Christmas dinner and dance. Sponsored by the Catholic Alumni Club of Sacramento at the Carmichael Elks Lodge at 5639 Cypress Ave. in Carmichael. No-host cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Cost is $30. For information call (916) 863-3040.

Program for parish ministry. Sponsored by the diocesan department of Catholic Faith Formation from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish at 925 Sacramento St. in Vallejo. Topic is “Trinity and Images of God” with Jesuit Father William Breault. Cost is $20. For information call (916) 733-0150.

Program for adult faith enrichment. Sponsored by the diocesan department of Catholic Faith Formation from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish at 925 Sacramento St. in Vallejo. Topic is “New Testament: Jesus Christ” with Sister Adele Gerlach. Also program on same topic with Father Michael O’Reilly at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish at 1330 Bird St. in Oroville. Cost is $20. For information call (916) 733-0150.

First Saturday Fatima devotion. With pro-life Mass and rosary procession to nearby abortion clinic, followed by benediction. At 7:45 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church at 12th and S Streets in Sacramento. For information call Carol Schoner at (916) 791-1819.

Sat. and Sun., Dec. 1-2

“A Holiday Show of Hands.” Arts and crafts Christmas sale sponsored by St. John the Evangelist School at 5701 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. Includes antiques and collectibles. For information call (916) 481-8845.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Annual AIDS Mass. Sponsored by the Diocese of Sacramento in memoriam for all who have died from AIDS and in prayer for all with HIV or AIDS, their loved ones and caregivers. At 2 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church at 3235 Arden Way in Sacramento. To have person remembered in the book of names, call (916) 482-9666.

Mon. to Wed., Dec. 3-5

Parish mission. With Redemptorist Father David Tobin at St. Philomene Church, corner of Bell St. and El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. Father Tobin will speak at Mass at 10 a.m. Evening talk and communion service at 7 p.m. All are welcome. For information call the parish office at (916) 481-6757.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

“Newly Alone.” Ten-week support group sponsored by the Beginning Experience of Sacramento for divorced, separated or widowed persons of all faiths. Each Wednesday at 7 p.m. For information call (916) 535-5057.

Natural Family Planning introductory session. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Mercy Women’s Center at 650 Howe Ave., Suite 400, in Sacramento. Cost is $15 per woman/couple. For information call (916) 733-6300.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Advent preparation course. With the theme, “Awake, Watch, Prepare,” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 5057 Cottage Way in Carmichael. Session will include a presentation on an Advent theme and the introduction of a method of prayer. Facilitated by Maureen Pryor. For information call (916) 488-4626.

Friday, Dec. 7

Advent evening of prayer. Will include prayers around the cross using Taize music to include psalms, Scripture readings, intercessions and songs. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish at 2700 Dover Ave. in Fairfield. For information call the parish office at (707) 422-7767.

Saturday, Dec. 8

Christmas brunch and craft fair. Sponsored by the Sacramento Diocesan Council of Catholic Women from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YLI clubhouse at 27th and N Streets in Sacramento. Cost is $9. For reservations call Dorothy Thompsen at (916) 974-1362. Those who want to contribute to the craft fair can call Yvonne Gaugler at (916) 332-6652.

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

Program for parish ministry. Sponsored by the diocesan department of Catholic Faith Formation from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 2110 Broadway in Sacramento. Topic is “Trinity and Images of God” with Jesuit Father William Breault. Cost is $20. For information call (916) 733-0150.

Program for adult faith enrichment. Sponsored by the diocesan department of Catholic Faith Formation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish at 235 Chapel St. in Grass Valley. Topic is “New Testament: Jesus Christ” with Father Dan Looney. Also program on same topic with Sister Adele Gerlach from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 2110 Broadway in Sacramento. Cost is $20. For information call (916) 733-0150.

Mexican fiesta dinner. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Group at Divine Savior Parish at 9079 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. Will include food, fellowship and music. Begins at 5:30 p.m. following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. For information call (916) 989-7400.

