Baby Items

• Holy Trinity (Croatian), East Chicago, ‘Donations for Carmelite Holy Innocents Center,’ last Sat. of the month, 9 a.m. to noon, church vestibule, 4754 Carey St. Baby items needed, esp. diapers & wipes. Call Michaeline, 398-3061.
   

• St. Michael Right to Life Group, Schererville, ‘Baby Items Needed.’ Includes cribs, mattresses, high chairs, car seats, and clothing sizes newborn to 2. Call 865-0217 or 365-8192.
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Bazaars & Benefits & Rummage Sales
May 10
LaPorte Tri-Parish Youth Ministry, ‘10K Walk for AIDS,’  Kessling Park, 8:30 a.m. registration. Proceeds to CRS. Call Karen at 362-2815 (Karen@sacredheartlp.org) or Scott at 363-1836.

May 10-24
Bishop Noll Institute, ‘Girls’ Soccer Team Car Washes,’  Blue Top Drive-In, Highland, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 7, St. Thomas More, Munster, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May 15
St. Mary School, Griffith, ‘Pampered Ladies Night,’4-7 p.m., Hildebrandt Hall. Selection of vendors, raffles, prizes. Call Jennifer, 218-2710.

May 17
St. John Bosco, Hammond, ‘Youth Car Wash,’  9 a.m.-1 p.m. Benefit for new school roof.

May 18
St. Paul School, Valparaiso, ‘Annual Deacon Jack McGuckin/St. Paul School Golf Outing,’  noon registration, Course at Aberdeen. $110/person. Call 462-7874 or 462-3374.

May 18
St. Mary, Griffith, ‘Men’s Club Annual Golf Outing,’  noon, Sherwood Club. $75/person. Benefit for St. Jude House. Call Ron, 924-6077.

May 22-23
St. Matthias, Crown Point, ‘Annual Spring Garage, Antique, Bake Sale,’  8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 23, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 23-24-25
St. Bridget School, Hobart, ‘HSA Memorial Day Rummage Sale,’  9 a.m.-3 p.m.; May 25, noon-3 p.m. Clothes, toys, housewares, electronics, books.

May 31
St. Teresa of Avila Student Center, Valparaiso, ‘Trivia Night,’  6:30 p.n. check-in. Open to public. Benefit for service trip to NY. RSVP by May 23 to Phil, 464-4042.

June 4
ND Club of NW Ind., ‘Annual Sports Night,’  6-9 p.m., St. Patrick’s Trinity Hall, Chesterton. Guest speaker, dinner, raffles. RSVP to 922-2635 or www.nwi.ndclub.net.

June 7
Sojourner Truth House, Gary, ‘Annual Walkathon,’  Gleason Park Course. Registration 8 a.m. Call Kristen, 947-8542 or ksiuba@ancilla.org.

June 13-14
K of C, Wanatah, ‘Garage Sale,’  Donations taken starting June 9 at Sacred Heart’s hall. Call Gordon, 754-2557.

July 25
Andrean High School, ‘Annual 59er Classic Golf Outing,’ White Hawk CC, Crown Point, 10 a.m. registration. $175/golfer. Call 887-5281, x243.

• ‘Centennial Booklet: Mission to Cathedral’
  Holy Angels Parish, Gary,  Cost $20/$2.07 mailing. Call 882-6079 for orders.
   

• ‘Women’s Guild Family Favorites Cookbook’
  Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville Cost $10/$2 mailing. Contact Rose Stachon, P.O. Box 893, Crown Point 46307 or call 769-8742.
   

• All Fridays
  St. Patrick, Chesterton, ‘Table of Plenty Soup Kitchen,’ 4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Hall (bldg. #2).
   

• All Weekdays
  St. Joseph, Hammond, ‘St. Joseph Soup Kitchen,’ church basement in downtown Hammond, weekdays, noon to 1 p.m. 
   

• Every Tuesday
  Holy Name, Cedar Lake, ‘St. Clare’s Kitchen,’  5-6 p.m., basement of church. Sponsored by Secular Franciscans.
   

• 9:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays
  Missionaries of Charity, Gary, ‘Divine Mercy Soup Kitchen,’ M-T-W-F-Sat, 9:30 a.m., former St. Mark convent, 509 W. Ridge Rd.
   

