A blessing for growing things
Farmers, gardeners and all who work with the soil and seeds are invited to a special blessing at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at St. Patrick Church in Wadsworth. The Rural Life office of the archdiocese will sponsor the ceremony, in which Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Kicanas will bless the water, the soil, the seed and the people as the church prepares to celebrate the feast of St. Isidore the Farmer May 15. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds, soil and water to be blessed. Watch for a story and photos in the next edition of The Catholic New World.

Focus conference for young adults
Young adults will be urged to “get in the game” at Focus 2001, Young Adult Ministry’s annual conference for men and women in their 20s and 30s at Dominican University in River Forest. The conference runs all day May 12, beginning with registration at 9:30 a.m. and ending with an optional party from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Jesuit Father J. Michael Sparough will give the keynote address. and participants can choose from 47 workshops in the areas of relationships, personal growth, faith and work issues. Cost is $30. Call (312) 466-9473 or visit www.yamchicago.org.

Evening of recognition for catechists
Hundreds of catechists and catechetical leaders are expected to attend the sixth annual Catechetical Ministries Awards Dinner with Cardinal George at 6:30 p.m. May 15. The dinner will be hosted by the Office for Catechesis at the Lexington House, 7715 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. Cost is $30 per person. For information, call Pat Redington at (312) 243-3700.

Conference for divorced, separated
The North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics will present its annual conference and leadership seminars at the University of Notre Dame. The conference, “From Worry to Wonder: Dancing in God’s Light,” runs from June 28-July 1, with more than 25 workshops, a Saturday banquet and evening socials. Pre-conference leadership seminars run from June 25-28. For information, visit www.nacsdc.org or call (541) 893-6089.