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.