• Last Sat. of the Month
  Holy Trinity (Croatian), East Chicago, ‘Donations for Carmelite Holy Innocents Center,’ 9 a.m. to noon, church vestibule, 4754 Carey St. Baby items needed, esp. diapers & wipes. Call Michaeline, 398-3061.  
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Concerts & Plays

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Excursions & Trips
June 9-20, 2008
St. Paul, Valparaiso, ‘Adult Choir Tour of Ireland, Northern Ireland,’ Open to all. For details call 531-0922.

July 2008
First deposit of $500 due Jan. 15, 2008
Office of Youth/Young Adults, ‘Pilgrimage to World Youth Day,’  in Sydney, Australia. Cost $3,800. For fees, details call 769-9292, x229 or visit www.dcgary.org/youth.  
   
July 26 - Aug. 2
Deposit due Dec. 15, 2007.
St. James Men’s Club, Highland, ‘Fishing Trip to Eagle Lake, Ontario,’ Call Russ, 924-4298.

November 15 - 25
Nawas International, ‘Shrines of France — Pilgrimage with Bishop Melczek & Fr. Dobrzynski’ Includes Lourdes, Paris, Mont St. Michel, Chateaux Country. Call 322-4505, x33; email stmichael@core.com.
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Food & Celebrations
May 10
Worldwide Marriage Encounter, ‘Evening of Romance Dinner,’  7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Saint John. All married couples invited. RSVP by May 1 to Julie, 365-5678, or visit www.stjohnparish.org/canamarriage.php.

May 10
Nativity of Our Savior, Portage, ‘Girls Day Out,’ 1-2:30 p.m., Cana Room. For mothers-daughters. Tickets from parish office.

May 11
St. Patrick, Chesterton, ‘Mother’s Day Brunch,’  10 a.m. start, Trinity Hall. Call Fran, 405-5461 or 926-1282.

May 17
St. Stanislaus, East Chicago, ‘Taste of St. Stan’s & School Open House,’  4-7 p.m., school cafeteria. Food, raffle, school registration.

May 18
St. Mary, Hammond, ‘AYCE Breakfast Buffet,’  8:30 a.m.-noon, parish dining room.

May 18
St. Mary, Griffith, ‘Rosary Society Spring Tea Party,’  2-4 p.m., Hildebrandt Hall. Call Mary Ann, 838-8989, or Joyce, 924-7616.

May 21
St. Casimir, Hammond, ‘Spaghetti Dinner,’ 4-8 p.m. Tickets at the door. Call 932-2686.

May 22
K of C Msgr. Hoffmann Council 13003, ‘Pork Chop Dinner,’  4-7 p.m., St. Joan of Arc hall, Merrillville. Hot dogs, carryouts available. Tickets at the door.Z
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Free Meals/Food
FREE FOOD IN LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA

• St. Joseph, Hammond, ‘St. Joseph Soup Kitchen,’ church basement in downtown Hammond,  Monday through Friday  - Noon to 1 p.m.
   

• Missionaries of Charity, Gary, ‘Divine Mercy Soup Kitchen,’ M-T-W-F-Sat, 9:30 a.m., former St. Mark convent, 509 W. Ridge Rd.
   

• Holy Name, Cedar Lake, ‘St. Clare’s Kitchen,’ Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m., basement of church. Sponsored by Secular Franciscans.

FREE FOOD IN PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA

• St. Patrick, Chesterton, ‘Table of Plenty Soup Kitchen,’ Fridays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Hall (bldg. #2).
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Health & Fitness
May 13
St. Anthony Memorial, Michigan City, ‘Breastfeeding Class,’  6:30 p.m. Call 877-1610.

May 15
St. Anthony Memorial, Michigan City, ‘Cancer Support Group,’ 4 p.m., Call 877-1985.

May 17
St. Anthony Memorial, Michigan City, ‘Skin Cancer Awareness,’  9 a.m.-noon. Call 1-800-931-3322.

• First Sat. of the month, St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Dyer, ‘Hope for the Addicted, Hope Reborn,’ 11 a.m. Mass in chapel, followed by meeting, classroom F. Call Julie, 972-1132.
   

