The Alliance of the Two Hearts will sponsor the FIRST FRIDAY/FIRST SATURDAY COMMUNION OF REPARATION VIGIL on Fri., July 3, at four churches: St. Andrew, 675 Riverside Road, Roswell; St. John the Evangelist, 230 Arnold St., Hapeville; St. Catherine of Siena, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw; and in Polish at St. Marguerite d’Youville, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville. Vigils include 8 p.m. rosary, confessions, 9 p.m. Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, holy hours of adoration, and 1 a.m. Saturday Mass in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Contact: Diane Guesman at (770) 993-1846 or dianeguesman@aol.com.

ST. BRIGID CHURCH, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, hosts a monthly adoration hour for families and children of all ages on Tues., July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1 from 3:16-4 p.m. “PRAY DATE WITH JESUS” focuses on learning about the lives of saints whose statues are in the church and on becoming a “summer saint.” Adoration time includes silent worship, music, prayers and a blessing for each child. Children offer special intentions and help lead songs and discussions. All families are invited. Contact: Kathleen at kath22@mindspring.com or Janice Givens at richandjanice@bellsouth.net.

Those interested in CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY and growing in contemplative union with God are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites at ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CHURCH, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville, on Sat., July 11, at 9 a.m. All are welcome. Contact: Maryann Leveque, OCDS, at (770) 868-0359 or maryannocds@aol.com.

CHRIST OUR HOPE CHURCH, 1786 Wellborn Road, Lithonia, will celebrate its 25TH ANNIVERSARY MASS AND RECEPTION on Sun., Aug. 30. Mass will be at 10 a.m. in the church, with a reception following immediately in the parish hall. All are welcome to come celebrate 25 years of spiritual services to the Lithonia community. Contact: (770) 482-5017 or christourhopecat@bellsouth.net.

Father Marek Ciesla, S.Chr., celebrates MASS IN POLISH every Sunday at 2 p.m. at ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CHURCH, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville, and an additional Polish Mass on the first and second Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. at Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Parkway, Norcross. Contact: (770) 935-1958.

THE THIRD ORDER OF CARMEL offers the laity a spiritual way of life for those answering a special call from God to live their evangelical life under the direction of the Carmelite order. MEMBERS FOLLOW A RULE OF LIFE AND PRAYER. Those who feel called to a deeper commitment to their baptismal promises are encouraged to call. Contact: Ann Harry, (770) 641-7373 for St. Brigid Lay Carmelites in Alpharetta; Genny Hoene, (770) 952-7861 for Holy Family Lay Carmelites in Marietta; or David Ashe, (770) 478-0764 for Holy Eucharist Lay Carmelites in Jonesboro, or visit www.thelaycarmelites.org.

Are you drawn to the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi? Join the Immaculate Conception Fraternity of the SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER as they meet on the second Saturday of each month after the 8:30 a.m. Mass at ST. PHILIP BENIZI CHURCH, 591 Flint River Road, Jonesboro. Contact: Willie at (770) 683-7648. The Stigmata of St. Francis Fraternity meets on the second Sunday of the month from 2-5 p.m. at ST. MONICA CHURCH, 1700 Buford Highway, Duluth. Contact: Laura at (770) 814-0154. A newly forming group, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, meets on the third Sunday of the month from 10 a.m-2 p.m. at the MONASTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Retreat House, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers. Contact: Charlotte at (770) 787-9524.

ON THE DECK, a ministry providing an environment for college age students ages 18-23 to encounter Christ through community, faith sharing and worship, pulls students from all over Atlanta and over 40 colleges. The group meets every Thursday through July 30 from 7-9:30 p.m. Each meeting includes dinner, fellowship and prayer. For the first time, On The Deck will meet at the CATHOLIC CENTER AT GEORGIA TECH, 172 Fourth St., NW, Atlanta. Come to meet new people and eat free food. There will also be an On The Deck college retreat Aug. 7-9 at Camp Covecrest in Tiger. Contact: www.otdatlanta.com for directions and information.

On Sat., July 4, there will be a JULY 4 PICNIC in the afternoon at the home of Anna Rhau-Bernhard for those who usually participate in the “Vessels of Grace” first Saturday Day of Reflection at Ignatius Retreat House. Due to the holiday the day of reflection has been canceled. Contact: Anna at gaarnp@bellsouth.net.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH, 2140 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, invites all to celebrate the FOURTH OF JULY at a barbeque and fireworks show. All are welcome to the event, which begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until after the fireworks. Contact: Jennifer Schafer at (770) 449-8182 or visit www.stpatricksga.org.