Sunday, Dec. 9

Kid’s shop and craft show. “Breakfast with Santa,” from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Presentation School at 3100 Norris Ave. in Sacramento. Will include pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon and Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kid’s shop gifts are $5 and under.

Christmas concert. By the Sacramento Catholic Gospel Choir at 3 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church at 5751 Locust Ave. in Carmichael. Free will offerings accepted. For information call Carol Bradley (916) 348-3948.

Pancake breakfast and bazaar. After 8 and 10 a.m. Masses at St. Anne Parish Hall at 7724 24th St. in Sacramento. Cost is $3.50 for breakfast. Bazaar features baked goods, religious articles, homemade candies and more. For information call Theresa Day (916) 392-5312.

Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Invites men and women to experience a special devotion to Mary by attending 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento. Prayer follows Mass for one hour in the lower level of the cathedral. Group meets monthly September through May. For information call Connie Haan at (916) 446-1922.

Monday, Dec. 10

Women in Growth Spiritually. Group for women from young adulthood to senior citizens from all parishes and communities meets from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at Divine Savior Church at 9079 Greenback Ln. in Orangevale. Topic will be “Slowing Down,” including modified yoga, Taize-like prayer and meditation. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a cushion. For information call the parish at (916) 989-7400.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Mariachi Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Featuring “Los Gallos” and sponsored by the Guadalupe Group at Divine Savior Parish at 9079 Greenback Lane. Begins at 7 p.m. Pan dulce, coffee and hot chocolate will be served following Mass. For information call (916) 989-7400.

Pro-life Mass. At 5:05 p.m. at St. Philomene Parish chapel at 2428 Bell St. in Sacramento. A large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe (patroness of the unborn) will be there. Msgr. Patrick Nolan will preside. Rosary will follow Mass. For information call Sally Fisher at (916) 780-5305.

Holiday reception. To honor Jesuit Father George Wanser, director of the Newman Catholic Center at CSUS and the student leadership team. Will include wine, cheese and hors d’oevres. From 4 to 7 p.m. at the Newman Center at 5900 Newman Court. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds to benefit the team’s trip to the National Catholic Student Coalition Conference. For information call (916) 454-4188.

Thursday, Dec. 13

Always Our Children. A Catholic support group for parents of lesbian, gay or bisexual children of any age. The group provides a safe place to share, an opportunity to receive the support of other parents, a place of compassion and an environment of trust and confidentiality. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Interested parents can leave a message at (916) 497-1365.

Friday, Dec. 14

Christmas concert. “Welcome All Wonders,” performed by the Sacramento Master Singers at 8 p.m. at St. Francis Church at 26th and K Streets in Sacramento. Also performed on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 21-22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. For information call (916) 338-0300.

Sunday, Dec. 16

Christmas concert. “While Angels Sing,” presented by Sacred Heart Church’s Schola Cantorum at 7 p.m. in the church at 39th and J Streets in Sacramento. Will include Gregorian chant, candlelight procession, holiday carols and choral masterpieces. Conducted by Donald Kendrick. Cost is $10 for general admission and $7 for students and seniors. For ticket information call (916) 498-6339 or visit the Web page at www.scholacantorum.com.

Healing Mass. At 2 p.m. at St. Philomene Church at 2428 Bell St. in Sacramento. Celebrated by Msgr. Patrick Nolan. Theme: “Thy Kingdom Come.” Prayers offered for spiritual, physical and emotion healing. Music by members of St. Philomene and Presentation choirs. Religious articles, oil and salt will be blessed. For information call (916) 481-6757.

Thursday, Dec. 20

Catholics for Life-Sacramento Diocese. Catholics from all parishes are welcome and needed to attend pro-life meeting and to pray the rosary. At 6 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 2110 Broadway in Sacramento. For information call Carol Schoner at (916) 791-1819.

Saturday, Dec. 29

Alumnae reunion. For alumnae of St. Francis Catholic High School, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the school at 6051 M St. in Sacramento. For information call Susan Peltz at the school at (916) 452-3461.