• First Mon., Franciscan Community Services Adult Day Care, ‘Free Blood Pressure Readings,’ St. Anthony campus, Crown Point, 9-11 a.m.; Cloister in the Woods Banquet Center, Munster, first Mon., 2-3 p.m.
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Lent Activities
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Fish Fries For Lent
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Meetings & Workshops
May 15
St. John Bosco, Hammond, ‘Hollywood Goes to Church,’  6:30-9 p.m., in school.

May 15
United Way of Porter County, Valparaiso, ‘Workshop for Faith-based Volunteer Management Training,’ , 9 a.m.-noon. Open to pastors, lay leaders. Fees. Go to www.inrn.org or call Kathy, 464-3583.

May 17-18
Kokomo High School, ‘Indiana Holy Family Catholic Conference,’  Fees. Call 765-865-9964 or 765-452-6021 or visit www.holyfamilyconference.org.

July 25-27
Elgin (IL) Community College, ‘Catholic Family Conference,’ Programs for marrieds, singles, teens, children. Fees. Call 815-965-5011 or email chcon@dpsrfd.org.

• Burns-Kish Funeral Homes, ‘Wounded Healers Grief Support Groups,’ spring-summer series to begin April 23, St. James the Less, Highland, Wed. 7-8:30 p.m. Separate groups for death of spouse, parent, sibling, child, or grandchild; also, suicide survivors group. Call 924-5577.
   

• Our Lady of Sorrows, South Haven, ‘Rainbows Peer Support Group,’  Free program for children ages 4-14 who have experienced loss of significant person. Call 759-2400.
   
• St. Anthony Medical Center, Crown Point, ‘Classes on Pregnancy, Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Infant CPR, Siblings.’ Call 757-6368 for dates & times.
   
• Catholic Charities, ‘Divorce Support Group,’ three locations: Gary, Crown Point, Valparaiso. Call 662-2946, 663-8472, 688-9419, 464-2452, or 464-4831.
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Pet Blessings
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Respect Life
May 30
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond, ‘Annual Spring Retreat: An Emmaus Walk,’  8:30 a.m., 8^th floor conference center. RSVP by May 27 to Laura, 933-2055.

June 6-8
Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, Donaldson, ‘Women’s 12-Step Retreat,’ Fees. Call 574-935-1763 or email lw@lindenwood.org.
 

• St. Michael Right to Life Group, Schererville, ‘Baby Items Needed.’  Includes cribs, mattresses, high chairs, car seats, and clothing sizes newborn to 2. Call 365-5355, 865-0217 or 365-8192.
   

• St. Anthony Medical Center, Crown Point, ‘Classes on Pregnancy, Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Infant CPR, Siblings.’ Call 757-6368 for dates & times.
   

• St. Anthony Memorial Health Center, Michigan City, ‘Childbirth Classes,’ Includes childbirth, breastfeeding, & infant care. Call 877-1610 for times, dates.
   

•  Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, ‘Applications for 2007 Post-Abortion Trauma Weekend Retreat,’ now being taken. Post-abortion healing. Contact Carolyn at 374-5193 or Carolyn@projectrachelnwi.org or visit the main website at www.rachelsvineyard.org/contact/local.htm.  National toll-free hotline 1-877-HOPE-4-ME (1-877-467-3463). (More information) 
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Retreats
May 30
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond, ‘Annual Spring Retreat: An Emmaus Walk,’  8:30 a.m., 8^th floor conference center. RSVP by May 27 to Laura, 933-2055.

June 6-8
Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, Donaldson, ‘Women’s 12-Step Retreat,’ . Fees. Call 574-935-1763 or email lw@lindenwood.org.

• 3rd Thurs
  Bethany Retreat House, East Chicago, ‘Monthly Ministry Reflection Group,’  4-6 p.m. See www.bethanyretreathouse.org or call 398-5047.
   

