Bulletin for the week of September 20, 2009

Mission Intention for September

That the word of God may be better known, welcomed and lived as the source of freedom and joy.

BISHOPS FUND APPEAL As we begin “Commitment Weekend” for the 2009 Bishop’s Fund Appeal, it is our hope that we can continue our support at the same level as last year’s Appeal. The theme of this year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal is We, Though Many, Are One Body. Please prayerfully consider supporting the many good works of the Diocese. Your pledge will be gratefully received and sincerely appreciated. Please be as generous as possible. Thank you in advance for your support. To make your Bishop’s Fund gift on line, please visit www.dioogdensburg.org/development.

CRAFT SHOW: The Ladies of St. Ann, Mooers Forks will have a Craft Show and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 17 at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 73 Maple Street, Mooers 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Crafters interested in renting a space can phone Marge Pombrio at 236-4577.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: “Kneel down and render the tribute of your presence and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Confide all your needs to him, along with those of others” (St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina) 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.

MARRIAGE TIP: Being a faithful spouse means more than just not having a sexual affair. It also means say "No" to other temptations that compete for attention, such as work, TV, the Internet, hobbies, or housekeeping. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org

ST ANNE SHRINE: The Tourist and Pilgrimage season will officially end on Sunday, October 11th with the 10:30 Mass. Shrine grounds remain as long as weather permits. Office and Visitor's Center is opened year round. Phone: 802-928-3362 or www.saintannesshrine.org.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION: Registration forms for the 2009-2010 Religious Education school year are available at the entrance to the Church. The first class will be Thursday, October 8th. St. James Religious Education is for St. James parishioners only. The completed registration form and book fee must be returned no later than Sunday, September 20th in order to be included in the program. A meeting of parents of Religious Education students in Grades 6-7 will be held on Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 PM at the St. James Parish Center. Students in Grade 8-12 who have not yet been confirmed will participate in a two year Religious Education-Confirmation Preparation program at St. James Parish Center starting October 11th at 7:00 PM.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IN ACTION: The Msgr. Claude A. Gobet Knights of Columbus Council 6067 is made up of men from the parishes of St James and St Alexander’s who help their church, parishes and communities. These services include Eucharistic Ministers, Lecturers, Choir members. They support Religious Education Programs. Their facilities have been used for fund raisers to help local needs like the Morrisonville flood victims, Chelsea’s Rainbow fund and Hospice of the North Country. They have also provided many programs for the youth of our communities. They are inviting men of St. James Parish to become a Knight. Members from Msgr. Gobet Council 6067 will be available after all masses at St James the weekend of October 3rd & 4th to hand out information and accept applications. We request all men of the parish to discover the opportunities available to serve their Church, families and friends in the Knights.

RETREAT: Our Lady of the Adirondack House of Prayer in Ellenburg Center will have a retreat and day of reflection on the Spirituality of Lay People on Saturday, October 3, 9:30-4 p.m. Bernard Ratneiya will be guest speaker. For information phone 518-594-3253 by October 1st.

DEACON ORDINATION: On Saturday, September 19th at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg 12 men will be ordained Permanent Deacons among whom are members of local parishes: Marvin Connor, Jack Cogan, Jack Lukasiewicz and Mark Bennett. Their ordination is the culmination of

more than four years of study, training and spiritual formation for ordained ministry, which they will carry out in parishes in the Diocese. Deacons are the third level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, after that of Bishop and priest. Deacons are ordained to assist priests and Bishop in a variety of ministries. Soon after Jesus died the Apostles chose reputable men to assist them in preaching the Gospel, baptizing those who accepted the faith. They came to be known as Deacons from the Greek word used to describe their service and ministry.Nowadays, most deacons in the U.S. are married men who serve as deacons in addition to their other responsibilities of job and family life. While only priests are able to celebrate Mass and forgive sins, ordination to the diaconate empowers the deacon to preach the gospel, baptize, witness marriages, lead the funeral and burial rites, offer Benediction and give blessings in the name of Christ and the Church. Deacons are a great help in meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of all our parishioners