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.