A number of events have been planned in the Atlanta area for the first National Catholic Prayer Journey for AIDS, coordinated by the Southeastern Conference of Catholic AIDS Ministers, which was founded by several dioceses in the Southeast, among them Atlanta’s Office of HIV and AIDS Ministry. The National Prayer Journey aims to raise awareness among Catholic communities across the United States about the many concerns related to the AIDS crisis that affects the country.

The annual archdiocesan AIDS Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, located at 3175 Hathaway Ct. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will be the principal celebrant, along with priests of the archdiocese. A reception will follow the Mass.

A bilingual Mass for the intentions of the people of God affected by AIDS, will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., by Father Juan Anzora at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2855 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. This Mass will be coordinated by the AIDS ministry at IHM.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, a prayer service will be led by Father Yuen Servanez-Caballejo at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Peachtree St., Atlanta.

Also on Dec. 4, a prayer service will be held at St. Philip Benizi Church, 591 Flint River Road, Jonesboro, at 7 p.m., followed by a reception. Organized by St. Philip’s AIDS ministry, the service will be led by pastor Father Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., with Father Peter Rau as guest speaker.

The annual AIDS Awareness Weekend will be held Dec. 6-7 at St. Ann Church, Marietta. All Masses will be offered for the intentions of persons affected by AIDS.