• 4th Tues
  Bethany Retreat House, East Chicago, ‘Monthly Dream Group,’ 6:30-8:30 p.m. See www.bethanyretreathouse.org or call 398-5047.
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Reunions
May 24
Our Lady of Grace School, Highland, ‘Alumni Mass & Dinner-Dance,’  4:30 p.m. Mass. Social follows at Performing Arts Center, Munster. Celebration of classes of 1958, ’68, ’78, ’88, ’98. Call Monica, 924-0056 or email bmksajn@sbcglobal.net.

June 1
St. John Cantius School, East Chicago, ‘All-Classes Reunion,’  10 a.m. Mass, followed by social. RSVP to 924-4951, 769-8339, or email ckwiat@yahoo.com.

June 1
Camp Lawrence, Valparaiso, ‘TAPT 20th Anniversary Reunion,’  1-6 p.m. RSVP by May 26 to www.garytapt.com.

Oct. 4
St. Mary School, Griffith, ‘All-School Reunion,’ Call 923-4236 or email contact info to sms.alumni@comcast.net.

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May 13
Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, ‘90th Anniversary of First Fatima Apparition,’  7-8 p.m., Carmelite Monastery outdoor shrine, Munster. Call 836-8779.

May 14
Andrean High School, ‘International Rosary,’  2:15 p.m., grotto.

May 17
St. Cecilia, Demotte, ‘Annual Motorcycle Blessing,’  1 p.m. Lunch/ride following blessing. Call Joe, 219-987-3688.

May 20 and June 3-17
English Cursillo in Christianity, ‘Ultreya,’,  6:30 p.m., St. Joan of Arc, Merrillville.  Open to all.

May 26
St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, ‘Annual Memorial Day Mass,’  10:30 a.m. Call 844-9475.

May 27
St. Bridget, Hobart, ‘Lectures by Fr. Joseph Kelchak,’  6:30-7:30 p.m. school gym. Free-will offering accepted; bring your Bible. Topic: Understanding the Bible.

• St. Andrew the Apostle, Merrillville, ‘Bible Study (Gospels),’ 3rd Tues., 7 p.m. Materials provided.
   

• St. Andrew the Apostle, Merrillville, ‘Guided Meditation,’ 3rd Wed., 7 p.m. 
   

• St. Andrew the Apostle, Merrillville, ‘Journaling,’ 3rd Thurs., 7 p.m. Call 736-
  0493 or 769-8534.
   

• Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville, ‘Radio Broadcast of Mass,’ Sun., 11 a.m. on 1270-AM.
   

• Our Lady of Sorrows, South Haven, ‘Led by the Spirit Prayer Group,’ Sun., 7-8:30 p.m. for weekly meetings, Mancini Room. Call 759-2400.
   

• St. Patrick, Chesterton, ‘Light of Christ Charismatic Prayer Group,’ Mon., 7 p.m., adult ed room. Call Sharon, 926-4240. Also, ‘Rosary for Life,’ 2nd Sun., 3 p.m. Sponsored by Parishioners for Life Ministry. Call 926-3527 or 926-8846.
   

• St. Clement K of C Council 3283, Lake Station, ‘Holy Hour,’ fourth Thurs., 6 p.m., St. Francis Xavier. Includes exposition of Blessed Sacrament, benediction. Also, ‘First Friday Devotion,’ 3-7 p.m., SFX. Benediction at 7 p.m.
   

• St. Francis Xavier, Lake Station, ‘First Friday Devotions,’ 3-7 p.m. exposition of Blessed Sacrament, 7 p.m. benediction.
   

• St. Mary, Kouts, ‘Adult-Teen Bible Study,’ Wed., 7-8 p.m. For ages 12-older. Call 766-0204 to register.
   

• St. Patrick, East Chicago, ‘Charismatic Prayer Group,’ Wed., 6-8:30 p.m. Rosary at 6 p.m.
   

• Salvatorian Chapel, Merrillville, ‘Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction,’ Fri., 3 p.m. Call 884-0714.
   

• St. John the Evangelist, St. John, ‘Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Call 322-8122 for weekly holy hour.
   

