The area's Roman Catholic community is taking steps throughout February to call attention to the issues of homelessness.

Bishop Armando X. Ochoa of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has designated February as Homeless Awareness Month for Catholic parishes in the Fresno area. He hopes parishioners -- and others in Fresno's diverse faith community -- can help the homeless in their time of need.

The parishes are being encouraged to get involved with a student essay contest on homelessness and to publish Catholic Life articles on homelessness in church bulletins during February.

The Bishop John Steinbock Homeless Advocacy Committee has put together a packet with the information.

KNXT (Channel 49.1) Catholic Television also is airing new programs on homelessness: "Forum on Homeless Awareness Month No. 1" on Feb. 11 and "Forum on Homeless Awareness Month No. 2" on Feb. 18.

In a letter to parishes, Ochoa writes that he hopes the Diocese of Fresno and others in the faith community will "reflect on what we can do to help our homeless live with the dignity which is theirs as Children of God."

Details: knxt.tv or (559) 488-7482.

Jewish, Episcopal congregants plan trip

Congregants from Temple Beth Israel and Holy Family Episcopal Church are planning to tour Israel together Nov. 4-16.

The Middle East Connection trip is dedicated to developing "peace through understanding." Participants will travel with Rick Winer, rabbi of Temple Beth Israel, and the Rev. Michele Racusin, pastor of Holy Family Episcopal Church.

An information meeting for congregants is Sunday. Details: (559) 233-9600.

Classes on Hinduism will begin in Fresno

Classes on the Bhagavad Gita -- one of the primary scriptural texts of Hinduism -- are beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Perfect Balance Yoga, 5091 N. Fresno St., Suite 133.

Satish Chandra, who was born and raised in India, is the instructor. He practiced dentistry for more than 20 years in Southern California. He retired early from his practice to return to India to study Advaita Vedanta with Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the foremost Advaitins in the world.

Details: (559) 222-6212.

Five-week course on prosperity planned

A five-week course on prosperity begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Unity Church of Fresno, 315 W. Shields Ave.

The course will cover various ways in which people, by using their minds, can bring good into their lives.

Metaphysical teacher Celia Bourez believes the course can benefit those who are facing changes in their lives, particularly in these economic times. The course also takes a look at goal setting, praying and finding the perfect job.

Details: (559) 224-2668.

Church schedules singles dinner-dance

A Christian singles dinner-dance is 6-10 p.m. Feb. 9 at the New Covenant Community Church Student Ministries Center, 1744 E. Nees Ave.

The event features a live band, catered dinner and dancing. It is presented by God Powered Singles, a ministry of New Covenant.

Cost is $25. Registration is required by Wednesday. Details: gpsdinner.org or (559) 549-3920.

Armenian community marks Vartanantz

A special worship and civic event to commemorate Vartanantz, an ancient battle for religious freedom, is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. First St.

On the Thursday preceding Lent each year, Armenian people worldwide commemorate the Battle of Avarayr, a conflict between Christian Armenians and Zoroastrian Persians in 451 A.D. The battle symbolized heroic efforts of the Armenian people to remain free and steadfast in their Christian faith.

The Fresno event features special music by a mass choir under the direction of Jane S. Bedrosian and selections by the children's choir of the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School.

The public is welcome. Details: (559) 237-6638.

9 to 5 for Christ dinner planned

Luke and Gretchen Raughley are speaking at the 9 to 5 for Christ ministry's special Valentine's dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at Peoples Church, 7171 N. Cedar Ave.

He is director of World Impact in Fresno. The Raughleys will talk about working in full-time ministry and raising a family.

Cost is $15 for first-time attendees and members paying by 5 p.m. Thursday or $20 for nonmembers and guests paying after 5 p.m. Thursday and at the door.

Details: 9to5forchrist.org or (559) 977-3063.

Right to Life will hold open house

An open house is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Right to Life of Central California, 1742 E. Griffith Way.

The event marks the 26th anniversary of Right to Life of Central California. Details: (559) 229-2229.