Bulletin for the Week of March 1, 2014

LOOKING AHEAD

Mar 1-2: Special Renovation Fund Collection

Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4:  Class for students for Confirmation preparation, 6:00 PM, Parish Center

Mar 5:  Ash Wednesday, Special Collection for Church in Central and Eastern Europe.  Masses: 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM

Mar 7: Stations of the Cross, 6:30 pm (and all Fridays of Lent)

Mar 9: Daylight Savings Time Begins

Mar 15-16: Food Shelf Weekend

Mar 15-16: Special campaign for subscriptions to NORTH COUNTRY CATHOLIC

Apr 5-6: Special Renovation Fund Collection

Apr 19-20: Food Shelf Weekend

May 11: First Communion

June 16: Blood Donor Drive, St. James Parish Center, 3-7 PM

RELIGIOUS WEB SITES   

www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.shtml (Complete Bible)

www.wordonfire.org/ (Catholic videos)

Mission Intention for February: That all cultures may respect the rights and dignity of women. 

HEALING MINISTRY: Living Waters Healing Ministry Mass at St. Alexander’s Church, Morrisonville, First Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM.

LENT 2014: Lent this year begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Lent is a time of 40 days during which we take a deep look at ourselves by prayer, by fasting, and by searching our conscience as to how we might use our spiritual resources more effectively.

✦Law of Fasting : Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are bound to Fasting on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday (April 18).  Fasting involves limiting ourselves to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals. Lighter nourishment may be taken on two other occasions in the course of the day.

✦Abstain From Meat : All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and on Good Friday.

✦Confession: During the season of Lent Catholics are also encouraged to receive the Sacrament of  Confession.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION:  Those who wish to register for Catholic Schools next Fall can do so by phoning:

∙ Seton Academy, PK-6,  Plattsburgh: 563-6330

∙ Seton Catholic Central School, Plattsburgh: 561-4031

MARRIAGE TIP: But it’s not fair! I got up the last time Junior wet the bed. I drove carpool last week, it’s your turn. A covenant marriage means that it’s not always going to be fair and even – but don’t take advantage of your spouse. Is anything in your marriage unfair?. lly mean that there’s something behind the present problem that irks the other. Find more Marriage Rx at www.foryourmarriage.org.

SPECIAL COLLECTION: Next week on Ash Wednesday we will take up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This Collection supports Catholic organizations that provide affordable shelter and training for seminarians in a region that still struggles with the effects of Soviet rule. Visit www.usccb.org (search “Church in Central and Eastern Europe”) to learn more. 

PREPARATIONS FOR LENT:  Lent is an opportunity to spend 40 days in renewing our spiritual life and our relationship with God and with others. The entire time of Lent should be observed in a spirit of prayer and penance. Spending extra time in prayer or reading the Bible, attending daily Mass, voluntary sacrifice and self-denial, combined with works of charity and service to others, are all excellent ways to obey the Lord’s command to do penance and to prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter. Spiritual opportunities available to you at St. James this Lent are:

▫ Ash Wednesday, Mass and receiving of blessed ashes

▫ Daily participation in Mass

▫ A series of booklets on the basic teachings of the Catholic Faith provided by the Knights of Columbus

▫ The Bible and You: a guide to the Bible

▫ Sunday Bulletins with special teachings on Fasting and Prayer

▫ Public Stations of the Cross each Friday evening at 6:30

▫ Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession

▫ Operation Rice Bowl: a journey of prayer, fasting, and giving.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE: From March 5 through April 13, the Plattsburgh community-based campaign of 40 Days for Life invites you to join them in promoting pro-life activities by praying peacefully during the 40 day vigil in the public riight-of-way outside Planned Parenthood, 66 Brinkeroff Street, Plattsburgh, Information is available on their web site: 40daysforlife.com/Plattsburgh, or contacting Nancy Monette at 561-8225.