St. Mary Parish in Rochester will hold several events in December to commemorate World AIDS Day, which since 1988 has been celebrated each year on Dec. 1. The goal of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of AIDS, which has killed more than 25 million people. It’s estimated that currently there are 38.6 million people living with HIV.
Father Bill Donnelly will preside at a healing Mass at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at St. Mary Church, which is located at 15 St. Mary’s Place in downtown Rochester. Those who are dealing with illness of any sort, including HIV and AIDS, and their caretakers may be anointed during the Mass if they wish.
Refreshments will be served afterwards. Free parking is available on the street or in the Excellus/Blue Cross parking garage on Woodbury Boulevard.
Two days later on Dec. 4, choirs from several area churches will perform during an interfaith service at 7 p.m. at St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, located at 17 S. Fitzhugh St. in Rochester.
