Bulletin for the Week of December 21, 2008

RELIGIOUS WEB SITES
www.findinggod.org (Finding God)
www.OnceCatholic.org. (Once Catholic)

Mission Intention for December
That especially in mission countries, Christians may show with acts of fraternal love that the Child born in the stable of Bethlehem is the luminous Hope of the world.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Confessions
December 20...............1-3:45 PM
December 21...............Before all Masses
Masses
Christmas Eve, December 24
Children Hymns/Mass..............4:00 PM
Mass........................................8:00 PM
Christmas Day, December 25
Mass.......................................10:00 AM

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.

EXTEND AN INVITATION: Advent is a time of hope. Someone is hopeful in becoming Catholic – waiting for an invitation. A Catholic who has fallen away from practicing the faith is hopeful someone will extend a welcome to “Come Home.” Is God calling you to reach out to the hopeful? Remember, all are welcome in Christ. An informative web site for a seeking or returning person is www.OnceCatholic.org.

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We will decorate and prepare for the festive Christmas season on Tuesday Evening, December 23rd starting at 7:00 PM. It should take about two hours. Please come to help us as well as to give us your decorating suggestions.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: During its 158 year history St. James Parish has been fortunate to have Pastors who have shared their priestly vocation with its parishioners. Currently, Father Tobin, one of these pastors, is retired. Retired priests receive retirement income and health insurance through the Priests’ Retirement Fund. Money for this Fund comes from 60% of your contributions to the Christmas Collection plus $500 from the Parish. In 2007 St. James Parishioners contributed $2,597 for this Fund. The following is Father Tobin’s address:
Rev. George W. Tobin
10 Aiken Court
Plattsburgh, New York 12903

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Christmas is the day on which God gave himself to humanity, and in the Eucharist this gift of his becomes, so to speak, perfect. (Pope Benedict XVI, Dec. 14, 2006) 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

MARRIAGE TIP: Faced with a moral decision? Consider the STOP method: Study (get the facts); Together (both partners take responsibility for the decision); Others (consult those with experience); and Pray (for guidance).. Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS COLLECTION: At the entrance of the church are envelopes for donations for Christmas flowers and decorations. Place the envelopes with your contribution in the collection basket.

GIVING TREE: Thanks to everyone for your generous response to the 2008 Giving Tree!
2009 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your box of 2009 Sunday offering envelopes placed in the entryway to the church. If you do not find a box of envelopes for your family, it means that either you have not registered with the parish, or you had in the past not picked up the box of envelopes issued in your name. If you would like a box of envelopes, simply pick up a box and place your name and address on the first envelope. As always, thank you for your generosity that allows our parish to continue its mission.