ST. ANNE NOVENA: Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Omaha will hold its annual St. Anne Novena today through July 26.
In the Catholic church, a novena is nine days of private or public prayer to obtain special graces or to make special petitions. Novena is derived from the Latin “novem,” meaning nine.
The special set of prayers is recited for nine days, then the saint’s feast day — St. Anne’s day is July 26 — is celebrated, said the Rev. Frank Partusch, pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul. As the mother of Mary, St. Anne (also frequently spelled Ann) is considered the patron saint of mothers.
Here is the schedule at Sts. Peter and Paul, 36th and X Streets:
Today and July 25 — Mass and novena prayers at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday — Mass and novena prayers at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday — Mass and novena prayers at 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
July 26 — In addition to Mass and novena prayers, veneration of a St. Anne relic will be part of services at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, contact the parish office at 731-4578.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: The Nebraska Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ will celebrate 92 years in Nebraska at events set for Aug. 3-7.
The international presiding prelate of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Charles Edward Blake of Los Angeles, will be the guest speaker at the planned Holy Convocation. Blake oversees over 6.5 million members worldwide. Other religious leaders also are expected to attend.
The convocation will start Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and continue nightly at 7:30 through Aug. 7 at Joy of Life Ministries, 6401 N. 56th St. in Omaha.
More information on the church is available at www.nebraskacogic.org.
ZEN BUDDHIST MEDITATION: A Zen Buddhist meditation workshop for beginners will be offered July 25 at the Nebraska Zen Center-Heartland Temple, at 3625 Lafayette Ave. in Omaha.
The 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. workshop will focus on sitting and walking meditation that harmonizes body, mind and breath. The cost is $20.
For further information, or to register, call 402-551-9035 or e-mail heartland@prairiewindzen.org.
WELCOMING CONGREGATION: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3617 Greene Ave. in Bellevue, has been recognized by United Methodist Communications as an official “Welcoming Congregation.”
The designation is given to congregations that meet certain criteria, including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship.
“Our members really love having people visit our church,” said the Rev. Jim Corson. “They reach out to welcome guests with Spirit-filled hospitality. Our outreach team has done a tremendous job, and I am pleased that they are being recognized for their efforts.”
COMMUNITY WEEKEND: World Fellowship Christian Ministries, 3020 Huntington Ave. in Omaha, will present a Community Weekend beginning Friday.
A carnival and block party, with games, food and entertainment for the family, will start at 6 p.m. Friday, offered by World Fellowship’s Total Youth Network.
On July 25, World Fellowship’s Health Awareness Ministry, in conjunction with Creighton University Medical Center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Alegent Health Systems, Charles Drew Health Center and others, will host Restoring Health to Our Neighborhood. The all-day fair will feature up to $500 worth of free medical screenings, health education activities and expert consultations. There also will be fun activities for children and free food.
The weekend will wrap up on July 26 with a Community Day-themed church service and picnic.
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