Calendar: Dec. 9-25

HALOS, “Healing After Loss to Overdose or Suicide” meeting, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., E-building at St. Margaret Mary, Slidell. (985) 201-2143.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Kenner) hosts an Advent Marian Mission: “Preparing for the Advent of Christ through Blessed Mary,” Dec. 9-12, with Dominican Father Mariano D. Veliz, a promoter of the rosary and “Preach My Psalter.” [email protected]. Inside church, 1908 Short St., Kenner. Confessions and spiritual direction daily from 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Conference talks 6-7 p.m.; Mass  7:10-7:40 p.m. 464-0361.

Marian Servants of the Precious Blood of Jesus, sponsor a Eucharistic Prayer Service for all ages, Dec. 14, 10-11:30 a.m., Our Lady of the Lake Church. Special intention for the youth in the northshore deanery. Call  Fran Dominique at 812-7415. 

St. Pius X, blood drive, Dec. 15, 8:15 a.m- 2 p.m., gym, 6600 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans. Donors will receive a mini health screening, free T-shirt, one-year blood replacement coverage for their family or designated alternate. The parish Girl Scouts will encourage participation and assist.

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH, world-renowned opera and Broadway star, Sarah Jane McMahon, in a concert Dec. 15, following 6 p.m. Mass at St. Charles Borromeo.  She will sing at Mass, too. Free admission. 13396 River Road, Destrehan.

CHRISTMAS AT ST. STEPHEN, concert, Dec. 15, 4 p.m., New Orleans’ musicians soprano Phyllis Treigle, soprano Melissa Brocato, harpist Judy Seghers, tenor Trey Cassells, flautist Louis Hackett and organist Brian Morgan with Good Shepherd Choir in Gregorian chant.  Composers included will be Adolphe Adam, Benjamin Britten, Calvin Hampton, George Frederick Handel, Jean Langlais and Franz Liszt. 1025 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans. Free-will donation accepted. 227-3793.

Blue Mass, honoring New Orleans police, law enforcement, firefighters, other EMS officials, Dec. 15, 11 a.m., St. Louis Cathedral.

Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square, Dec. 22. St. Louis Cathedral steps at 6:45 p.m.

All Saints Church, special Christmas Day Mass at 10:30 a.m., nationally known as “Christmas Blue Mass,” for individuals who are “blue” due to the loss of a loved one, a divorce, loss of job or other circumstances that can create depression or anxiety in their life. The birth of the Lord will be celebrated without the joyous Christmas hymns. 1441 Teche St. New Orleans. 361-8835.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA, Kaneisha Bailey Akinpelumi, appointed associate vice president for research and sponsored programs and leads in strategically identifying, nurturing and expanding relationships through research-based partnerships, connections to research centers, institutes and programs. Since September, she has worked with the provost and others to ensure the legal, fiscal and financial well-being of Xavier through grants and research, while providing leadership in establishing relationships with potential funding sources. A veteran grants administrator with expertise in federal regulations and public policy requirements related to grants and scientific research, Akinpelumi has experience as a federal grants manager, state program official and non-profit executive, providing oversight for hundreds of millions of dollars for state- and federally funded programs. Her certifications include an NIH Grants Management Certification (Level III) as well as the Grant Management (Federal Track) Certification from Management Concepts, Inc.  She holds a bachelor of arts in sociology and social welfare from Dillard University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania.