Bulletin for the Week of December 28, 2008

LOOKING AHEAD
Jan 1: New Years Day, Feast of Mother of God, Holy Day of Obligation, Mass at 10:00 AM
Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 1, Apr 5: Class for those preparing for Confirmation, 7:00 PM St. James Parish Center
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.findinggod.org (Finding God)
www.OnceCatholic.org. (Once Catholic)

Mission Intention for January
That the family may become more and more a place of training in charity, personal growth and the transmission of the faith.

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.

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY: Every family is called to be a “holy family” … to hear and to follow the Lord, to be a sign of Christ’s love for His church. Celebrate the Feast Day of the Holy Family with your family and with our parish family.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts meek and humble like His and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way. (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta) 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: Have a tough decision to make? Avoid the two extremes of rationalization (talk yourself into doing what you wanted to do anyway) and scrupulosity (following the letter rather than the spirit of the law). Pray and seek the golden mean. Find more Marriage Rx at:www.foryourmarriage.org

A NEW YEAR’S BLESSING:
Heavenly Father, in this time of new beginnings,
we recall how the heavens celebrated the birth of Christ.
We think back to the new kingdom he proclaimed,
and remember the new life we gained in our baptism.
In this time of new beginnings,
and at the beginning of this New Year,
may we always act as good examples
of the new life in you that all Christians have
and be the same for others.
Give us the joy that is ours
as adopted members of God's family. AMEN

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: Thank you for your generous gift in our Christmas collection. Like every North Country parish, we forward 60% of the collection plus $500 per priest to the diocese to fund pensions for retired priests. Pension needs for the future as well as obligation for the next year are being met thanks to your generous donation.

2009 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your box of 2009 Sunday offering envelopes placed in the entryway to the church. Please begin using them on January 1st. 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.

THANK YOU FROM FATHER DENO: I am humbled by the amount of cards, words of gratitude, prayers, good wishes, and treats that came into the rectory over the last week. I am very blessed to be able to serve this parish. I thank you for your kindness throughout the whole year.

STATEMENT OF GIVING FOR INCOME TAXES: If you wish to receive a statement of your financial contributions to St. James Church for 2008, please indicate this on your Sunday offering envelope so that we can assure confidentiality. Your statement will not include your gift to the Bishops Fund.