COLORADO SPRINGS. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8 marked the first day that Catholics could receive a special plenary indulgence for praying before a Nativity scene at Franciscan churches. The indulgence was granted by Pope Francis in honor of the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule of St. Francis and the saint’s creation of a Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. The indulgence can be obtained until Feb. 2, 2024, the Feast of the Presentation.

Advent and Christmas Day schedules for most parishes in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

COLORADO SPRINGS. A local group of seniors is using food and friendship to encourage and empower others to help spread God’s Word.

The Golden Agers is a social ministry of Holy Apostles Parish that meets monthly to share a potluck meal, participate in an activity and brief business meeting, and spread God’s Word. The organization provides the entree, and members bring other dishes, veggies and desserts.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Father David Price, who has served as rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral for over a decade, has been appointed Associate Director of the Secretariat for Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. In his new role — a three-year term beginning in January — he will be working with Father Dustin Dought, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Divine Worship. Father Jaimes Ponce, J.C.D., will serve as temporary administrator of St. Mary’s Cathedral effective Jan. 1.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Three Our Lady of the Pines parishioners have been tending a vegetable garden that provides fresh produce for the city’s needy population.

Shari Underwood, Deb Calhoun and Carla Dunford tend a garden located on the rectory grounds at Our Lady of the Pines Parish in the Black Forest section of Colorado Springs. The garden provides nutritionally-rich produce grown to support the needs of poor, urban neighborhoods and rural, secluded areas. This includes struggling families, seniors living on a fixed income, the working poor, military veterans, the disabled, unsupported teens and the city’s homeless population.