Catholic event organizers are taking advantage of perfect weather across the Diocese of Phoenix to host a series of options this weekend that celebrate the sacraments, honor members in the community and help the least among us.
- Ordination to the diaconate — 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral (map). Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted has ordained 50 men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Phoenix. This weekend, he will ordain eight more. Meet the ordinands and get a sense of their vocation story. Mass info.
- First Friday: Young professionals — Nov. 7 at Diocesan Pastoral Center (map). The director of parish leadership support for the Diocese of Phoenix invites young Catholic professionals to its monthly gathering. Confession and adoration being at 6 p.m. followed by Mass at 7 p.m. Info.
- First Friday: Walk for Life — 6-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at Diocesan Pastoral Center (map). Meet Voces Unidas por la Vida at the pastoral center and walk a few blocks north to share the pro-life message in English and Spanish with those at Downtown Phoenix’s First Friday arts events. Info in English and Español.
- Refuge mural unveiling — 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at The Refuge Café and Wine bar in Phoenix (map). Refugees who have gone through the Unaccompanied Minor program at Catholic Charities Community Services helped create a mural that will become a permanent part of The Refuge Café by carving a tile to illustrate their concept of refuge and what or who helps create a safe place for them. The mural unveiling celebration also includes a reflective art activity in partnership with Free Arts of Arizona. Info.
- Veterans event: Embracing those who serve — 12:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale (map). Advance registration is required. Friends of the Franciscan Renewal Center’s Outreach to Veterans and Military Families Ministry is hosting the third annual picnic and veterans celebration. A Korean War veteran will be among the presenters. Info.
- Veterans event: Candy Drive for the troops — 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Theresa Catholic School (map). Donate leftover and unwanted Halloween candy. The school hopes to collect 1,000 pounds.
- Veterans event: Inaugural Poker Run — Nov. 8 with motorcycle rides from the Harley-Davidson shops in both Bellemont and Mayer to the American Legion Post 25 in Cottonwood where there will be live music, raffle and food. Registration for both is 8-10 a.m. Proceeds benefit outreach to veterans and families by Catholic Charities Community Services. Info.
- 101 Dalmatians Jr. — 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Christ the King School in Mesa (map). The school’s actors present a junior version of the classic Disney story. Tickets: $7 ages 12 and older, $5 kids. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Info.
- Highway cleanup — 8 a.m. Nov. 8 near Immaculate Conception Parish in Cottonwood (map). Parishioners will host its regular highway cleanup along SR 89A. Meet at the Bill Gray Road turnout across from the church. Safety vests will be available. Bring a pick-up tool, if possible. Also bring water and dress in long pants, boots, long sleeves, hat and gloves.
- Christmas Decoration sale — Before/after the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses Nov. 9 at St. Benedict Parish in Ahwatukee (map). Prepare for Christmas while helping the 10-year-old church — that is still without pews — reduce its debt. The church’s display of Christmas decorations will be for sale alongside an assortment of baked goodies.
