Fifth AIDS Compassion Week Seeks to Educate Community on Effects of AIDS/HIV Epidemic

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Bishop Healy Multicultural Society has planned a week of events dedicated to educating the community on the effects of the AIDS/HIV epidemic and to building compassion for victims and their loved ones. This is the fifth consecutive year of AIDS Compassion and Awareness Week, the largest and most important event the Society sponsors. The events, free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, run between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2.

Nov. 29 TBA Panel Discussion The discussion will focus on the church’s past, present, and future role in the fight against AIDS. Members of the faculty will talk about the practical, ethical, and spiritual sides of this issue.

Nov. 30 5 p.m., McCooey Chapel Prayer Vigil In keeping with tradition, there will be a prayer vigil in the McCooey Chapel to call to mind all those affected by the disease. The student-led service will include special readings and music designed to support the respect for those dealing with HIV/AIDS.

Dec. 1 (World AIDS Awareness Day) 6p.m., Field House 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament Admission: $15 a team This year, in an effort to branch out to a wider selection of people, BHMS will hold a fundraiser in the form of a basketball tournament. All proceeds will be donated to the society’s main organizations, AIDS Project Worcester, Inc. and the Pendulum Project. Teams can sign up at the lobby table in Hogan.

Dec. 2: The AIDS Compassion & Awareness Week Charity Banquet - “Keep the Promise” Doors open at 5 p.m., seating begins at 5:30, dinner served at 6 Hogan Campus Center Ballroom Admission: $12 for Holy Cross students, $15 for other students and $20 for non-students This event will serve as an educational event and fundraiser open to the Holy Cross and Worcester community. All proceeds will be donated to AIDS Project Worcester and the Pendulum Project. The attire for the banquet is semi-formal. Dinner will be provided by Hogan Dining Services. There will be student performances, a slide show, speakers, and displays of special projects from AIDS Project Worcester and Holy Cross students. Those who helped with the week’s preparations will give special presentations.

The emphasis of the banquet will be on this year’s theme for World AIDS Day, “Keep the Promise - Accountability,” and what that means for the community as the College tries to live by its mission statement of “men and women for others.”