SUMMER MOVIES will be shown rain or shine every second and fourth Friday in July and August at ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 152 Antioch Road, Fayetteville. Upcoming movies are “New In Town” on July 10 and “Inkheart” on July 24. Movies begin at 9 p.m. and are free. Titles are listed at www.stgabrielga.com. Attendees may bring their own snacks. Contact: Marcie Nuenke at (770) 461-0492.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP HOME, 760 Pollard Blvd., Atlanta, offers care during the last days to those suffering from cancer. The OLPH Home does not accept payment for its services; rather it relies upon the Holy Spirit to guide volunteers to assist with whatever the Home needs. A group of friends and volunteers joined together many years ago to form the OLPH Auxiliary. Please join the OLPH Auxiliary for a TOUR AND SOCIAL AT THE OLPH HOME on Saturday, July 11, from 2-4 p.m. Learn more about the Home and how you can become involved with the Auxiliary. Auxiliary members will be offering guided tours. Entertainment and refreshments will be served in the garden. Contact: Pat V. at (770) 865-1131 to RSVP.

KINDRED SPIRITS is a singles group based out of the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING but SERVING ALL SINGLES 40 and better in the archdiocese. Members are single, divorced or widowed. The group’s mission is to foster a Christ-centered community with social, spiritual and service events. All are welcome. To learn about the activities of Kindred Spirits, come to the next monthly gathering starting at 6:30 p.m. (after the 5:30 p.m. Mass) on Sun., July 12, in conference room 1 at the Cathedral, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE. Atlanta. A light buffet will be served. Meet in the conference room at 5:15 p.m. to join members for Mass. Contact: www.kindredspiritsatlanta.org or e-mail info@kindredspiritsatlanta.org or call (404) 237-0944.

St. Joseph Church, 87 Lacy St., NW, Marietta, announces a new career ministry for the parish and surrounding community. CAREER COMMUNITY NETWORK OF ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH supports individuals who are unemployed, underemployed or re-entering the workforce. The goal is to provide a Christian-centered community network, with interactive meeting sessions that will explore current job hunting methods, give insight into relevant industries, encourage networking by industries and small group mentoring sessions. Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Marist Hall every first and third Tuesday of the month. This resource is open to the public. Contact: Anna Maria Hatfield at (770) 422-5633, ext. 27, or careerministry@saintjosephcc.org.

“REASON TO BELIEVE,” a six-week APOLOGETICS SERIES, will be held Fridays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7 and 14 at the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. Speakers address issues that concern Catholics today and offer insights into answering questions and responding to challenges to one’s faith. Mass will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the parish hall. Sessions begin at 7 p.m. Nursery provided upon reservation received at least two business days in advance. There is no cost for the seminar. A free will offering will be taken. Contact: (404) 233-2145, ext. 671, e-mail evangelization@ctking.com or visit www.ctkevangelization.org.

These are challenging times to be unemployed. Getting a job is a job! The All Saints Job Network will hold a free “JOB SEARCH” WORKSHOP on Sat., July 11, in Kiernan Hall at ALL SAINTS CHURCH, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. Workshop is from 9 a.m.-12 noon. All are invited. Attendees produce a compelling resume; develop a marketing plan to get the best job search results; learn the critical importance of scripting; prepare for a job interview; learn how to use the most effective tool—networking; and use The Profile to decide what direction to take their career. Contact: (770) 393-3255, ext. 85, or e-mail allsaintsjobnet@yahoo.com.

TRAPPIST FATHER TOM FRANCIS, a monk at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, will be the presenter for a group discussion on the book “THE SHACK” by William P. Young. All are invited and encouraged to read the book and bring thoughts and questions to the meeting on Sat., Aug. 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the Monastery Retreat House. Come for coffee and pastry before the discussion at 10 a.m. Lunch is available. Cost is $15 for the day or $25 with lunch. Contact: (770) 760-0959 to register.

