Today on the Liturgical Calendar
Church Pictorial Directory – change
The Church Pictorial Directory sittings have been rescheduled to
May 17 – 19
We are hoping the new dates will increase the number of families being included in the new directory. Parishioners who signed up will have their sitting time transferred to the new dates.
There is NO cost. You will receive a free directory and need not make any purchase to have your photo appear in the directory. You will find the sign up sheets at all entrances before and after Mass. You may also call the Parish Office at 487-6832 for a convenient time.
Of Interest to All
World Marriage Day Celebration
The 26th Annual World Marriage Day will be celebrated at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse on Sunday, February 12 at 2:00PM
Most Reverend Robert J. Cunningham will celebrate Mass and renew the marriage vows of all couples in attendance. Bishop Cunningham will honor couples
celebrating silver anniversaries, golden anniversaries and all celebrating an anniversary beyond 50 years in 2012. All couples are encouraged to attend.
The Third Option
“Rebuilding Trust in Marriage” Trust can erode or be broken but it can also be rebuilt. Sponsored by The Third Option, a program to build better marriages. We meet at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt Sunday, February 5 from 7:00 – 9:00PM. Walk-ins welcome. For more information call 472-6728.
Prayer Group
“Pathways to Prayer” Prayer Group meets the first and third Monday of each month at Christ the King Retreat Center, 500 Brookford Rd., Syracuse. The next meeting is Monday, February 6 from 9:30 – 10:30AM. ”Whenever two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst.” Come for just an hour of prayer. Bring a friend, linger awhile, walk the grounds. Free will offering accepted, but not required.
Fr Jim Lang to celebrate Masses Feb 11/12
Fr. Jim Lang will be our celebrant and homilist for all the Masses on the weekend of February 11-12. He will speak on what a “linkage” is and what it is not, and all the challenges that come when parishes link or merge. This talk is timely especially in light of the shortage of our diocesan active priests. We thank Fr. Jim for taking the time to share with us the wisdom he has acquired over the many years ministering to parishes and parishioners during these years of
“reconfiguration.”
Gluten free hosts
Padre has obtained gluten-free hosts for those who have sensitivities or allergies. Padre has asked that anyone who wishes to receive these special hosts, to
advise him prior to the Mass. You may also call your Parish Office to advise Padre of any special needs for communion.
Parish Raffle
Folks have been asking whether we will be having a raffle this year. Due to the economic crunch on many of our parishioners, it was suggested that we hold off for the year and determine our financial needs in the fall.
Parish Directory
Olan Mills has been contracted with Our Lady of Peace for the production of a pictorial directory of parishioners. It has been many years since we have completed a church directory and the success of this project will depend on each of us. Sitting times are planned for April 26, 27, and 28. A sign up sheet will be made available for your family photo time. Further information and details will follow.
Help Wanted – Liturgy Service
We currently have a need for Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers, especially for Saturday Mass. Anyone who has made their First Communion can become an Altar Server. Training will be provided. Please sign up
on the sheets available at all the entrances. If you need more information, please call the Parish Office.
New Christians in our community
The following were welcomed into the Catholic Christian community through the Sacrament of Baptism in 2011 at Our Lady of Peace:
Christopher Kolakowski
Kaiden Lucio
Damon Purtell
Bl Kateri, Mother Marianne Cope to be canonized
KATERI TEKAKWITHA: FIRST NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN SAINT
VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2011 (VIS) – The Holy Father yesterday signed decrees acknowledging miracles attributed to the intervention of seven blesseds (four women and three men) who will shortly be canonised. One of the new blesseds is Kateri Tekakwitha, the first native North American to be raised to the glory of the altars.
Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 in Ossernenon (present-day Auriesville, U.S.A.). Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother a Roman Catholic Algonquian who had been educated by French missionaries. At the age of four she lost her family in a smallpox epidemic which also left her disfigured and with poor eyesight. Adopted by a relative, the chief of neighbouring clan, she continued to nurture an interest in Christianity and was baptised at the age of 20.
The members of her tribe did not understand her new religious affiliation and she was marginalised, practising physical mortification as a path of sanctity and praying for the conversion of her relatives. Having suffered persecutions which put her life at risk, she was forced to flee to a native American Christian community in Kahnawake, Quebec where she made a vow of chastity and lived a life dedicated to prayer, penance, and care for the sick and elderly. She died in 1680 at the age of 24. Her last words were: “Jesus, I love you”. According to tradition, Kateri’s scars disappeared after her death to reveal a woman of great beauty, and numerous sick people who participated in her funeral were miraculously healed.
The process of canonisation began in 1884. She was declared venerable by Pius XII in 1943 and beatified by John Paul II in 1980. As the first native North American to be beatified she occupies a special place in the devotion of her people. Her feast day falls on 14 July. (Courtesy Vatican Information Service)
In the decree it was also announced that Bl. Mother Marianne Cope would be canonized.
Medugorje Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to Medugorje is planned for April 18 – 27, 2012 The cost will be $2,100. For more information contact Richard at (802) 796-4545 or email pilrosary@fairpoint.net.