, call (773) 646-2868 for more info.

KC Free Throw Championship: for boys and girls ages 10-14, to participate in free local level competition for Knights of Columbus (council 4977) Jan. 29, 12:30-3 p.m., bring proof of age and written parental consent, St. Theresa School Gym, 455 N. Benton, Palatine, for more info, call Dave at (847) 934-0421.

Pancake Breakfast: Jan. 29, 8 a.m.-noon, $5/person, $3/ages 12 and under, in St. Michael School Gym, 14355 Highland, Orland Park, (708) 349-0903.

Reflective Morning: exploring space between winter solstice and spring equinox, Feb. 4, 9 a.m.- noon, $20, at The Center, 801 Carillon, Bartlett, (630) 837-8044.

Super Bowl Party: Feb. 5, 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. kick-off 5:30 p.m., St. Benedict Social Center, 2215 W. Irving Park, must be 21 and over with ID, $15/person by Feb. 3; $20/at door, tail-gate food, cash bar, large screen TV, chili cook-off contest, for more info, or to RSVP, call Heidi at (773) 588-6484.

“Uncovering the Mystery of our Mid-Winters”: Feb. 4, 9 a.m.- noon, $20, at The Center, 801 Carillon, call (630) 837-8044.