My Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Updated 11/8/09
I used to tell the atheletes at Marian High, "God cares about how you play the game, not the score." It drove the coaches crazy but it drove the point across that God sees the effort we put into our life and that's what matters. That's what Jesus was trying to get out of us this weekend. He honors the woman who gave what little she had out of generosity not obligation. God asks for nothing less of us.
Generosity doesn't match an amount. It's the heart that follows the gift. Fr. Larry and I were touched ( and with what the kids in religious ed colored and wrote were amused and sometime confused) by your cards, letters and gifts. These gifts came from the heart and they are precious as gold.
We are in the midst of the giving season, for food, for gifts for the needy and the Grand Annual Collection will begin soon.
May we, though many give modestly, give cheerfully and gratefully. How blest are we!
THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!
We would all like to extend a word of sincere thanks to Leo Higgins, Gerry Gagnon and their very patient families. Their teamwork on Halloween night brought in more than $3,500 in parking revenue for our parish family.
Are You Catholic or Want to Become One????
Our conversation continues Monday Nov. 2nd at 7pm in the rectory for those interested in becoming Catholic, coming back, just curious or anyone looking for a refresher. For a full list of dates and topics click the button below.
School Building Update
We have begun the process of looking for the next use for our school building. We have a committee consisting of members of the staff, Pastoral and Finance Councils and the Building and Facilities Committee, working with collaboration with the Real Estate office of the Archdiocese. If you have and ideas or suggestions, please speak to Fr. John.
Salem Gazette - St. Joseph School Tribute
Please check out the Salem Gazette weg page for their story and slideshow of the final prayer service at St. Joseph School.
Get those computers up and running!
St. James is on Facebook. So is Fr. John ! Check it out next time you are on line. Fr. John is also on Twitter, but he says that since his life isn't very exiting, don't look for many tweets from him.
The Grand Annual - I am happy to announce good news about our Grand Annual Collection. We stand at $17,200, which is about 68% of our goal of $25,000
. We have been blessed here at St. James but there are many challenges in our midst.
It is not too late to consider a donation or pledge. Just drop a note or check in the collection and mark it GAC.
Thanks and God Bless!
SOME GOOD NEWS !!!
An anonymous donor has given St. James Parish a gift of $30,000. Of that amount, $20,000 will go toward the Handicapped Access Fund and the balance will go toward current parish needs. This incredible donation will shoot our access fund to more than 66% of what is needed to make this a reality. The donor has asked me to challenge anyone who has the ability to "share", to help make this dream come true.
God Bless our donor and all who have donated to this fund!!
ANNUAL REPORTS
The Parish Annual Report and Fiscal Reports are posted on the web......see the tabs to the left for the details.
A REMINDER ABOUT VISITS
If someone you love is in the hospital or a nursing home and could use a visit, we urge you to please call the rectory and let us know! With new hospital regulations, we can't find out about folks in the hospital unless the family members alert us. We would be very happy to pay a visit!
Fr. Rondeau's ministry of visiting folks in their home continues. He's looking for more people to bring the sacraments and his warm smile also....give him a call!
THE 2009 CATHOLIC APPEAL
God calls us to share what we have to help others. Due to the economic downturn, support of the Catholic Appeal is more urgent this year. Last year our parish raised about $18,000.
Our goal for this year for 2009 is $29,000.
Our parish stands at $16,500 which is about 65% of the goal set by the Archdiocese
The Appeal brochure tells more about who benefits and where the mmoney goes. Please review the brochure and then step up with a generous pledge. Remember that God cannot be outdone in generosity toward those who sacrifice on His behalf. Thank You !
HELP WANTED:
We want to make sure folks have the opportunity to receive the Eucharist in both species at the 7:30am Sunday Mass but we lack Eucharistic Ministers. Could you offer to serve at this Mass or become an EM???? It is easier than you think. Please consider this opportunity to share the very presence of our Lord with another. If you have any questions, please see any Eucharistic Minister or staff member.
PRIEST IN TRAINING:
John Joseph Moore ( Peter's great nephew ), of Ballwin Missouri, is just 3 years old, loves going to church and watches everything that happens. Last weekend he set up his own church at his house and luckily it was caught on video. Notice the table with candles, a cup with a napkin over it...and of course his own pupit with microphone.
To view Fr Joseph saying the Our Father click here:
To view him acting out what the priest will say and do at church, click here:
IMPORTANT NOTE ......IN HOPE OF HEALING
HAND OF GOD
I have a copy of this on DVD....if anyone is interested in seeing it, please contact me
I saw the troubling documentary which concerned the abuse that took place at St. James. It was painful to watch this film. I believe that it was helpful to me to begin to understand this nightmare at St. James, St. Joseph and in other parishes; how it happened and how it affected so many, from the victims, their families and friends.
I want to sit down with anyone in our parish or in our town to begin to listen. I have no answers but I want to help. Please come and talk; I'm open to suggestions.
Thank You....May Christ bring healing and hope to His hurting children.
Fr. John
A Word To The Wise......
Our neighbors have been patient with us as our growing parish has strained parking on Federal Street during our many activities. In the interest of being good neighbors....we urge everyone to refrain from parking on Federal St. itself....to park either on Flint street or in the lot behind the church and school.
Thanks for your co-operation !!!!!!!
