Bulletin for the Week of November 25, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Dec 2; Feb 3; Mar 10; Apr 7; May 5: Classes in Preparation for Confirmation 6:30, St. James Parish Center Dec 7-8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Masses: Dec 7: 5:30 PM Dec 8: 8:30 AM Dec 8: Cadyville Community Christmas Tree Lighting, 5-7 PM Dec. 8-9: Special Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious Dec 15-16: Food Shelf Weekend Jan 19-20 Food Shelf Weekend Feb 13: Ash Wednesday May 12: First Communion May 25: Priest Ordination of Rev. Mr. Scott Belina, St. Mary’s Cathedral, 11:00 AM TOP NOTCH LINKS www.usccb.org/cchd (Human Development) www.saintsquotes.net (Uplifting quotes) Mission Intention for November: That the pilgrim church on earth may shine as a light to the nations. INVITATION: Do you craft, do wood working, make jellies or sew? Would you like a place to display and sell your craft? The Roman Catholic Community of St Alexander’s and St Joseph’s is looking for vendors for their first craft show on December 8, 2012 at St Alexander’s Church Hall in Morrisonville. If interested Please call the Church office at 561-5039. BAPTISM: Sebastian Jacob Crouse, son of James and Nancy (Ramirez) Crouse became a member of the Catholic community through the Sacrament of Baptism on November 23rd.. FUNERAL: A funeral was celebrated this week for Dorothy Devan. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS COLLECTION: As in the past you will find envelopes at the entrance of the church for donations for Christmas flowers and decorations. Place the envelopes with your contribution in the collection basket. Your generous contribution is very much appreciated. GIVING TREE: Through the assistance of the Ladies of St. James the Giving Tree has been set up. Your gifts will need to be under the Giving Tree at the end of Masses on Sunday December 9th. Tags with the first name of a child have been placed on the tree for which you can bring a wrapped gift. Last year St. James Parishioners were VERY responsive to this act of giving to needy children CHAMPLAIN VALLEY RIGHT TO LIFE: The Champlain Valley Right to Life meets on the second Wednesday of the month at St. John’s Church, Plattsburgh at 7:00 PM. All are welcomed to attend these meetings. CALENDARS: The 2013 St. James Parish Catholic Family Appointment calendar is available at the entrance to the church. The illustrations and reflections are based on Stewardship as a way of life. God created us in His divine image to be collaborators in the world. Life, as God’s loving gift, is to be treasured, protected, and nourished. MARRIAGE TIP: On the job, spouses share many hours with members of the opposite sex. Don't be surprised if you're attracted to people at work, but set boundaries so people know that your spouse is your first priority Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org Year of Faith Prayer Holy God, We thank you for the gracious gift of faith. With the apostles before us, we ask that you open our hearts to the power of your Word and increase our faith that we may be bold followers and joyful witnesses to the message and mission of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Saturday, December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the patronal feast of the United States. It is always a Holyday of Obligation. The obligation is fulfilled by attending a vigil Mass on Friday evening, December 7 at 5:30 or Mass on Saturday morning at 8:30. ADVENT: Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. It introduces us to a new year in the calendar of the Catholic Church. The Advent wreath in homes of believers is one of the symbols of Advent. Making a wreath is easy. On a wreath of evergreens space four purple candles. A fifth white candle may be placed in the center of the wreath. Each day of the first week of Advent light just one candle, recite as a family a short prayer, and then snuff out the candle. Repeat the same each week of Advent lighting an extra candle each week. The white candle can be lighted on Christmas day.