Bulletin for the Week of November 22, 2008

LOOKING AHEAD
Nov 22-23: Special Collection Campaign for Human Development
Dec 7, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 1, Apr 5: Class for those preparing for Confirmation, 7:00 PM St. James Parish Center
Dec 8: Immaculate Conception, Holy Day of Obligation, Masses at 8:30 and 5:30.
Dec 13-14: Special Collection Religious Retirement
Dec 20-21: Food Shelf Weekend
Dec 24-25: Christmas Masses will be Wednesday, December 24 at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM and Thursday December 25.10:00 AM
Jan 21-22: March for Life bus to Washington, info 563-1692
Apr 25: Confirmation with Bishop Cunningham at 4:00 PM Mass
May 10: First Holy Communion, 10:00 AM
May 25: Ordination as priest of Rev. Mr. Adam Crowe at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg, 11:00 AM

RELIGIOUS WEB SITES
www.catholic.com/(Catholic Answers)
www.christophers.org (The Christophers)

Mission Intention for November
That the testimony of love offered by the saints may fortify Christians in service to God and neighbor, imitating Christ who came not to be serve but to serve.

CATHOLIC CALENDARS:
Calendars for 2009 indicating the special holy days and saints of the Catholic Church are available for your home or workplace. This year they are on the theme of Christian stewardship.

THANKSGIVING DAY MASS:
On Thanksgiving Day there will be a special Mass of Thanksgiving at 8:30 AM.

THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS:
Thanksgiving day—and every day—we give thanks to God for all the good gifts he has given us as a nation. We also remember how often we have failed to live up to these gifts—and we resolve to do better. Thanksgiving is always unfinished business. Our land is one of promise and hope—where our God leads each of us toward the new Jerusalem, the blessed place of his peace, where there is freedom to serve him faithfully. Alleluia!

ADVENT 2008:
The season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, begins on a different date each year. Advent 2008 begins on the First Sunday in Advent, November 30, 2008. This year Advent is a time of 26 days for spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day.

THANKSGIVING DAY TABLE GRACE
Blessed are you, Lord, God of creation. Through your goodness we enjoy the fruits of the earth, and share the loving gifts of family and friends. We ask your blessing on our table and our home. We offer thanks for the love with which this festive meal was prepared, and for the love and joy which bring us together to partake of it. In gratitude for your continued care over us, make us mindful of the needs of others, that we may show our thanks in the way we live. May our hearts be filled with love and praise, as we pray in your holy name. AMEN

THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
In recognition of the Year of St. Paul St. Joseph’s Parish, West Chazy will sponsor a series of talks and discussion on the Life, Teaching, Prayer and Spirituality of St. Paul. The meetings will be held at their Parish Center at 7:00pm on Wednesdays and it is open to people of all faiths. Please bring a Bible. The meeting dates are as follows:
Nov. 19,Dec. 3, and Dec. 10..

SILENT AUCTION:
Seton Catholic & Seton Academy are collecting items for a Silent Auction on December 14th from Noon – 5 PM at their annual Christmas Dinner at Seton Catholic. Your help is requested with the donation of any gift certificates or new items (minimum value $20) which will be offered for sale. Items can be dropped off at either school, given to a current Seton family, or by emailing Sharon Zalis (info@fleetpromo.com) to make arrangements for pick up. All proceeds directly benefit our Catholic schools.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
All praise, honor, glory, love and adoration be to Jesus Christ our Eucharistic King!. Eucharistic 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

ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE:
An Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Dannemora, on Sunday November 23rd at 3:00 PM. Everyone is welcomed to attend.

MARRIAGE TIP:
Your spouse may not be able to read your mind but he/she can usually read your face. Don't think you can hide negative feelings from your spouse. They'll show on your face.. Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org

CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:
Of the 37 million people considered to be living below the poverty line, 45% work full time but still do not make enough money to feed their families, keep roofs over their heads, and pay for health care. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development supports community-based projects—founded and managed by the poor themselves—that work toward building a better and more just community where poverty does not exist. You can make a difference. Please donate prayerfully and generously in today’s CCHD Collection. Visit www.povertyusa.org to learn more.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS COLLECTION:
As in the past you will find envelopes at the entrance of the church for donations for Christmas flowers and decorations. Place the envelopes with your contribution in the collection basket. Your generous contribution is very much appreciated.

GIVING TREE:
Through the assistance of the Ladies of St. James the Giving Tree for Christmas will be up by Saturday, November 29th. Your gifts will need to be under the Giving Tree at the end of Masses on December 14 Tags with the first name of a child will be placed on the tree for which you can bring a gift. Last year St. James Parishioners were VERY responsive to this act of giving to needy children

HOLIDAY BRUNCH:
The Ladies of St. James Annual Christmas Brunch will be held at our Parish Center on Sunday, December 7th, after the 10:00 AM Mass. The Brunch will be catered this year rather than being held at Cricket’s as has been done for the past few years.Would those who wish to attend our Christmas Brunch on December 7th at the Parish Center please sign-up by November 30th? The reservation sheet is in the entrance to the church.