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!