The New Testament: Jesus Christ. Presentation in the Diocese of Sacramento’s Institute of Lay Formation. With Dominican Sister Adele Gerlach, pastoral associate at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Vallejo. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish at 925 Sacramento St. in Vallejo. Cost is $20. Recommended for all Catholics. Bring your own lunch. For information call (916) 733-0150.

Sat. and Sun., Dec. 2-3

“A Holiday Show of Hands.” Arts and crafts Christmas sale featuring custom work by more than 100 craftspeople and artists. On Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John’s School at 5701 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. For information call (916) 481-8845 (events line).

Sunday, Dec. 3

Jubilee Mass for persons with special needs. Celebrated by Bishop Richard J. Garcia at 1:30 p.m. at Divine Savior Church at 9079 Greenback Ln. in Orangevale. Mass will be celebrated in English, Spanish and interpreted for the deaf. Reception to follow. For information call (916) 733-0123.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Holiday music festival. Presented by St. Francis High School’s three choirs and orchestra at 7:30 p.m. at the school at 6051 M St. in Sacramento. Will include classical works, opera and seasonal favorites. Donation of $5 is requested. For information call (916) 452-3461.

Advent day of renewal. With Franciscan Father Barry Brunsman at San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, sponsored by St. Francis Church in Sacramento. Bus fare is $15 per person. Retreat donation is $18, including lunch. Bus leaves at 7:15 a.m. from St. Francis Church. For information call John Navarro at (916) 383-8527.

Tues. and Wed., Dec. 5-6

Madrigal dinner. Fund-raiser for Mercy High School at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Red Bluff. More than 60 Mercy students will present a fun-filled evening celebration to ring in the Christmas season. For ticket information call Bonne Goodin at (530) 527-7088.

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Beginning Experience support group: “Newly Alone.” Ten-week session for divorced, separated or widowed persons of all faiths. From 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Michael Episcopal Church at 2140 Mission Ave. in Carmichael. Fee of $5 per week. For information call (916) 535-5057.

Natural Family Planning introductory session. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Mercy Women’s Center at 4747 Engle Rd. in Carmichael. Registration fee is $15 per woman/couple. For information call (916) 484-2118.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Lessons and Carols. Annual Christmas concert presented by students of the SUCCEED schools at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 11th and K Streets in Sacramento. For information call (916) 733-0110.

Friday, Dec. 8

Dedication of Memorial for the Unborn. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus with Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Garcia at St. Joseph Cemetery on Eureka Way in Redding. For information call Bill Goeke at (530) 246-9039.

Sat. to Wed., Dec. 9-13

Parish mission. Presented by Passionist Father Cedric Pisegna at St. Isidore Church at 222 Clark Ave. in Yuba City. He will preach at all Masses Dec. 9-10. He will celebrate Mass and speak at 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 11-13. Reconciliation service on Dec. 12 in evening. For information call (530) 673-1573.

Saturday, Dec. 9

AIDS Mass. Sponsored by the AIDS ministry of the Diocese of Sacramento at Mercy General Hospital chapel at 40th and H Streets in Sacramento. Mass at 5 p.m. followed by dinner in cafeteria at 6 p.m. For information call Father John Healy at (916) 453-4753.

“Musical Christmas Card.” Third annual concert presented by the Sacramento Gospel Choir, a ministry of St. John the Evangelist Church. At 7 p.m. at the church at 5751 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. Traditional and contemporary music will be featured. Free will offerings accepted. For information call Joan Burcell at (916) 961-2705.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Handel’s “The Messiah.” Concert with 65-member choir at 2:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church at 307 Montrose Dr. in Folsom. Donation of $10 per person recommended. For information call (916) 984-0500.

Monday, Dec. 11

Women in Growth Spiritually. Women’s group of Divine Savior Parish in Orangevale will meet to enjoy an Advent drama. Women from young adults to seniors from all parishes, families and communities are invited. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church at 9079 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. For information call Terrin Henderson at (916) 965-8041.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Pro-life Mass. At 5:05 p.m. at St. Philomene chapel at the corner of El Camino Ave. and Bell Street in Sacramento. Rosary will follow Mass. Msgr. Patrick Nolan will preside. For information call Sally Fisher at (916) 780-5305.

Friday, Dec. 15

Christmas choir concert. Presented by the choir of Loretto High School at 7:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church at 5751 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. Free-will donation will benefit Wellspring Women’s Center.

Healing Mass. At 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church at 32nd Street and Broadway in Sacramento. Presider will be Msgr. Andrew Coffey. Enter church grounds from 33rd Street.

Saturday, Dec. 16

“Scripture in Depth.” Ongoing series facilitated by Deacon Red Cheever meets monthly at the Mercy Center at 535 Sacramento St. in Auburn. Each session includes presentation, time for prayer and sharing. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $20; bring your own lunch. For information call (530) 887-2019.

The Old Testament: Salvation History. Presentation in the Diocese of Sacramento’s Institute of Lay Formation. With James Peth, director of Friendship Park at Loaves & Fishes. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish on St. Stephen’s Drive in Anderson. Cost is $20. Recommended for all Catholics. Bring your own lunch. For information call (916) 733-0150.

The New Testament: Jesus Christ. Presentation in the Diocese of Sacramento’s Institute of Lay Formation. With Deacon Larry Niekamp of Divine Savior Parish in Orangevale. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish at 660 Florin Rd. in Sacramento. Cost is $20. Recommended for all Catholics. Bring your own lunch. For information call (916) 733-0150.

Sunday, Dec. 17

Healing Mass. At 2 p.m. at St. Philomene Church, corner of El Camino Ave. and Bell Street in Sacramento. Theme: “Rejoicing.” Celebrant is Msgr. Patrick Nolan. Reconciliation at 1 p.m. For information call (916) 481-6757.

“Jazz Praise” Christmas concert. Performed by the Jim Martinez Quartet at 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church at 5751 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. No admission charge. For information call (916) 630-1922.

Monday, Dec. 18