• Bethany Retreat House, East Chicago, ‘Ongoing Ministry Reflection Group,’ 3rd Thurs. For those engaged in professional ministry. Also, ‘Monthly Dream Group,’ 4th Tues. Call 398-5047 or visit www.bethanyretreathouse.org.
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Vocations
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Special Seasonal Events
This section contains seasonal events.  Once the event is over, it will be deleted from the category under which it is listed. 
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Activities For Advent
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Communal penance services during Advent
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Support Groups Index

Abortion/Post-Trama Support
Project Rachel, Diocese of Gary
Contact via e-mail Carolyn Kenning or by telephone at 219-374-5193 or visit the main website http://www.rachelsvineyard.org  for more information.  National toll-free hotline 1-877-HOPE-4-ME (1-877-467-3463). 
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Abuse (see Domestic Violence)
St. Jude House, Crown Point,
St. Jude House is located at 12490 Marshall St.
Pre-screening required for all support groups.
Also available is 24-hour crisis line, (800) 254-1286.

St. Jude House offers the following support groups:

SAFE (Surviving Assault Feeling Emotions),
for survivors of rape/sexual assault, meets Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m.

REACH (Realizing Emotional Abuse Can Heal)
for women involved in abusive relationships, meets Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.  Call 662-7066

HOPE (Hearts Opening to a Peaceful Environment)
for survivors of domestic violence, meets Tuesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.
 
Passages,
focusing on issues related to anger, meets Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

MOSAC (Mothers of Sexually Abused Children),
8-week program focusing on education and processing of feelings, meets Wednesdays.  Call for time.
 
HEART (Healing Empowerment Acquired Respect & Trust),
for male and female adolescent survivors of sexual assault, meets Tuesdays, from  4-5:30 p.m.

Sexual Assault Support Group,
targeted to adults who have been sexually assaulted, call for dates/times.

St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago,  ‘Circles of Hope,’ Support group for any victims, witnesses, family and friends who have been affected by violence, meets the last Wednesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. in pastoral care conference room.  Call 392-7185.
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Alzheimer
Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group, meets on fourth Sunday of each month at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 1101 Park Dr., Munster,  2:30 p.m. Call Senior Services, 864-2653 or 708-891-9305, Ext. 42653.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, meets second Sunday of each month, 2:30-4 p.m., Franciscan Communities Adult Day Care, 205 Franciscan Dr., Crown Point, and fourth Sunday of the month, 2:30-4 p.m., at  St. Thomas More’s Solar Room. Call Katrina Schabacker, 661-5245.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, meets second Sun. of each month, 2:30-4 p.m., Franciscan Communities Adult Day Care, 205 Franciscan Dr., Crown Point Call 661-5302 or 661-5235.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, meets third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m., St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart. Call Carol Shingler, 947-6475. 

Alzheimer's Support Group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Education and Rehab Center, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Meetings provide information and support to caregivers of individuals faced with Alzheimer's or dementia.  (219) 462-6158.
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Aphasia
Aphasia Support Group meets at 4 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Education and Rehab Center, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Aphasia is an abnormal neurological condition in which language function is defective or absent because of injury to the cerebral cortex.  (219) 465-4888.
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Autism
Northwest Indiana Chapter of the Autism Society of America meets on the first Tuesday of each month (except for January and July) at 7 p.m. at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave., Merrillville.  (219) 662-2668.
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Bereavement Parents/Children
Crown Point
St. Anthony Hospice, of Franciscan Homes and Community Services, Inc., ‘Hope for Tomorrow,’ bereavement support group for people recovering from the death of a loved one, is offered on the first and third Mon. of each month at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.  at First United Methodist Church, 352 S. Main St.  Call 757-6423.

Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, meets on the third Tues. of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthias, Crown Point. Call 365-8485.

St. Mary Medical Center, ‘Consoling Hearts Grief Support Group,’ Thurs., 6:30-8 p.m., St. Joan of Arc, Merrillville. No fees. Call 836-3477 to register.

East Chicago
St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, ‘Good Grief,’  a Support group for families who’ve lost a loved one, for coping with loss, meets every second Thursday of month, 5-6:30 p.m. in pastoral care conference room.

St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, 'Memories,’  a Support group for parents/others who grieve loss of unborn child or death of child at very early age, meets the first Tuesday of  the month, 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Call 392-7185.

