Monday, January 1

Solemnity of Mary

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is normally a holy day of obligation. However, this year, the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated, in accord with the complementary norm to Canon 1246 §2 confirmed for the dioceses of the United States.

Saturday, January 13

Respect Life Mass

Bishop Raica will celebrate the Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul at 9 a.m. Following Mass, a prayer vigil and witness for life will take place at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Planned Parenthood location in Birmingham, 1019 1st Avenue, North. For more information, please visit birminghammarchforlife.com. The cathedral is located at 2120 3rd Avenue, North in Birmingham.

Saturday, January 13

Diocesan Prayer Breakfast

The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry will host a Diocesan Prayer Breakfast in commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., starting at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase through the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, jwatts@bhmdiocese.org or 205.838.8313.

Tuesday, January 16

Taping of Living Right with Dr. Ray

Noted Catholic psychologist Dr. Ray Guarendi will be taping four episodes of his EWTN series Living Right with Dr Ray in the EWTN studios, beginning at 9 a.m. The event is family friendly, and everyone in the diocese is invited to be a member of the studio audience. Participants can sign up for one or more shows by Jan. 10. Taping times are 9-10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 2:30-4 p.m. Additional information and the opportunity to sign up can be found at ewtn.com/drraylive. The EWTN studio is located at 5817 Old Leeds Road in Irondale.

Saturday, January 20

Santo Nino de Cebu Festival

Bishop Raica will celebrate Mass, marking the Santo Nino de Cebu Festival, at St. Francis Xavier Church, starting at 11 a.m. The celebration will coincide with the annual cultural and religious festival of the same name held in the Philippines. The church is located at 2 Xavier Circle in Birmingham. For more information, please call 205.871.1153.

Sunday, January 21

Diocesan Confirmation

The diocese will hold a diocesan confirmation at the Cathedral of St. Paul, starting at 2 p.m. Persons not able to be confirmed at their parish or those wishing to be confirmed at the cathedral will receive the sacrament from Bishop Raica. For more information, contact the Office at Sacred Liturgy at sacredliturgy@bhmdiocese.org.

Sunday, January 21

Open House

St. Rose Academy in Birmingham will host an open house for prospective families and students in 3-year-old kindergarten through 8th grade from 2 to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to tour the school and meet the teachers, staff, and administrators who will all be present to answer questions. St. Rose is a private, Catholic, co-educational school, owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. Contact Vivian Hults for information. The school is located at 1401 22nd Street, South. For more information, please call 205.933.0549 or visit strosebhm.org.

Sunday, January 28

Open house

All are invited to come experience the difference of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School during the school’s open house from 2-4 p.m. During the open house, visitors can meet teachers and staff, tour the school, ask individual questions, and receive helpful information. The school fosters the religious, academic, and social development of every child from 3K through 8th grades. To learn more about OLS School or to complete an application, visit olsschool.com. If more information is needed, please call the school office at 205-879-3237.

Sunday, January 28

Open House at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School 

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Birmingham invites prospective families to the school for an open house from 1:30-4:30 p.m. St. Francis Xavier is an accredited classical Catholic PreK-8 school that utilizes the time-tested Catholic intellectual tradition to form students in virtue through the pursuit of academic excellence and service toward God and neighbor. New student applications for the school will open on Thursday, Feb. 1. The open house will give parents and potential students the opportunity to see the campus, meet the faculty, and learn more about what the school has to offer. No registration is required to attend. The school is located at 2 Xavier Circle.

Sunday, January 28

Open House at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Birmingham will hold an open house for prospective families from noon until 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty and tour the facility. The school is located at 5514 Double Oak Lane. To learn more about the school, please visit olvbirmingham.com.