Religion notes: Talk on papal election at Sal's Bakery, Kidz Kabbalat, Fukushima talk set

Lenten reflection, Polish food sale, gratitude talk all scheduled.

The Rev. Jay Mello, associate vocation director and recruiter for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, will give a presentation om the process of electing a new pope on March 6 at 7 p.m. at Sal's Bakery and Cafe, 518 Belmont Ave. in Springfield. Mello, at left in the above picture, who was ordained in 2007 and is parochial vicar for St. Maryâ€'s Parish in Mansfield, was present at the Vatican when Benedict XVI, at right, now pope emeritus, was elected. He will also discuss the life and legacy of Benedict. Submitted  

Fukushima talk

NORTHAMPTON – Chino Kaneko will present “Back from Fukushima” on March 2 at 3 p.m. at First Churches, 129 Main St. This presentation will include photographs of the places she visited as well as the testimonials of people who were affected by the magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami that struck in Japan on March 11, 2011, crippling the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Special breakfast

SPRINGFIELD — The annual Nechamen/Chernick breakfast will be held at Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson St., on March 17 at 9:15 a.m. and will honor Rich Ratner, temple treasurer.

Named for two members of Congregation B’nai Jacob, the breakfast honors members for their efforts on behalf of the merged congregation.

The breakfast raises funds for the Nechamen/Chernick Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for temple children to attend formal Jewish educational and summer programs. Cost is $8 per person in advance or $10 at the door). Make reservations by calling (413) 733-4149 or e-mailing office@tbespringfield.org. Contributions to the Nechamen/Chernick fund will be accepted in advance or at the breakfast.

Penny sale

WARE — The St. Mary’s Ladies Guild of Ware will be hosting its annual spring Polish food and penny sale on March 2 at the Church Hall on South St.

The food sale begins at 11 a.m. and continues throughout the day until all food is sold out. The penny sale begin at 6 p.m. Supper items will be available for sale.

Gratitude talk

LONGMEADOW — The Rev. Warren J. Savage, an author and priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, will speak on “Embracing Gratitude as a Way of Life” at the annual evening of recollection on March 20 at St. Mary’s Parish, 519 Longmeadow St. (Route 5).

The evening, sponsored by St. Mary’s Guild, begins with a 5:30 p.m. Mass in the church, followed by the presentation and a buffet dinner catered by Frigo’s in the auditorium of St. Mary’s Academy’s on parish grounds. Tickets are $15 per person and can be obtained by contacting the rectory at (413) 567-3124; Claire Falcone, (413) 567-2026; or Marybeth Bergeron, (413) 567-6701. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Prom help

SOUTH HADLEY – Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique and Mother Mary’s Thrift Store in Holyoke are planning a special “Prom for Pennies” event on March 2 from noon to 3 p.m. at Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique, 480 Newton St., and on April 6 at Mother Mary’s thrift Store, 364 High St., from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and free door prize raffles while you shop.

There will be gently used prom dresses with prices ranging from $10 to $50, makeup demonstration and jewelry from local artist Rosa and Laura Pantoja of Luna Designs Boutique, among the presentations.

Lenten reflection

SPRINGFIELD – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 123 William St., will hold an evening of Lenten Reflection on March 4 in the church. The evening will include Reconciliation at 6 p.m., Mass at 7 p.m. and prayers for healing at 8 p.m., followed by refreshments. 

Quiet day

SUFFIELD, Conn. – First Church of Christ, Congregational will hold the 14th annual “Quiet Day” on March 8 from noon to 7 p.m. A special feature is a labyrinth designed to incorporate a series of stations for the participant to travel through.

Kidz Kabalat

SPRINGFIELD – Kidz Kabbalat is a 40-minute prayer service for Jewish families with children in kindergarten, first and second grades that will take place on March 8 at 5:45 p.m. at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St.

The service features music, stories and a new prayer book designed for beginning readers. The service is designed to be a kid-friendly entry point into the world of synagogue and Sabbath.

Corned beef

GRANBY – The Immaculate Heart of Mary Men’s Club will hold a corned beef and cabbage dinner on March 9 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $13, $6.50 children, $14 for take out. For tickets contact Bill Kmelius at (413) 467-9943. 

Amherst dinnerAMHERST – South Congregational Church, UCC, 1066 South East St. will hold a corned beef dinner on March 9 with seatings at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The menu will include corned beef, boiled potatoes, carrots, Irish soda bread, homemade gingerbread with lemon sauce. Cost is $12 per adult, $6 children 10 and under. For reservations call (413) 253-2977.

Celtic Fire

AMHERST – Music on Main at First Congregational Church, 165 Main St., presents the CitySingers of Hartford in “Celtic Fire” on March 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets at the door are $12, $10 for seniors and students, $7 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the church office at (413) 253-3456.

Prayer program

WESTFIELD — “Praying Again for the First Time,” a program of presentations and reflection, will be giving March 9 from 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. at Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center, 53 Mill St., by Virginia Collins-English, an experienced spiritual director and licensed psychotherapist. Cost is $45, $55 with lunch. Pre-registration is required by calling (413) 562-3627 or email genesis@genesiscenter.us

Papal talk

SPRINGFIELD — The Rev. Jay Mello, associate vocation director and recruiter for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, will give a presentation om the process of electing a new pope on March 6 at 7 p.m. at Sal’s Bakery and Café, 518 Belmont Ave.

Mello, who was ordained in 2007 and is parochial vicar for St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield, was present at the Vatican when Benedict XVI, now pope emeritus, was elected. He will also discuss the life and legacy of Benedict.

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