Franciscan Outreach celebrates 25 years
Cardinal George will celebrate a 25th anniversary Mass for Franciscan Outreach at 11:40 a.m. May 18 at St. Peter’s in the Loop, 110 W. Madison St. The outreach program, which helps homeless people in Chicago, will host a benefit dinner May 21 at the Berghoff Restaurant, 12 W. Adams St. Dinner tickets are $50 each, $45 each in advance. Raffle tickets are available at $5 each, or six for $25. RSVP by May 18 to Carin at (773) 278-6724.

Environment and art conference set
Form/Reform: The National Conference on Environment and Art for Catholic Worship will be held June 29-July 3 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. The Office for Divine Worship will host the conference in collaboration with the Georgetown Center for Liturgy. Up to 1,200 participants from 145 dioceses, 45 states and seven countries are expected. The schedule includes church tours, exhibits, discussions and workshops. Cost is $275 if registration is postmarked by May 18. For information, call (815) 399-2150.

University of Polish Culture in Rome
The Western Springs-based Society of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation is teaming with the Polish Institute of Christian Culture in Rome and the Catholic University of Lublin to offer the Summer University of Polish Culture June 18-July 7 in Rome. The program includes lectures and seminars, sightseeing and an audience with the pope. Up to five college credits are available for students. Cost is $1,000, or $850 for students, not counting travel to Rome or museum admissions. Participants can send a $300 deposit to the Society of the Friends of the John Paul II Foundation, 4705 Johnson Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 before May 15. Call (708) 246-9165 for information.

Bishop Gumbleton speaks on poverty
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton will speak on poverty and social responsibility at 7:30 p.m. May 24 at St. Mary of Gostyn Parish Church in Downers Grove. In a free talk sponsored by the parish social justice committee, Bishop Gumbleton, a pastor in Detroit, will present ways everyone can serve as an advocate for the poor. Call (630) 960-3565 for information.