The catechetical year officially kicks off this weekend and Pope Francis heads west. There are plenty of other happenings at our parishes and other venues:
FOR FAITH
Catechetical Sunday — Special blessing/commissioning of catechists at many Masses. Info.
40 Days for Life Kickoff —
Rally: 8-9 a.m. Sept. 19 at Family Planning Associates. Map and info.
Rally: noon Sept. 19 at Planned Parenthood in Flagstaff. Map and info.
Candlelight vigil: 7-8 p.m. Sept. 20 in Chandler. Map and info.
Singles retreat — Sept. 18-20 at Mt. Claret. Hosted by Catholic Retreat for Young Singles. Info.
Awaken youth rally — 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at St. James Parish in Glendale (map)
Hosted by the diocesan Multi-Parish Youth Ministries. Info.
Events at The Casa —
Sept. 20: Straight Talk Theology
Sept. 20: People of Peace Series
Info.
Masses for Inner Healing — 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery (map)
Seating is limited and registration is necessary. Register/info: Fr. Bill Faiella, CSC, Psy. D., (602) 689-8347.
Queen of Peace Dedication — 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 19 at Queen of Peace in Mesa (map)
The parish and school are celebrating completion of a major renovation. Mass, blessing, dedication, tours and reception.
FOR FUN
Treasure Hunt/Rummage Sale — 7 a.m.-noon Sept. 19 at St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert (map)
Clothes, toys, household goods, bake sale, Raffle for 48″ lat screen. Church tours upon request. Info.
100-inning softball game — 8:15 a.m. Sept. 19 at the Inter-Stake Center in Mesa (map)
The Benedictine University at Mesa Redhawks softball team will host a 100-inning intra-squad game to kick off its season. Mesa Mayor John Giles will throw out the first pitch with the Redhawks dividing into teams to play a fundraising game. The first 14 innings will follow regulation rules, then the team will implement various changes, such as starting an at-bat with a 2-2 count or ending an inning after two outs, to keep the game flowing.
Attendees can participate in numerous activities, including a fastest pitch contest and a run around the bases between innings for children. There will also be raffle drawings and a silent auction where spectators can win prizes such as gift cards and items from area businesses and sports teams.
Tickets are $20, which include a T-shirt, a hot dog and a drink. All proceeds from the event will go to the BenU at Mesa softball team.
Youth Soccer Challenge Competition — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20 at St. Thomas Aquinas School (map)
The Knights of Columbus invites boys and girls ages 9-14 in respective age divisions to participate in the local level competition. Winners progress through local, district and state competitions. Players must provide proof of age and written parental consent.
Entry forms and info: Chris Porrell at ctporrell@gmail.com or (623) 680-8699
Blood drive — 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Tempe (map)
Appointments or walk-ins welcome. It takes eight donors to fulfill Arizona’s blood needs for just 15 minutes.
