Thursday, 03 January 2013 18:43

Kansas Red Mass Jan. 30 in Topeka
The bishops of Kansas will celebrate a Red Mass for the well-being of Kansas and for the wisdom of those exercising its authority at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30, at the Church of the Assumption in Topeka.
Catholics working in government and in law have been invited, including the governor, state legislators, and members of the Kansas Supreme Court. The Red Mass is an annual tradition in Topeka observed by the local ordinaries.
All four Catholic bishops in Kansas are scheduled to concelebrate the Mass. The Most Rev. Joseph Naumann, archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, will preside.

Kansas Novena for Life, Liberty and Marriage Jan. 14-22
The Kansas Novena for Life, Liberty and Marriage will be held Jan. 14 to 22.
As part of the novena, Catholics in Kansas are asked to abstain from meat and fast on Wednesday and Friday, as well as Tuesday, Jan. 22. Families and individuals are asked to pray the Rosary daily, attend weekday Mass, make a daily Holy Hour, go to Confession before the novena begins, offer sacrifices, and do penance.
Jan. 22, the 40th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, is a National Day of Prayer and Penance as decreed by the U.S. Bishops.

Rachel’s Vineyard set for Feb. 15-17
Rachel’s Vineyard is an event designed to renew, rebuild, and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
The next Rachel’s Vineyard will be held Feb. 15-17. For more information on the upcoming retreat call (316) 269-4673 or visit www.respectlifesocialjustice.org.

Eighth Day Symposium to explore Dostoevsky Jan. 24-26
WICHITA – The Eighth Day Institute will host its third annual Eighth Day Symposium on Jan. 24-26.
Organizers are expanding the conference to two full days and are adding a banquet and an iconography workshop.
Registration is required. Early registration is $30 per day or $55 for both days. After Jan. 11, rates increase to $35 per day or $65 for both days. Seating is limited to first 300 registrants. Snacks and lunch are included with registration.
The banquet registration deadline is Jan. 14. The cost is $35 per plate. The iconography workshop cost is $350. Registration is available at www.eighthdayinstitute.com, by phone at (316) 573-8413, or in person at Eighth Day Books.

Tax preparation assistance to be offered by Center of Hope
WICHITA – The Center of Hope will be an IRS approved Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program site again this year for low-income taxpayers. The service is free.
Because filing taxes almost necessitates the use of tax preparation software, the VITA program has been vital to the many taxpayers that do not have access to computer systems and cannot afford to pay for their return to be prepared.
Those whose income is less than $50,000 a year may call (316) 267-3999 after Jan. 15 to schedule an appointment.
Volunteer tax preparers are needed. Persons with any prior financial experience who would like to assist those in need may call 267-3999. The center of Hope prepared over 650 returns this past year.

Retrouvaille helps marriages under stress
The holiday season can be a stressful time – especially on a marriage. The demands can seem like small inconveniences or they can cause flare-ups between spouses. Either way it can lead to misunderstanding, disagreements, and discord in a marriage.
Retrouvaille, a weekend experience, can improve a couple’s ability to communicate effectively and regain the closeness in their marriage.
Next weekend Feb. 15-17
The next Retrouvaille is scheduled for Feb. 15-17. For more information call Ned and Kathy Madsen at (316) 788-1724 or Tim and Betty Stolz at 796-0553 or go to www.retrouvaille.org .

Catholic Advance offers a free classified for those seeking work
The Catholic Advance is offering a free classified ad for any Catholic in the Diocese of Wichita who is jobless.
Submissions of under 50 words may be made by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The free classified will be printed in four editions. After the fourth edition they must be resubmitted.
All ads are subject to editing. The Advance reserves the right to reject any submission.
Potential employers are asked to review the classified section. All the faithful are asked to pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

After the Gift Retreat planned for March
Statements made by those who have attended an After the Gift retreat include: “Realizing I’m not alone,” “An amazing blessing,” and “I am so grateful for the compassionate people who made it possible.”
The retreat, for birth moms who have placed children for adoption – recently or years ago – is a time for parents to come together to pray, share, and heal.
The next weekend retreat will be held March 8-10 at the Spiritual Life Center. Registration is open until March 1. Contact the Respect Life Social Justice Office for more information at (316) 269-3935 or visit www.respectlifesocialjustice.org.