Bulletin for the week of March 20, 2011

Mission Intention for March

That the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity to the Gospel and progress in justice and peace.

NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC: The annual North Country Catholic subscription campaign begins this weekend. The price for a year’s subscription is $25. Support for the Catholic Press in the North Country through patron subscriptions at $35, $50, $100 and $250 allows the newspaper to maintain an affordable subscription rate for all. The North Country Catholic is the best way for us to be informed and stay connected with the 104,000 members of our diocesan family. Please enter your subscription today. Please place your subscription envelope in the collection basket or mail a check for $25 to the North Country Catholic, PO Box 326, Ogdensburg, NY, 13669.

SECOND WEEK OF LENT - SOLIDARITY WITH OPERATION RICE BOWL: A small influx of resources can make a big difference. Hamsatou Tangare in Mali, a country in West Africa, couldn’t earn enough as a tailor to support her family. With a small loan from Catholic Relief Services, she expanded her business and could ultimately purchase school supplies for her children. Hamsatou meets regularly with thirty other women in her village to ensure accountability and help one another during emergencies. By praying and giving with Operation Rice Bowl, you too are shouldering their burden and expressing a profound message of solidarity.

BAPTISM: Hannah Grace Forgette, daughter of Joshua and Kerry (Hall) Forgette, became a member of the Catholic community through the Sacrament of Baptism on March 13..

MARRIAGE TIP: “Ever felt like picking a fight with your spouse? Just say, ‘I’m cranky.’ They’ll ask why, and that’s when you get to let it all out – but more like a report instead of an attack. Your mate can be the comforter and you’ll still get to vent, but without the damaging consequences of a [...]. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE: Pro-life people of the North Country are encouraged to take part in the local 40 Days for Life campaign until April 17. Sign up to get involved, receive prayer requests, updates and news about 40 Days for Life at: www.40daysforlife.com/plattsburgh or 518-593-6024 Mid-point prayer vigil will be: March 27th, 1pm Closing prayer vigil April 17th, 1pm.

WE VALUE THE GIFT OF LIFE - FIVE WEEKS AFTER CONCEPTION

Hello Friends, during this week alone, I doubled in size. My mom had an ultra-sound today and could see my head and spinal column. The umbilical cord that connects me to my mom is transporting oxygen and nutrients to me now. My hands and feet are starting to develop and my heart has two chambers. The main air passages are present in my lungs and the hemispheres that make up my brain are growing. Though my conception was only five weeks ago, I now have intestines, an appendix and a pancreas. Jesus said “…I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

AFTERTHOUGHS CONCERT: A free concert at St. Joseph’s Church, Dannemora on Sunday, March 20th at 2 PM sponsored by the Community Action Ministry of Saranac, Redford and Dannemora. Donations of non-perishable goods to benefit JCEO Food Pantries are welcome. Reception to follow the concert.