Bulletin for the Week of December 30, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Jan 1: New Year’s Day Mass 10:00 AM Jan 6; Feb 3; Mar 10; Apr 7; May 5: Classes in Preparation for Confirmation 6:30, St. James Parish Center 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.catholic.org (Catholic information) http/heartofthenation.org (Prayers and Mass) Mission Intention for January That the riches of the created world may be preserved, valued, and made available as God’s precious gift to all. STATEMENT OF GIVING FOR INCOME TAXES: If you wish to receive a statement of your financial contributions to St. James Church for 2012, please indicate this on your Sunday offering envelope so that we can assure confidentiality. PRAYER FOR FAMILIES In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, we belong to each other as we belong to you, God ever faithful. By morning and by night may your name be on our lips, a blessing to all our days: so may kindness and patience be ever among us, a hunger for justice, and songs of thankfulness in all we do. May the Lord Jesus, who lived with his holy family in Nazareth, dwell also with our family, and keep us from all evil, and make all of us in one heart and mind. Amen. FUNERAL: A funeral was celebrated this week for Bernard Hayes. Please remember him and his family in your prayers. ST BROTHER ANDRE EVENT: St. Peter’s Parish in Plattsburgh will celebrate the Feast Day of St. Brother Andre on Sunday afternoon, January 6th. Activities will include: adoration and prayer, film, Christmas Carols, refreshments and The Sacrament of the Sick. All will occur in and around the Chapel of St. Frere Andre and the Emmaus Room. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin after the 11 am Mass and conclude with Benediction at 3:30pm. A special film on St Andre will be shown twice during the afternoon. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and veneration of a relic of St. Brother Andre will continue the entire time in the Chapel. All are welcome to all or part of the afternoon. MARRIAGE TIP: Have a tough decision to make? There are two extremes to avoid. Rationalization means you play loose with the truth and talk yourself into doing what you always wanted to do anyway. Scrupulosity involves following the letter of the law more than the spirit. Seek the golden mean. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org 2013 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your 2013 Sunday offering envelopes. Anyone wishing to use envelopes who are not currently using them can take an unmarked box. Be sure to place your name and address on the first few envelopes so that your name and number can be recorded. Children should pick up envelopes for themselves. HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY: St. Joseph doesn’t get much space in the New Testament. Joseph protected Jesus from King Herod. The king was worried when he heard that a child had been born who would be the king of the Jews. He asked the wise men to search for this child in Bethlehem and then come back to report to him. He told the wise men he wanted to pay homage to the new king. But the wise men were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Fearing a new king, Herod sent soldiers to kill all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. Joseph, warned by an angel, fled with his family to Egypt to escape Herod’s plot. There they lived until King Herod died, when Joseph could safely move the family back to Nazareth. THANKS: Thanks to all who helped in any way to make Christmas Eve and Day 2012 a most blessed and prayerful time of the year. Among the many who helped we are most thankful to parents whose children provided Christmas hymns, to those who prepared the church, members of the choir and organist, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers and Ushers. NEW YEARS DAY: In the Catholic Church New Year’s Day is a holy day of obligation and is celebrated in honor of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM.

Bulletin for the Week of December 23, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Dec 24-25: Christmas Masses - see schedule below Jan 1: New Year’s Day Mass 10:00 AM Jan 6; Feb 3; Mar 10; Apr 7; May 5: Classes in Preparation for Confirmation 6:30, St. James Parish Center 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.catholic.org (Catholic information) http/heartofthenation.org (Prayers and Mass) Mission Intention for December: That Christ might reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church. DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We will decorate and prepare for the festive Christmas season on Sunday afternoon, December 23rd starting at 1:00 PM. It should take about two hours. Please come to help us as well as to give us your decorating suggestions. 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: Take your spouse to work today. Do you have a photo or memento of your spouse visible at your work place? Let others know you're proud of your spouse. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org CHRISTMAS/ NEW YEARS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve, December 24 Children Hymns/Mass..............4:00 PM Mass................................…......8:00 PM Christmas Day, December 25 Mass.......................................10:00 AM New Years Day, January 1 Mass…………………………….… 10:00 AM 2013 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your 2013 Sunday offering envelopes. Anyone wishing to use envelopes who are not currently using them can take an unmarked box. Be sure to place your name and address on the first few envelopes so that your name and number can be recorded. Children should pick up envelopes for themselves. CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: The Diocese of Ogdensburg’s Retirement Plan for Priests has long been supported by parish contributions from its annual Christmas Collection. Beginning in 2011, 100% of the Christmas Collection is contributed for support of the Plan. Currently 36 retired priests, and 10 active priests age 70 and older, are expected to receive pension benefits of $724,510 in 2012-13. Also 95% of the cost of health insurance premiums for retired priests is paid by the Plan. Your generous contribution not only supports current retirees but will also help provide for the retirement needs of priests who will retire in the future. COMMUNION TO THE SICK: The Second Vatican Council,in its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, speaks of the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of our spiritual life. This means the Holy Eucharist is the source from which all other blessings flow. Please advise Father Deno of homebound persons who would like to have Holy Communion brought to them at their homes. May you be blessed with the joy of the birth of Jesus in your heart and in your life! A blessed Christmas!

