Bulletin for the Week of October 11, 2008

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: “It is not necessary to go far to look for the Lord . . . . Let us draw near to Him!” (St. Teresa of Avila). Adoration is held throughout the year every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. Everyone is invited to spend some quiet time with Jesus anytime during these hours. For more information about spending a special hour with Jesus weekly, or becoming a substitute, please call 561-5083 or email us at Sjohnsadoration@aol.com

YEAR OF ST. PAUL: During this great Year of St. Paul we will discover how this great apostle traveled throughout the ancient world spreading the Word of God during very difficult times. In a world filled with violence, suffering and injustice, each one of us can make it a better world by seeking the truths we find in Sacred Scripture. St. Paul’s message today reminds us that no matter how much wealth we have, or how poor we are…humility is a great gift. St Paul says, God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Find truth in the Bible. Let the God of peace be with you! Read the Bible daily.

MISSION SUNDAY: Each year, on World Mission Sunday, all baptized Catholics gather for Mass – in small chapels, as well as in large cathedrals around the globe – to celebrate our missionary vocation, and to offer prayers and sacrifices for the missionary task. Our celebration this year on October 19th takes on added significance as the Church here at home marks the 100th anniversary of our “mission independence.” In 1908, a papal decree removed the designation “mission territory” from the United States. Up until that time, we were the beneficiaries of the generosity of the Catholics of Europe through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Today, more than 1,150 young churches of Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America have these same needs. As we remember our own mission history on World Mission Sunday, we can offer our prayers and financial help for the young and growing churches of the Missions today. Your generosity through the Propagation of the Faith will reach those who await the “Good News” of Jesus, who long to experience His hope and love. The special collection for World Mission Sunday will be take next weekend.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THANK YOU!!: Our Religious Education Program began on Thursday. While parents are the main religion teachers of their children which they promised to do on their wedding day, and specifically renewed this promise on the day they had their children baptized, they are assisted in their responsibilities through Catechists. The parents of St. James Parish are privileged this year to have 6 parishioners who have volunteered to be religion teachers. They are:
Grade 1 Carolyn LaPlante
Grade 2 Joan Herron
Grade 3 Robert Robare, Jr.
Grade 4 Sandra Jock
Grade 5 Patricia Delisle
Substitute Elsie Delaney
Parents whose children are in grades 6-8 will meet at St. James Parish Center on Sunday, October 19th for assistance and books for the home instruction of their children.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP: The consistent ethic of life provides a moral framework for principled Catholic engagement in political life and, rightly understood, neither treats all issues as morally equivalent nor reduces Catholic teaching to one or two issues. Catholic voters should use the framework of Catholic teaching to examine candidates’ positions on issues affecting human life and dignity as well as issues of justice and peace . As A Catholic Church we do not endorse or oppose candidates. Rather, we seek to form the consciences of Catholics so that they can examine the positions of candidates and make choices based on Catholic moral and social teaching.

ALL SOULS ENVELOPES: In the Catholic Church the month of November is dedicated to the memory of members of our family, our parish and our community who have died. A way of remembering these persons is through sharing in a Mass for them. Envelopes for All Souls are available at the entrance to the church. With your offering indicate the names in whose memory you wish us to pray.

HURRICANE IKE RELIEF: Catholic Charities USA and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are providing humanitarian relief to many people whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Ike. They are also working to rebuild the Church where property was devastated by the storm. Bishop Robert Cunningham has appealed us to make generous contributions to be used in the recovery efforts. Contributions may be made through a check payable to our parish carrying a notation “Hurricane Ike Recovery.” Please place your check in the regular collection as soon as it is convenient. Thank you for your concern

MARRIAGE JUBILEE MASS: The annual Marriage Jubilee Mass to honor those couples in the Diocese of Ogdensburg who are observing significant wedding anniversaries will be held with Bishop Cunningham at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 2:30 PM on November 16th. All married couples are invited to come together with their families for this event. Couples celebrating jubilees and wishing to receive a certificate need to register for this event through their parish before November 1st. This event is co-sponsored by the St. Lawrence Society and the Family Life Office.

MARRIAGE TIP: Couples don't have to pray or belong to an organized religion to have a happy marriage, but it helps. Having a shared spiritual home connects you with God's wisdom and a community of people to support you. Try praying together today. Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org

HARVEST MASS FOR FARMERS: Continuing an event celebrated anually in the North Country, Bishop Cunningham extends an invitation to all North Country farmers and their co-workers to take part in teh Harvest Mass of Thanksgiving. It will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church in Malone on Sunday, October 26, at 1:00 PM. All North Country people are invited to attend as we thank God for the harvest. A reception will follow.