ST. MONICA’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT invites all PARENTS to an evening with DR. RAY GUARENDI. “Standing Strong as a Parent” will be held Sat., Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. in Lyke Hall at the parish, 1700 Buford Highway, Duluth. The speaker is a father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, speaker and radio host. His books include “Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime,” “You’re a Better Parent Than You Think,” now in its twenty-fifth printing, “Back to the Family,” “Good Discipline, Great Teens” and “Adoption: Choosing It, Living It, Loving It.” Come enjoy an evening of laughter and learning for parents of toddlers through teens. Dr. Ray’s practical advice and humorous approach will inspire you. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple and include appetizers and beverages. Contact: lisad1@charter.net to reserve a seat. Visit www.drray.com for information on the speaker.

The WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND is an experience for couples with good marriages who want to improve and enliven their communication to deepen their love for one another. You deserve to experience a Weekend you will treasure the rest of your lives. Upcoming Weekends are Aug. 21-23 and Sept. 18-20. Contact: 866-285-9963 or www.wwmeatlanta.org for online registration.  

CAREER MINISTRY is temporarily moving from HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, Atlanta, to the nearby NORTHWEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 4300 Northside Drive, Atlanta, from June through December 2009 due to a construction project. Meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6:30-9 p.m. Meetings are free. Services are resume building, interviewing skills and job counseling. Invited employers recruit for nationwide jobs. Networking and light snacks are available. Contact: www.careerministry.org.

Veterans, family and friends of veterans, and community members are all invited to “SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEES” AND “JUST LISTENING,” free meetings held twice a month by veterans and mental health professionals from VETERAN’S HEART GEORGIA. VHG is a nonprofit organization founded to help heal the effects of war and enhance the homecoming of all veterans, particularly those with post-traumatic stress. Contact: www.veteransheartgeorgia.org for times and locations.
 
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program has resettled nearly 100 refugees this year and expects 100 more before the end of September. Families from Burma, Bhutan, Vietnam and Iraq are arriving. Some have been in refugee camps for over 15 years. PARISH HELP IS NEEDED TO FURNISH 20 RESIDENCES FOR REFUGEES over the next four months. Small couches, coffee tables, lamps, metal bed frames, and dinette sets are needed. Catholic Charities can bring a large van to a parish parking lot to facilitate donations. Contact: Margaret Prickett, manager of volunteer resources, at (404) 885-7271 or mprickett@archatl.com.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in room 102 at Transfiguration Church, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta. Come learn and share. Call Lori at (770) 977-1442, ext. 145, to make a reservation for babysitting. Contact: Jeannie at (770) 919-9275 for information.

Catholic Charities’ Housing Counseling Program is providing FORECLOSURE AND MORTGAGE DEFAULT INTERVENTION SERVICES. The services can help people who are behind in their mortgage or facing foreclosure by assisting them in determining possible plans to save their home. Contact: (770) 429-2369, option 3, to schedule an appointment.

OUR MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL, a group of psychotherapists, meets the second Friday of the month at ST. BRIGID CHURCH, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, from 1-3 p.m. for prayer and study and peer review. The group is dedicated to the practice of therapy that responds to the whole person—mind, body and spirit—and is in harmony with the teachings of the Magisterium. While encouraging debate, the purpose of the group is to integrate the discipline of psychology/counseling with the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Members are supported and encouraged in the practice of the faith as it extends into their professional endeavors. Colleagues are welcome. Contact: Mary Cheryl Henderson at (404) 936-1144 or e-mail smckay02@aol.com for information.

Are you concerned about paying high rent? Do you have an extra bedroom in your home that you want to rent to a professional person? For 24 years HOUSEMATE MATCH, sponsored by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and a United Way funded program, compassionately matches homeowners and tenants after confidential screening and interview including criminal background check. Housemate match also provides In-Home Care Giving Services. Contact: Lynne Dyckman, housing counselor, at (678) 812-3729 or lynne.dychman@atlantajcc.org.

The VILLAGE OF ST. JOSEPH COUNSELING SERVICES offers affordable counseling for children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples and families. Cost is based on family income and ability to pay. The service is provided by Catholic Charities Atlanta at 34 parish locations throughout the archdiocese. Contact: (404) 733-3527 (English) or (404) 733-3528 (Spanish). Visit www.catholiccharitiesatlanta.org/flyers/vsj_loc.pdf for locations.

