Palliative Care Presentation, Whitman -- Palliative care is often misunderstood. It is sometimes thought to be exclusively for people who are receiving hospice care at the end of their lives, but palliative care is a comprehensive approach to care for those with serious illness from the moment of their diagnosis. Come hear a presentation and join in a discussion at Holy Ghost Parish, 518 Washington Street, at 2:30 p.m. For more information, please call 781-447-4421. The event is presented by the Archdiocese of Boston's Initiative for Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning.

Boston Marathon Masses, Boston -- Each year the Archdiocese of Boston welcomes to Church runners from around the world who are taking part in the Boston Marathon. Mass and a blessing will be offered to the runners and all who are participating in the event. Two Masses will be celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, 51 Seaport Boulevard. The first Mass and Blessing is at 11:30 a.m. and the second is at 7:00 p.m.

Solemn Evensong, Chestnut Hill -- The congregation of Saint Athanasius will offer solemn evensong and Benediction at 5 p.m. at Saint Lawrence Church, 774 Boylston Street. A reception will follow the service. For more information, please call 617-325-1300.

Palliative Care Presentation, Walpole -- Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to care for those with serious illness from the moment of their diagnosis. Come hear a presentation and join in a discussion at Saint Mary Parish, 176 Washington Street, at 10:15 a.m. For more information, please call 508-668-4974.

Palliative Care Presentation, Middleborough -- Come hear a presentation and join in a discussion at Sacred Heart Parish, 340 Center Street, at 1:00 p.m. For more information about this event, please call 508-947-0444.

Nooners Luncheon, Jamaica Plain -- Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 97 South Street, is holding Mass at noon followed by the Nooners Luncheon at Father Thomas Hall. Join us for an afternoon of food, fellowship and conversation with friends and parishioners. Free-will donations benefit the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Bring a friend, all are welcome.

Young Adult Gathering, Lowell -- Join us as we gather for JESUS aCROSS the Border College Night at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with adoration/praise and worship/confession followed by Mass at 9:00 p.m. Pizza social and fellowship to follow at Cascia Hall. For more information, visit www.jesusacrosstheborder.com.

Mass and Healing Service, Hanover -- The Holy Mothers Collaborative will hold a Mass and Healing Service at 7:15 p.m. at Saint Mary of the Sacred Heart Church, 392 Hanover Saint (Rt. 139) Hanover, with Father Joseph McDermott as celebrant. The Mass will be followed by individual prayers and the laying on of hands. Come and experience the healing powers of Jesus. For more information, call Barbara at 781-826-4955.

Women's Retreat, Medway -- Betania II Spiritual Retreat and Conference Center, 154 Summer Street, presents ''Seek God and Live'' a woman's retreat presented by Frank Kelly from April 27-29. The retreat begins with Mass at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. The weekend retreat is free to attend; if meals and lodging are needed, call for details and costs. All are welcome. To register, call 508-533-5377 or visit www.betania2.org. There will be an opportunity for a good will offering.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Forum, Peabody -- The forum will be held at Saint Ann Church, 140 Lynn Street, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! The forum will be held in the church's lower hall. Please enter from the rear of the church only. Fellowship and light refreshments will follow. Admission is free.