Franciscan Friars plan healing Mass, seminars on religion

The Franciscan Friars of St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, near Glenelg, will hold a healing Mass at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3.

Worshipers can be prayed over by a priest and offer private intentions at the relic of St. Anthony in the rear of the chapel.

A healing Mass also will be offered at 3 p.m. Jan. 19.

Three seminars are planned for next month at the friary.

"Be Reconciled" will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 11. The cost is $35, including lunch.

"St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians," a presentation in a series on St. Paul's letter, will be from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 20. The cost is $20.

"St. Francis -- A Master of Prayer" will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25. The cost is $35, including lunch.

Information: 410-531-2800.

Bahai community marks 150th anniversary

The Bahai community of Howard County meets weekly at 11 a.m. Sundays at The Barn in the Oakland Mills Village Center, Columbia.

The community is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the incarceration of the founder of their faith, Baha'u'llah, in Tehran, Iran.

Information: 410-730-6540 or www.bahaisofhowardcounty.org.

Howard council to sponsor celebration of Kwanzaa

The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County will sponsor a community-wide celebration of Kwanzaa from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row in Harper's Choice.

A libation, calling on ancestors to bless the proceedings and ceremonial dancing in the African tradition are planned.

Co-sponsors include the Howard County Center of African American Culture, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, St. John the Evangelist Baptist Church and the Black Student Achievement Program.

Information: 410-997-5769 or tcoe@hc.comcast.net.

Jewish women's council to hold Sunday brunch

The National Council of Jewish Women will hold a brunch at 11 a.m. Jan. 5 to celebrate the new year and welcome new and prospective members.

An informal presentation about the volunteer organization will be given. The council works to improve the quality of life for women, children and families.

Jewish agency offers caregiver support group

Jewish Family Services will offer a caregiver support group for adults who care for or are concerned about an elderly relative. Sessions will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Jewish Federation of Howard County conference room, Suite 115, 8950 Route 108, Ellicott City.

The sessions are free, but donations are accepted.

Information: 410-730-4976, Ext. 25.

Soviet army veteran to speak at Meeting House

The Columbia Jewish Congregation will sponsor a talk by Simon Buslovich from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Drive, Columbia.

Buslovich will share his experiences as a battle surgeon with the Soviet army on the front lines in World War II.

He will be accompanied by his stepdaughter, Yelena Gorina, who will translate.

Information: 410-730-6044.

Journeys Community offers a nontraditional path

St. Andrew's Church in Glenwood conducts Journeys Community, an outreach program for those who would like to pursue a spiritual path but have not found it in traditional forms of worship.

A weekly gathering is held at 10 a.m. Sundays at Clemens Crossing Elementary School in Columbia.

The theme for Sunday's service is "Another New Year: Keeping Our Promises."

Information: 410-489-4035 or StAndrewHC@aol.com.