Griffith
The Wounded Healers, ‘Beginnings,’ a grief support group for bereaved parents, relatives, spouses; meets twice a month at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 921 W. 45th, Griffith.
For death of most relationships, Mon., 1-2:30 p.m.
For death of a spouse, parent, sibling, or other relationship, Tues., 7-8:30 p.m.
For suicides of family members or friends, Mon., 7-8:30 p.m.
Winter session starts Jan. 5, 1-2:30 p.m.
For death of moth relationships, or Jan. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.,
with separate groups for death of a spouse, parent or sibling, death of a child or grandchild, and other relationships.
Call 924-5577. 

Hobart
Consoling Hearts, a grief support group for the loss of a loved one, meets every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church. Call 769-1973. Sponsored by St. Mary Medical Center. 

Merrillville
Consoling Hearts, a grief support group for the loss of a loved one, meets every Thurs. from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church. Call 769-1973. Sponsored by St. Mary Medical Center. 

Valparaiso
Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows, South Haven.  Call 462-0921. Also meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthias, Crown Point. Call 365-8485.
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Bipolar
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at Porter-Starke Services, 601 Wall St., Valparaiso. (219) 531-3592.
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Blood-Related Cancer
Blood-Related Cancers Group, meets the third Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Munster.  This group is designed for adult family/friends and those with a diagnosis of leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma. It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group.  (219) 836-3349.
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Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Group, meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Munster.   Women who are actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer come together each week for support and to learn coping strategies. It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group. (219) 836-3349

"After Care" Breast Cancer Group, meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Munster.   Designed especially for women who have completed their breast cancer treatment. It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group. (219) 836-3349.
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East Chicago
Pastoral Care Department of St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, ‘New Horizons,’ a support group for cancer patients and families; meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  To register call 392-7185.

Pastoral Care Department of St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, ‘Make Today Count,’ a support group for cancer survivors, meets third Tues., 3-4:30 p.m. To register call 392-7185.

Hobart
St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, 'Together Today,' cancer support group at meets the second Wed. of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room A, Medical Arts Building. Call 947-6700.

St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, ‘Skin Cancer Screenings,’ Portage Outpatient Health Center. No charge. Call 947-6385 for Mon. or Thurs. appointment.

Michigan City
St. Anthony's Hospital, Michigan City,' The Community Cancer Support Group, Michigan City,' meets every second Mon. at .  Open to general public; family and friends of cancer patients welcome. Call 879-0883.

Munster
Couples Confronting Cancer Together, is a group that is designed for those with cancer and their spouse and/or significant other,  meets the first Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road., Munster. The It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group.  (219) 836-3349

Family and Friends of Cancer Patients, a goup that share experiences, learn to take care of yourself and support loved ones who have cancer, meets the third Monday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Munster.  It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group.  (219) 836-3349

The Prostate Networking Group, a group who  exchange information, gain support and share similar experiences, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of every other month tat the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Suite J, Munster.  Spouses and guests are welcome.  (219) 836-3349. 

Adult Cancer Patients, meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday or 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Cancer Resource Centre, 900 Ridge Road, Munster.   Adult cancer patients come together each week for support, warmth and understanding, in a comfortable environment. It is necessary to attend an orientation session prior to joining a weekly support group.  (219) 836-3349. 
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Caregivers
St. John the Evangelist, Saint John, 'Caregiver Support Group,' meets second Mon of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. at  Call 661-5200.

St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, ‘Starting Now,’ every other week, M-F, 4-5 p.m., SMMC Rehabilitation Center. For stroke survivors, caregivers. No fees. Call 836-3477 for start dates.

Caregivers, a group for caregivers of the elderly to combat frustration, guilt, anger and helplessness, meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Golden Agers Adult Day Care, 3123 45th St., Highland.  Individuals share their feelings, problems and solutions. At each meeting an expert speaks on useful topics.  (219) 924-4747. 
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Children's Food Allergies
Allergy Solutions for Kids is a group that strives through education, advocacy and support to develop options for children with severe food allergies and those who care for them. ASK meets quarterly in Valparaiso.  asknow@aol.com. 
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Diabetes
Children with Diabetes & their Families.
Children with chronic health conditions/diabetes learn techniques that make coping with condition much easier. Call St. Margaret Mercy’s Child Life Coordinator at 932-2300 or 708-891-9305 ext. 34128.

