HOLY FAMILY PARISH WEEKLY BULLETIN

"Stewardship - A Way of Life"

January 31, 2010

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Administrator - Fr. Vernon F. Driscoll
Pastoral Associate - Deacon Howard Gotell
Religious Education Coordinator - Deacon Howard Gotell
Office Manager - Maria Kirkpatrick
K of C 3rd Degree Grand Knight - Jack Leger 545-2418
K of C Community Centre- 667-8252


Click here to visit our Diocesan Website


We have added a new page for the building news as it happens. This is the place to come for news and updates throughout the construction phase of the Holy Family complex. We have also started a photo page on Flickr. Check it out! Holy Family Parish Amherst Flickr site


~News from the Construction Site~

Photos from the site January 30,2010. We had a week of weather - cold - warm - wind- rain and lastly a goodly amount of snow. Roofing and windows appeared along with work on the steel.


exterior   exterior   exterior   exterior   exterior   exterior   exterior  



~WHAT A RESPONSE!!!~

As you can read in the financial section of this bulletin, the generous response to the special collection for Haiti is truly magnificent. Even with all the requests, especially around the financing of our new church over the past year and a half, as well as the ever-present demands, the amount contributed is truly remarkable. Since last Sunday more contributions have come into the office and others have promised to contribute this Sunday. Because we are sending these contributions to Development and Peace, the Government has promised to equal the amount.



~THANK YOU TO ALL FOR CHURCH UNITY SERVICE~

Last Sunday evening, our Parish hosted the Annual Christian Unity Service with almost all of the local churches represented by their clergy and a large number of faithful present. The Catholic Women’s League graciously hosted the reception.



~LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE SERIES~

The Little Rock Scripture series begins this Monday, at 7:15pm and will be repeated on Thursday beginning at 10:30am in the Church Hall. We will study Luke's Gospel, the gospel being proclaimed during the current Liturgical year. The series will conclude April 18th. Cost per participant will be $15.00 to cover study materials. We use a combination of home study, group discussion and video lectures that has proven to be an effective adult learning style. We invite and encourage participation in this scripture study. Please contact Viola Corbett at 667-3274 or Deacon Howard 667-2523 for more information.



~M & M'S YOUTH MUSIC GROUP~

Want to join the coolest, smoothest sounding group for Youth? Come be part of the M & M's youth music group. We will have another practice on Sunday, February 7th in the Church Hall. This practice will be food, music and fun all together. Starting at 5:00pm we are having pizza and garlic fingers, some games and then music practicing from 6:00 to 7:00. This night is for all our choir members and anyone thinking of being a part of this Music and Ministry Youth Choir. If you are planning to attend, please contact Glenna O’Quinn at 660-3450 to book your spot.



~RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS~



~BAPTISM PREPARATION~

Parents wanting children baptized should make an appointment for baptism preparation by calling Maria or Deacon Howard at 667-2523. Lent begins this year with Ash Wednesday on February 17th. Baptisms will be celebrated up to February 14Tth, as we do not baptize during the Lenten season.



12 EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENTS OF PARISHIONER ENGAGEMENT

There are 12 measures of parishioner engagement and over the next few weeks we will offer some reflection on these measurements and how we might integrate these within parish life, committees and organizations. The 2 measures of engagement this week are:

  1. In the past month, I have received Recognition and Praise.
  2. Leaders in my parish care about me as a person.

Do we give recognition and praise when it is deserved for a great idea, a job well done or a ministry that is appreciated? It is not only the parish leaders that should “care about me” as a person. The whole community needs to truly care for one another. We encourage your reflection on these measures during the coming week. Should you have any suggestions, you may forward a note to the Stewardship Council to be included in developing a future pastoral plan for our parish.



~FAMILY MEMBERS IN HOSPITAL~

It would be appreciated if the Parish Office could be informed of the admittance of family members to our local hospital. This will ensure that all parishioners will receive a visit from the pastoral team. Please note when you are admitting a family member, you must tell the hospital that the person being admitted is Catholic. The admitting clerk is not permitted to ask if you are a member of church.



~AMHERST FOODBANK REQUEST ~

The Amherst Food Bank is in need of potatoes (10 lbs or larger), instant coffee and juice (particularly apple). Donations may be brought to one of the masses next weekend. Thank you.



~SCHEDULES TO BE PICKED UP ~

Please Note: The new schedules for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Hospitality and Usher/Collector are ready to be picked up for those who do not have an e-mail address.



~VOTIVE CANDLES~

We often light a votive light as a prayerful reminder of someone or for a special intention. It is a practice that is centuries old. The 50 cent offering at Holy Family supports youth activities in the Parish and purchases votive candles for the stand. Funds were used to assist our young people who attended the Steubenville last summer. Please continue to support our youth in this manner.



~2009 DONATION RECEIPTS ~

Donation receipts are available on the table at the back of the church for those who did not receive their receipt.



~VALENTINE POT LUCK SUPPER ~

St. Clement's Church, Port Elgin, NB will be having a pot luck supper on Sunday, February 14th from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Adults- $10.00 and children 12 and under- $5.00.



~STEWARDSHIP CORNER~

Jeremiah, in the first reading, declares that the Lord knew him before he was born and appointed him to his role as a prophet even before he drew breath. Jeremiah knew he was created by God and given unique strengths to carry out his role. We too, are known and sent by the Lord. What deeds of love and service are mine to perform with the strengths I have been given?



~MEETINGS~

Meetings this week...



~Upcoming Parish Events~



Notes and Reminders



FINANCIAL CORNER
St. Vincent de Paul - $221.50
Children's Offering - $30.00
New Year Offering Offering - $10.00
Initial Offering - $35.00
Haiti Relief - $4,222.51
Sunday Offering
Envelopes (161) $2,401.00
Loose $134.74
Pre-authorized ( 65 ) $ 1,428.16

Budget $4,519.00   Shortfall $510.10
Thank you for your generosity.

~READINGS For Next Week~
 
1stReading –  Isaiah 6.1-2a, 3-8

2nd Reading –  1 Corinthians 15.1-11

Gospel –Luke 5.1-11 

“Peace Starts with a Smile“

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