LAWRENCE — St. Mary of the Assumption Church is expanding its ministry.
The parish recently opened the Living Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Evangelization Center. It was blessed by Bishop Emilio Allue, vicar of the Hispanic Apostolate for the Archdiocese of Boston.
"This is a very special moment for the parish," said Allue during a service in the chapel of the former convent. "Now you have a home for evangelization to live, manifest and refresh the evangelization in our lives."
The Rev. Jorge Reyes, pastor at St. Mary of the Assumption, said the center will be used to conduct spiritual retreats for youths, adults and families; Bible classes; and lead cursillos, an educational method which focuses on training laypeople to become effective leaders over the course of a three-day weekend. The center also houses the John Paul II Evangelization School and a Catholic Internet radio station.
Classes and retreats will be led by Missionaries of the Word serving in the parish, guest speakers and trained laypeople.
"This is a dream come true for me," Reyes said.
When the convent became vacant in 1994, he thought the best use for it was an evangelization center.
Reyes said the center is a three-year project, which will include bedrooms for overnight retreats. The radio station is already operating on the second floor of the building and classes are being held.
Reyes said the center's name is very appropriate for the work they want to do.
"It means the presence of Christ in the heart of the people. I saw the need to have a place where people can come to know about the Word of God."
Religion listings
Atkinson Congregational, 101 Main St., Atkinson, N.H.: The church hosts its last Summer Kids' Club with the safari theme tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Beth Israel, 501 S. Main St., Andover: Open house for prospective members, tomorrow, 4 to 8 p.m. with an end of the summer barbecue. A second open house is Sept. 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Rabbi Edward Friedman leads class on basic Judaism Mondays beginning Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Calvary Bible, 145 Hampstead Road, East Derry, N.H.: Meeting to discuss the creation of an interfaith hospitality network which will provide overnight stay, meals and services to the homeless families, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
Corpus Christi Church, 35 Essex St., Lawrence: Anointing of the sick is today after the 4 p.m. Mass. Those wishing to be anointed can sit in the front pews. Mass in English and polish readings and hymns is tomorrow at 11 a.m. in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
Bible study on the Blessed Virgin Mary in the scriptures Wednesdays until Sept. 22, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Portuguese Mass is Sept. 26, 11 a.m., in honor of the Feast of the Holy Ghost.
The 9:30 and 11 a.m. Masses on Sept. 5 will be combined into a service at 10 a.m. to honor saints Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino.
First Baptist, 132 Main St., Plaistow, N.H.: The Rev. Robert L. Varnam presents a 13-week series from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount titled, "Jesus' Manifesto for a Christian Counterculture" from Matthew 5-7, beginning Sept. 5 at 10a.m.
The church hosts COMPASS its monthly contemporary service Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. Theme is, "What Does the Bible Mean When It Speaks About the Body of Christ? Worship is led by the 10-member COMPASS worship music team, the drama and the media teams. The American Baptist Churches of the Southeastern Association Hymn Sing begins at 7:00 p.m.
First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen: Summer Sunday schools tomorrow at 10 a.m. with "The Travels of Paul."
First Congregational, 15 Lawrence Road, Salem N.H.: Members hosts tours of the historic church during Salemfest Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a snack bar, homemade baked goods and crafts. First Congregational was established in 1740. Wednesday worship services at 7 p.m. Through Sept. 1. It is preceded by a buffet supper at 6 p.m. Cost is $3 per person; $8 per family.
Haverhill Community Church, 17 Newcomb St., Haverhill: A study on the book of Ephesians is Sundays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Holy Angels of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H.: The Rev. Michael Monette leads healing Mass Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
Little Sisters of St. Francis, 8 Barnard Way, Danville, N.H.: Dottie DeGrandis Sudol leads a day of renewal Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited seating. For reservation call 603-382-7490 or send an e-mail to littlewaystac@yahool.com. Donation is $20.
Mother Queen of Peace of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, N.H.: Outdoor Mass is Sept. 12 at 10:45 a.m. followed by a parish festival from noon to 4 p.m. featuring pony rides, magician, karaoke, popcorn, sno-cones, bounce house, face painting, pie eating contest, pie throwing contest, games for children, a pie bake-off contest for adults and a cupcake and cookies bake-off contest for children. Free tickets available after the Masses.
New Creation Healing Center, Hunt and Newton Junction Roads, Kingston, N.H.: A four-week Bible study series "Deliver Us From Evil," focusing on the Lord's prayer, is Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
North Parish, 190 Academy Road, North Andover: Barbara R. Call leads worship service tomorrow at 10 a.m. on, "Harnessing the Power of Change." Call is a writer, editor and writer. She is the author of "The Crafter's Devotional: 365 Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Unlocking your Creative Spirit."
Presentation of Mary, 209 Lawrence St., Methuen: The sisters host adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of St. Claire residence Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 a.m.
