The Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Office of HIV/AIDS Ministry will sponsor a “Week of Prayer for a World Living with AIDS,” Nov. 26-Dec.3.

Various parishes in the archdiocese will participate in the week, which includes World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, by holding prayer services and other events, and the entire archdiocesan community is encouraged to offer prayers and devotions on Saturday, Dec. 3, for the “people of God living with and affected by the pandemic of AIDS.”

Events will culminate with an archdiocesan “Mass for a World Living with AIDS,” celebrated by Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, at Sacred Heart Church, Atlanta, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

Irene Miranda, director of the archdiocesan Office of HIV/AIDS Ministry, sent a letter to archdiocesan pastors asking them for their prayers and support.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Catholic Church has been a leader, accounting for at least 25 percent of all the organizations that provide attention to persons affected by HIV/AIDS,” she wrote. “In general, persons with HIV/AIDS are rejected and discriminated against. Catholic social teaching proclaims the dignity of every person and we, as Christians, are called to break the silence of denial and reach out to those living with and affected by HIV.”

“As AIDS has become an undeniable reality in every single parish, the Church looks to foster environments where compassion and healing can replace judgment, fear and despair.”

Events will include all weekend Masses celebrated in remembrance of those who live with and have died as a result of AIDS at the Church of St. Ann in Marietta Nov. 26-27 and an AIDS Mass on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Atlanta.

On Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. there will be a prayer service at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta; and on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Snellville, will host a Taizé Prayer Service.

On Dec. 1, which is World AIDS Day, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will host “Children Praying for the Children of AIDS” at 8:30 a.m., and St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro will host a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will also hold eucharistic adoration for Hispanic youth and young adults on Dec. 2 at 9 p.m.