NEW YORK — The Adult Education Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street here is sponsoring several Advent programs.
The first, “Advent: A Season of Light and Hope” with Sr. Meg Holden, takes place Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., and Nov. 25 at noon.
The second program, “Why Was the Word Made Flesh?” featuring Kevin Tortorelli, OFM, is an Advent Day of Prayer on Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon. It takes place in San Damiano Hall at 127 West 31st St. The price is $10, including lunch.
Information and registration forms are available in the parish’s fall-winter 2008 program booklet.
The St. Francis Counseling Center also offers a program on Dec. 9, called, “Managing Depression and Anxiety During the Holidays.”
“We live in a stressful world these days, and while Christmas and the New Year are a time of anticipation and great joy, the holiday season can also compound any anxiety or depression we may be feeling,” according to the parish bulletin. “We might have recently lost a loved one, be faced with a painful relationship, separation or divorce, a family conflict, loneliness, the specter of unmet goals, and financial pressures.”
The workshop, scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m., will help attendees “better handle the challenges of the holiday season,” according to the parish bulletin. “You’ll learn ways to minimize and manage stress during this time emotionally and spiritually.”
Call the parish office at 212-736-8500, ext. 290, for information, or to register.