Religious Society of Friends, Forest Street Union Church, 15 Forest St., Methuen: Quaker meeting is Sundays at 2 p.m. Details or directions call 978-397-6340 or go to www.lawrence-andover-quakers.org.
Rolling Ridge Conference Center, 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover: The center is offering a series of workshops combining spirituality and creativity, Sept. 20 to 23. on Sept. 20, retreats are, "Exploring faith through creativity" and Clay work" 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,; Sept. 21 "Poetry as Prayer," 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22, "Deepening your creative spirit through healing arts" "Sacred Words," and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and "Drumming for Joy," 7 to 8:30 p.m. The last workshop is, "Contemplative Photography," Sept. 23. One, two and three day packages available. To register, contact 978-682-8815.
St. Augustine, Parish Center, 35 Essex St., Andover: A celebration in honor of st. Augustine is today at 4 p.m. and tomorrow at 8, 9:30, 111:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Interfaith prayer shawl tea is Sept. 21, 2 p.m. The shawls will be blessed by local clergy, knitting groups will be honored. Sponsored by Communities Together, Inc. To register, call Fran at 978-686-4012.
St. Andrew Episcopal, 90 Broadway, Methuen: Bishop Gayle Harris leads installation service for the Rev. Joseph Wilkes Sept. 26 Mass.
St. Frederick Family Center, 3 New Boston Road, Kingston, N.H.: Adult Bible study on the book of Jeremiah, Tuesdays 9 to 11:30 a.m.
St. Gregory Armenian and St. Michael, Main Street, North Andover: Members of both churches come together for a picnic featuring American food and Armenian dishes, Sept. 12 after the noon Mass. Event includes food, music, dance, games. Main Street will be blocked from St. Gregory Church to Merrimack Street for the festivities.
St. John the Baptist, 110 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill: Luncheon in honor of the rev. Paul Coughlin who served as interim pastor, Sept. 5 at noon. at Roma Restaurant, Middlesex street. Participants pay for their lunch.
St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H.: First Friday adoration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sept. 3, 7 to 8 p.m.
St. John the Baptist, 110 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill: Deacon Tom Anthony leads exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by prayers Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Anthony celebrates prayer services Thursdays, 9 a.m.
St. Monica, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen: Franciscan priest the Rev. Robert J. Karris, preaches today at the 4 p.m. Mass. Karris works for Food for the Poor which provides direct relief to the poor through Latin America.
A nine week of prayers in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal begins Sept. 7 at 6:45 p.m. and runs every Tuesday through Nov. 2. It features Marian hymns, exposition of the blessed sacrament, recitation of the rosary and benediction.
St. Patrick, 118 S. Broadway, Lawrence: The parish is a regional site for a religious education program for children with special needs. The program offers sacramental preparation for both children and adults. to register contact Diane Jarvis at 978-683-9416.
St. Patrick, 114 Center St., Groveland: Rosary for peace group meets Thursdays at 7 p.m.
St. Patrick, 12 Main St., Pelham, N.H.: First Saturday Devotions to the Virgin Mary Sept. 4, beginning with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 8:30 a.m.
Bible study on the women in the Old Testament begins Sept. 8, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $12. A presentation on, "Ministry to the People of God in the Manner of St. Vincent de Paul," is Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. with Mass, followed by a reception and presentation.
St. Paul, 390 Main St., North Andover: The Women's book group discusses "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Morteson, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
St. Robert Bellarmine, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: Registration for the parish's adult religious education program is Aug. 28, 4 p.m. and Aug. 29, 9 and 10:30 and Sept. 2, 4 to 7 p.m. Topics for this year's Generations of Faith includes introduction to the sacraments, invitation to conversion, Matthew in advent and beyond, Marian traditions, pastoral care of the sick and Lenten disciplines.
St. Thomas Aquinas, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry, N.H.: The Rev. Bruce Czapla leads study on the Sunday's gospel Sept. 9 7:15 to 8 p.m. and every Thursday through April 14, 2011.
Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: Open house for prospective members is Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to noon. Both will offer opportunities to meet clergy, staff and volunteers, tour the temple, get information on membership along with refreshments.
Temple Emanu-El, 514 Main St., Haverhill: Open house for prospective members to the temple and religious school is Sept. 12, 9 a.m.
Trinitarian Congregational, 72 Elm St., North Andover: Church hosts Wednesday worship services at 7 p.m. The title for the informal service is "Come as You Are ... Leave Refreshed." It features the Rev. Richard Knight on guitar and guided meditation.
Trinity Episcopal, 26 White St., Haverhill: The Rev. Jane Bearden meets with newcomers to the church for supper and conversation tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Universalist Unitarian, 15 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill: Dan Wilson leads tomorrow's 9:30 a.m. service. Group meets for Buddhist meditation tomorrow at 5 p.m.
West Congregational, 767 Broadway, Haverhill: Men's Bible study on the First Book of St. Peter on Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. A study on the women in the bible is Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
