McHenry Co. religion events

Gaelic Mass: The 13th annual Fox Valley Irish Festival is a celebration of Irish heritage characterized by music and dancing, eating, shopping, entertainment and fellowship with friends and family. But while festival vendors will provide attendees with food for their bodies, Sunday's main attraction will provide nourishment for the soul. On Sunday, the Rev. Karl Langsdorf of the St. Patrick Fathers will preside over a Gaelic Mass under the tent at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Catherine of Siena Church, routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee. Doors will open at 10:45 a.m. Admission to the Fox Valley Irish Fest area before Mass is free with a donation to the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Come rewind from the weekend's merry festivities by taking the time to experience yet another cherished Irish tradition. Irish Fest continues noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. A spirited line up of musical entertainers, a children's "Wee Folk" play area, and three fun runs are just a few of the other attractions to be hosted at this year's event. For information, visit www.foxvalleyirishfest.com or call (847) 426-2217.

Handbell choirs: All four handbell choir of the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley, will begin fall practices in September and welcome new members. It is not necessary to read music to become a ringer. The Crusader Bells for fourth to sixth grade will have their first practice at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 and will discuss future practice dates and times. The Sunday AM's for seventh to 12th grades will begin practicing at 9 a.m. Sept. 7. The Genesis Bells (beginning adults) will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 followed by the Whitechapel Bells (advanced adults) at 7 p.m. Each choir plays once a month on a Sunday morning. All choirs practice at the church in the bell choir room. Equipment and music is provided. For information, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

Active meditation: Spiritual aspirants having trouble quieting the so-called "monkeymind" when trying to meditate have an option at an event, "Active Meditation" on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, 204 Spring St. in Cary. An offering is requested. Call (847) 516-1950 www.newthoughtmchenry.org. In Masaru Emoto's research and book, "The Hidden Messages in Water", the intentional quality of vibrational energy, including music when directed at water, greatly changes the structure of water molecules. For those seeking "Good Vibrations" and spiritual experience, a new Active Meditation group is forming. This type of meditation is for anyone wanting to lose their mind in music. All musical selections are prerecorded and include a mix of familiar sounds for easy listening, in a space allowing for fluid physical rhythms or silent absorption of the vibrations.

Pig roast: Carpenter's House Community Church, 201 N. Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville, will hold its second annual pig roast from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13. There will be live music and a motorcycle show, as well as a petting zoo and pony rides. Carpentersville Fire Department will have one of their trucks on site. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. For details, call the church at (847) 428-0999.

Meditation workshop: Bhante Sujatha, Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk and leader of the Blue Lotus Temple, will offer a "Loving Kindness Meditation Workshop" from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, a Religious Science Community, 204 Spring St., Cary. There is a $20 donation. This event is an introduction for the beginner and an opportunity for those unable to attend the ongoing Tuesday morning meditation led by Sujatha at the Center for Spiritual Evolution. The workshop will discuss meditation and provide practical instruction in meditation postures, mindful breathing, concentration, Loving Kindness practice, and opening of one's wisdom eye. Bring pillow, cushion, blanket or yoga mat. Chairs will be available for those who prefer western-style seating. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

Gala auction: St Paul's Episcopal Church in McHenry has begun planning its 12th annual gala auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 20. It is one of the largest standing parish auctions in McHenry County. All proceeds will benefit the outreach ministries of the church. The church is home to the Little Cherubs faith-based preschool, and hosts scouting, youth and adult programs throughout the year. The church also runs a community food pantry that is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. The theme this year is " Let the Gavel Fall at St Paul." In addition to a silent auction, there will be a live auction with Gene Warrington of Four Square Auctions as the auctioneer. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing with seven cash prizes; the top prize being $2,500. There are only 200 tickets available for the 50/50 raffle at $50 each. Admission tickets for the auction are $15 each and include a free ticket for door prize drawings, an array of appetizers, and fun for all. Currently, there are donations of hot air balloon rides for two or four people, numerous authentic autographed sports memorabilia items, tickets for the Raue Center and the Chicago Symphony, and a once-a-month delivery of a loaf of just baked homemade bread. The auction catalog will be published by Sept. 15. All items and donations received by Sept. 15 will be listed and described. The catalog also provides ads from local businesses and other auction supporters. To donate an item or service or to buy tickets for the auction or raffle, call Norma Schmidt at (815) 603-0028 or the Rev. Jim Swarthout at (815) 385-0390. To advertise or be a patron supporter in the catalog ($10) contact the pastor. For details, visit www.stpaulsmchenry.org.