ST. JOSEPH ABBEY, a community of Benedictine monks in St. Benedict, La., will host a program July 8-12 for men ages 20-45 interested in discerning a call to MONASTIC LIFE. Participants will pray and work with the monks, attend seminars on monasticism and celebrate the solemnity of St. Benedict with the monastic community. Contact: Benedictine Brother Jude Israel, vocation director, at (985) 867-2249 or brjude@sjasc.edu.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, will offer a July 10-12 retreat entitled “PRAYER AND THE IMAGE OF GOD.” Led by Abbot Francis Michael and Father Anthony, the retreat will focus on discovering and exploring one’s images of God and how they affect one’s prayer. Contact: (770) 760-0959 or retreat@trappist.net to register.
    
“WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED” is the theme of a silent retreat July 10-12 at the JESUIT RETREAT CENTER at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Drive, NW, Atlanta. Jesuit Father Edd Salazar will lead retreat talks on the variety of ways that people can bring joy to Jesus by responding to God’s love and by loving others. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. A $50 deposit will be required. Contact: (404) 255-0503, ihsecretary@bellsouth.net or www.ignatiushouse.org to register.

From July 12-22 the JESUIT RETREAT CENTER AT IGNATIUS HOUSE, 6700 Riverside Drive, NW, Atlanta, will offer INDIVIDUALLY DIRECTED SILENT RETREATS based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Five-day retreats are offered July 12-17 and July 17-22 and an eight-day retreat July 12-20. Each is a time of silence, solitude and personal prayer planned by the individual and his or her retreat director. The Cenacle Sisters and the staff at Ignatius House will serve as directors. Each retreatant will meet with a director who will help discern the movements of God’s Spirit. A request for a specific director will be honored whenever possible. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. Contact: (404) 255-0503, ihsecretary@bellsouth.net or www.ignatiushouse.org to register. Cost is $65 per day and includes a private room and all meals. A $50 deposit is required.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, will offer a July 17-19 retreat entitled “WISDOM OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTICS.” Led by Trappist Fathers James and Tom Francis and Carl McColman, the retreat will look at the wisdom of the Christian mystics in light of the universal call to holiness, St. Paul’s directive to “pray without ceasing” and the invitation from the Psalms to “be still and know God.” Contact: (770) 760-0959 or retreat@trappist.net to register.

“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” is a RETREAT FOR ADULTS that will be held at ST. ANN CHURCH, 4905 Roswell Road, NE, Marietta, from the evening of Fri., July 17, to midday on Sun., July 19. The retreat is open to others who are invited to gather in community to reflect and pray about who God is in our lives. Contact: Margaret Warman to register or for information at mmwarman@aol.com or (770) 998-0240.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, offers a midweek retreat July 20-23 entitled “PERPETUAL ADORATION: LET YOUR ADORATION NEVER CEASE.” Led by Trappist Father Gerard, the retreat will explore ways of prayer, Lectio Divina, meditation, journaling and living moment by moment to allow this mystery to unfold. There will be time for personal and communal adoration. Contact: (770) 760-0959 or retreat@trappist.net to register.

“A FRIENDSHIP LIKE NO OTHER” is the theme of the July 24-26 retreat at the JESUIT RETREAT CENTER at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Drive, NW, Atlanta. Jesuit Father Ken Buddendorff will conduct this silent preached retreat using aspects of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola to deepen appreciation of the relationship we have with Jesus as friend. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. A $50 deposit is required. Contact: (404) 255-0503, ihsecretary@bellsouth.net or www.ignatiushouse.org to register.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212, SW, Conyers, will offer a weekend retreat July 24-26 entitled “THE GOSPEL OF JOHN: ENCOUNTERING THE TRANSFIGURED CHRIST.” Led by Trappist Father Tom Francis and Martha Gross, this retreat will explore the Gospel’s potent imagery and rich symbolism inviting one not to simply know about Christ, but to encounter the risen, transfigured Christ. Contact: (770) 760-0959 or retreat@trappist.net to register.

The greatest and closest life companion is the person of Jesus. “JESUS, MY CLOSE COMPANION” is the theme for the silent weekend preached retreat July 31-Aug. 2 at the JESUIT RETREAT CENTER at Ignatius House, 6700 Riverside Drive, NW, Atlanta. The director is Jesuit Father Al Louapre. Jesus continues to be our source of companionship as his chosen friends, especially during the quiet time spent with him during this retreat. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. Register at (404) 255-0503, ihsecretary@bellsouth.net or www.ignatiushouse.org. A $50 deposit is required.