Living with Diabetes, an informational support group, meets the third Wed. of each month at 7 p.m. at North Campus of St. Margaret Mercy.  Call Diabetes Nurse Educator at 933-2144 or 708-891-9305, Ext. 32144.

Diabetes Management Classes offered by St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond/Dyer. For info on times, location, and registration call 933-2144 or (708) 891-9305, Ext. 32144.

St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond, ‘Free Foot Screenings,’ by appointment, third Fri., 1:30-3:30 p.m., North Campus, 5454 Hohman Ave. Call 933-2666 or (708) 891-9305, Ext. 32666.

St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Dyer, ‘Free Foot Screenings,’ by appointment, or first Thurs., 1:30-3:30 p.m. at South Campus, 24 Joliet St. Call 933-2666 or (708) 891-9305, Ext. 32666. >>back to the top

St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond, ‘Women’s Stress Support Group,’ meets third Mon. of the month, 1:30-3 p.m., North Campus, 5454 Hohman Ave., Hammond.  Call 933-2100. 
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St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, ‘Mommy & Co. 'Pre/Postnatal Fitness Program,’ Mon./Wed., 5:15-6:15 p.m., Omni 41 fitness pool, Schererville. Call 865-6969.
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Hospice
St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart offers the following programs:
'SHIIP' -  Senior Health Insurance Information Program.’ No charge. Call 947-6581 for consultation.
‘Heathcare Advocacy Group Inc.’ offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1st/3rd Thurs. Free. Call 942-9727,
(Visit www.comhs.org for wellness programs offered.) 

St. Anthony Hospice is seeking volunteers for its hospice care program. Anyone interested in learning how to become a hospice volunteer is invited to come to the St. Anthony Hospice In-Patient Unit, located at 203 Franciscan Drive, in Crown Point. Hospice volunteers help terminally ill patients and their family members by providing companionship, offering respite for the caregiver, running errands and performing chores as well as providing assistance with hospice public relations, fund raising and clerical work.  (219) 661-5306. 
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Psychiatric Illness
Family Education, a support group for families and friends of individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric illness,  meets Wednesdays., 6:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mercy’s Munster Behavioral Health Outpatient Center.  Call 322-5747.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, an organization for the treatment/ recovery of chronic, severe mental illness patients, meets second/fourth Fridays, 7-8:30 p.m., Southlake Center for Mental Health, Merrillville.  
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Rehabilitation
Rehab Club (Physical), for people needing help through physical rehab process, meets first Thurs. of the month at 3 p.m. at North Campus of St. Margaret Mercy.  Call 932-2300 or 708-891-9305, Ext. 33619. 
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Sarcoidosis
S.O.S. (Supporting Others with Sarcoidosis) is a group that meets from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month in the Respiratory Services conference room at The Methodist Hospitals' Northlake Campus, 600 Grant St., Gary,   (219) 886-4644.
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Sleeping Disorders
AWAKE, a support group for people with sleep disorders.  For meeting dates/times, call St. Margaret Mercy’s Sleep Lab, 932-2300 or 708-891-9305 Ext. 33668.
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Smoking
St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, ‘Smoking Cessation Class & Support,’ Sun., 2-3 p.m., patient tower conference room 3. Eight-week program. Call 836-3477

St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, ‘Smoking Cessation Class & Support,’ Sun., 2-3 p.m., patient tower conference room 3. Eight-week program. Call 836-3477. Tobacco Cessation Class & Support,  St. Mary Medical Center offers a  from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sundays in the Patient Education Room, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., Hobart.  When you are ready to stop using tobacco, call Community Healthcare System for free personal, professional help. Registration required.  (866) 836-3477. 
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Substance Abuse
Alcoholics Anonymous, open meetings 8 p.m. Sun. at South Campus of St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Dyer; closed meetings (for recovering individuals only) 8 p.m. Tues./Sat. at Dyer campus, 24 Joliet St. 
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Widowed
WOW (Widow or Widower), a support group for widowed people up to 59, meet at the fourth Friday of each month at 8 p.m. at St. Michael Church, 1 Wilhelm, Schererville.  Call 663-7165.  
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