Bulletin for the Week of December 16, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Dec 15-16: Food Shelf Weekend Dec 17: Christmas confessions - 5:30-7:30 PM Dec 24-25: Christmas Masses - see schedule below Jan 6; Feb 3; Mar 10; Apr 7; May 5: Classes in Preparation for Confirmation 6:30, St. James Parish Center 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.catholic.org (Catholic information) http/heartofthenation.org (Prayers and Mass) Mission Intention for December: That Christ might reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: Thank you for donating to the Retirement Fund for Religious. DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We will decorate and prepare for the festive Christmas season on Sunday afternoon, December 23rd starting at 1:00 PM. It should take about two hours. Please come to help us as well as to give us your decorating suggestions. 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. 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: Ever heard of limerence? It’s a physical feeling of infatuation for another, like a crush. Although limerence can lead to committed love, it typically has a shelf life of 2-3 years. That’s why couples must transition to a more lasting love. Nurture romance but rely on enduring friendship. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve, December 24 Children Hymns/Mass..............4:00 PM Mass................................…......8:00 PM Christmas Day, December 25 Mass.......................................10:00 AM CONFESSIONS Monday, December 17............5:30-7:30 PM December 22........……............3:00- 3:45 PM December 23..........................Before Masses 2013 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your 2013 Sunday offering envelopes. Anyone wishing to use envelopes who are not currently using them can take an unmarked box. Be sure to place your name and address on the first few envelopes so that your name and number can be recorded. Children should pick up envelopes for themselves. THANK YOU: Your contributions to the Christmas Giving Tree have been outstanding. Thank you. You have helped to make this a blessed Christmas for many young children. CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: The Diocese of Ogdensburg’s Retirement Plan for Priests has long been supported by parish contributions from its annual Christmas Collection. Beginning in 2011, 100% of the Christmas Collection is contributed for support of the Plan. Currently 36 retired priests, and 10 active priests age 70 and older, are expected to receive pension benefits of $724,510 in 2012-13. Also 95% of the cost of health insurance premiums for retired priests is paid by the Plan. Your generous contribution not only supports current retirees but will also help provide for the retirement needs of priests who will retire in the future. THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU: Many Catholic parishes will provide the opportunity for Confessions in preparation for Christmas on Monday, December 17th. At St. James Church this special time will be 5:30-7:30 PM.

Bulletin for the Week of December 9, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Dec 15-16: Food Shelf Weekend Dec 17: Christmas confessions - 5:30-7:30 PM Dec 24-25: Christmas Masses - see schedule below Jan 6; Feb 3; Mar 10; Apr 7; May 5: Classes in Preparation for Confirmation 6:30, St. James Parish Center 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.catholic.org (Catholic information) http/heartofthenation.org (Prayers and Mass) Mission Intention for December: That Christ might reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests worked for many years for little, if any, pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement. Your gift to today’s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps to provide prescription medications, nursing care, and more for thousands of elderly religious. CHRISTMAS HYMNS WITH CHILDREN: The children in Grades 1-5 who participate in the Religious Education Program on Thursdays will be invited to sing Christmas hymns before the 4:00 Mass on Christmas Eve. Practice will be at the Parish Center on Thursdays December 13th and December 20th after the religion class. Parents whose children will participate are asked to pick up their child at 4:15 PM on those days. 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. 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: Reconciliation is crucial in every marriage. Make plans to receive the Sacrament of Penance before Christmas. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org THE HOLY LAND IN PLATTSBURGH: Thursday, December 13, at 7:00 pm Father Andy Amyot, leader of numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, will be offering a Virtual Tour of the Holy Land in the Emmaus Room at St. Peter's Church. His stories and images will give you a better appreciation of the first Christmas during this Advent season. Please call 518-593-6044 for more information. CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve, December 24 Children Hymns/Mass..............4:00 PM Mass................................…......8:00 PM Christmas Day, December 25 Mass.......................................10:00 AM CONFESSIONS Monday, December 17............5:30-7:30 PM December 22........……............3:00- 3:45 PM December 23..........................Before Masses 2013 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your 2013 Sunday offering envelopes. Anyone wishing to use envelopes who are not currently using them can take an unmarked box. Be sure to place your name and address on the first few envelopes so that your name and number can be recorded. Children should pick up envelopes for themselves.

Bulletin for the Week of December 2, 2012

LOOKING AHEAD Dec 2; Jan 6; 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 9: Last day to return gifts for “Giving Tree” 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.catholic.org (Catholic information) www.saintsquotes.net (Uplifting quotes) Mission Intention for December: That Christ might reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehm and is reflected in the face of his Church. BAPTISMS: Calen James Duso and Anna Olivia Duso, twin children of Stephen and Elissa (Guynup) Duso became members of the Catholic community through the Sacrament of Baptism on November 25th. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS: Next week the second collection benefits the Retirement Fund for Religious. More than 37,000 women and men religious are now past age 70 and their institutes struggle daily with the spiraling costs of health care. Please give generously to next week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. CHRISTMAS HYMNS WITH CHILDREN: The children in Grades 1-5 who participate in the Religious Education Program on Thursdays will be invited to sing Christmas hymns before the 4:00 Mass on Christmas Eve. Practice will be at the Parish Center on Thursdays December 13th and December 20th after the religion class. Parents whose children will participate are asked to pick up their child at 4:15 PM on those days. 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: Your wrapped gifts need to be under the Giving Tree at the end of Masses on Sunday December 9th. Thanks for your response 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: The marriage vow is forever. It’s non-negotiable, but most everything can be worked out. The vow between husband and wife is made before God, and God never gives up or loses hope. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org 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 Holy day 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. THE HOLY LAND IN PLATTSBURGH: Thursday, December 13, at 7:00 pm Father Andy Amyot, leader of numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, will be offering a Virtual Tour of the Holy Land in the Emmaus Room at St. Peter's Church. His stories and images will give you a better appreciation of the first Christmas during this Advent season. Please call 518-593-6044 for more information.