Bulletin for the Week of August 16, 2009

Mission Intention for August

That people world-wide may become more mindful of the plights of millions of refugees and displaced persons, and that tangible solutions be found to address their often tragic situations.

GETAWAY: Looking for a fun weekend, surrounded by others of like faith? Are you a Young Adult (over 18 and out of high school)? Consider joining others on a Mountain – Climb Weekend. The weekend of Sept. 4th – 6th. “Base Camp” will be Guggenheim Lodge in Saranac Lake. Beds, food, activity and social time – provided and covered by a suggested donation of $65.00. Arrival is Friday evening (Sept. 4th) through Sunday (Sept. 6th @ Noon). If you are interested please contact the Department of Young Adult Ministry c/o the Director, Gib Patenaude @: gpatenaude@dioogdensburg.org. or (518) 637 - 2091 Space is limited.

FALL RETREAT: Come join us for a Young Adult Retreat Sept. 18th – 20th at the Guggenheim Center on Lower Saranac lake. A suggested contribution of $75.00 would go toward covering cost. Food and lodging provided from Friday evening (6-8pm) through Sunday @ 12 Noon. Please contact the Director of Young Adult Ministry, Gib Patenaude for more information or to register call (518) 637 – 2091 or by emailgpatenaude@dioogdensburg.org

COME DISCOVER SETON: You are invited to come inquire, discover, and explore what Seton Catholic can offer you and your children: high academic achievements, Christian values, a respected athletics program, and a safe family-centered environment. Thursday, August 20, 5-7 pm at Seton Catholic, 206 New York Rd, Plattsburgh, NY.

MARRIAGE JUBILEE: The Diocese has announced that they will hold the annual Marriage Jubilee mass this year on September 20th at 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg. This event is a wonderful opportunity for those couples who are newly married to come together and celebrate with couples who have truly lived the sacrament of marriage. All couples are welcome. Couples celebrating jubilees and wishing to receive a certificate need to register for this event through the parish before September 8th.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Gazing upon Mary, we come to know the transforming power present in the Eucharist….Contemplating her, assumed body and soul into heaven, we see opening up before us those ‘new heavens’ and that ‘new earth’. (Pope John Paul II) 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: Are you a morning dove or a night owl? If you and your spouse are different, have you found ways to accomodate your different rhythms? Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org

ONLY TODAY:

My life is an instant,

An hour which passes by;

My life is a moment

Which I have no power to stay.

You know, O my God,

That to love you here on earth --

I have only today.

St. Therese of Lisieux

VOCATIONS: Catholics believe that God calls each individual to one of three vocations: either to marriage, to religious life (priest, nun), or to remain single. In 2009 those who believed that God called them to prepare to become a priest showed a diversity in ethnicity, age, and life experiences as follows:

21 percent are Hispanic,

14 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander,

6 percent are African/African American,

43 percent are under 30

70 percent entered with a bachelor’s degree

90 percent held full-time jobs

7 percent have been married

5 percent have children

73 percent attended Catholic schools for at least part of their education

68 percent considered a religious vocation before age 21

A PRAYER FOR JOB SEEKERS: Gracious and loving God, you know our need for meaningful work. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those who are searching for employment. Help them to recognize the gifts and talents you have given them. Deepen their desire to follow your will. Inspire them as they contact potential employers. Give them patience as they wait for responses. Shelter them from feelings of rejection. Protect them from discouragement. Give them courage to overcome fear. Shower on them the graces they need to persevere. Let this time of searching become an opportunity to grow in faith, to cultivate the virtue of hope, and to experience your healing love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.