Bulletin January 8, 2012

The magi come from the East sincerely searching for “the newborn king of the Jews.” The self-serving, deceitful plotting by Herod does not thwart their finding the newborn King. Like the magi, in spite of our own Herods, we too must diligently search for Christ. Even when we seem to lose sight of the star and the way forward is no longer clear, even when evil forces seek to thwart our search, we can trust that God never leaves us in darkness but always leads us to the Light. The first reading reveals God’s work: divine glory shines upon us to lead us, to gather us, and to enrich us with God’s own splendor. What are we to do with this splendor? We are to walk in Gods light so that we become that light for the world. Sometimes we grow discouraged in our search for God. But the truth is that we find God not primarily because we search but because God chooses to reveal the divine splendor and presence to us.

Christmas Season Celebrations

at Saint Peter

And Immaculate Conception

Churches

Feast

Baptism of the Lord

January 9 (Monday)

7pm at Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord proclaims a revelation or manifestation of the divine Sonship of Jesus by his anointing and appointing to his messianic office. It is the feast that proclaims the Baptism that elevates believers to the status of sons and daughters of God. Join us at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday evening at 7pm to celebrate this Feast Day.

F.O.O.D. Project

Next weekend, January 14 and 15,is our next committed weekend to provide meals for Feeding Others Of Dartmouth. Sign-up sheets are posted in the main entrance of the church where you will find someone from parish outreach who can help direct your kind service. The assistance you offer to those in our neighbourhood who struggle to make ends meet is greatly appreciated. Please keep those who are less fortunate in your prayers as well as those in our parish who are committed to serving them well.

Again this year we are able to report that the Advent Backpack project was a great success. Our partnership with other parishes on this outreach work is a testament to our ability to come together to work for a worthy cause. Many people who live marginally in our neighbourhood were delighted to receive the wonderful gifts you provided. God bless you.

Religious Education Note

Classes resume this Sunday at their usual times. Primary to Grade 6 on Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. EDGE Group and Confirmation Classes continue to meet at 5:30pm on Sunday afternoon.

A note from the Society:

Thank you to our helpers!

At this year’s Christmas Dinner 340 guests were served and 290 take out meals provided. A list of sponsors who contributed is posted at the entrances to the Church. While we would like to extend individual thanks to all who contributed to this year’s success, this is not possible, so please accept this as our thank you. Many of our guests expressed their gratitude for the meal and hospitality. Also thank you to the many regular contributors to our food room.

Please remember your contributions of non perishable food items for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your thoughtfulness enables the Society to continue the work of feeding those who struggle to make ends meet. Daily, the members of the Society bring food to those in need. Your contributions are necessary to make this work. You may bring food to church and leave it in the basket in the foyer or drop it off at the office during regular office hours.

Sr. Norma Heffernan Presents the 7 Week Series;

The Passion and Resurrection Narratives

Sr. Heffernan has offered these sessions on various scripture based themes over the last few years. They are well received. We are able to accommodate 10 or 12 people. The series, which begins on February 9, is held on Thursday mornings from 10:15 to 11:45 in the parish office.

Helpers Needed

On Monday afternoon at 1pm parishioners are asked to lend a hand to remove and store our Advent and Christmas embellishments. The rather significant Advent wreath and candles as well as the Nativity setting and Jesse Tree branches must be dismantled and carefully stored. If you are able your help would be appreciated. We will meet in the church at 1pm. Thanks to all who help make our worship environment special.

On a related note, we thank all who offered gifts of flowers to adorn the sanctuary and other areas of the church.

Many of you are becoming well accustomed to the use of the new Revised Roman Missal. It has been an adjustment for all of us. Continue to refer to the Prayer Guide found in the pew.

It is a great resource. Also, the Celebrate in Song hymn book contains not only the revised prayers and responses, but the new musical settings for the Gloria, Holy Holy, and Memorial Acclamation. The Gloria, which was introduced at the Christmas Masses is found at number 2.2. You may want to follow that in the book as the text has changed. To a lesser extent the Holy Holy has revisions. It does seem that many of you are acclimatizing to the new settings happily and singing along with the choir. Keep it up. It is the intention of the Liturgy Committee that a day for reflection on the Revised Missal be held in February. More info on that to follow.

Grief Support Group

Meets Wednesday January 25

The Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the parish office. If you know someone who would appreciate this support and compassion, please invite them to come. You could certainly come with them. Call Sr. Cecelia at the office for information.

Parking for the Disabled

Parishioners are asked to respect the need for parking for the disabled near the east entrance to the church. Fortunately we are able to offer parishioners a ramp to access the church at the entrance next to the tabernacle area. There are four parking spaces assigned for use by parishioners with mobility difficulties in the laneway on the east side of the church. On a related note, you may be aware that fundraising began in the fall to replace the existing doors with an electric-operated wheelchair accessible door system.

Prayer Line

We remind you that we have an active Prayer Line network in the parish. If you have a friend or family member who is seriously ill contact the office ext 222 and leave a name.

Children’s and Adult Choirs

Choir rehearsals begin on Wednesday, January 18. New members are welcome. Call Greg at the office for information.

Parish Administration items

Address Changes

In preparation for Income Tax Receipt mail-outs, please ensure that the parish office has your correct mailing address. If you have moved in the past year please e-mail or call Sherri at the office, or write your name and new address on your parish envelope or a piece of paper and drop it in the collection basket.

Pre-Authorized Payment Contributors

After seven years we have used up the old envelopes from 2004. Therefore your special collection envelopes for 2012 will be mailed out quarterly directly from the printing company that produces the regular envelopes. If you have any questions or concerns please call Sherri at the office.

Parish Directory

Due to unforeseen technical problems, the company that will produce our parish directory advises that it will not be available until the new year. We apologize for any inconvenience.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

The Meditation Group meets on Monday evenings in the school at 6:45pm. The sessions resume this week, January 9.

Saint Peter Drama Group

Annually our Drama Group has staged musicals here in the church. Past shows have included ‘ Godspell’, ‘HAIR’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, not to mention ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and others that were developed by our own group. Many will remember the enjoyable ‘Who’s That Girl?: The Story of Esther’ which played to large crowds of parishioners and their friends last March. If you feel the impulse to be involved with good quality amateur theatre, touch base. We are an all ages cast, band and support team. Singers, dancers, the whole bit. Contact Greg at the office if you’d like to be part of our spring production.

SAINT PETER’S PARISH

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3
tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207
e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca

website: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Religion/StPeters

SAINT PETER’S PARISH

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3 tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207 e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca

website: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Religion/StPeters

10 maple street • Dartmouth, NS • B2Y 2X3
tel 466-6183 • fax 466-2207
e-mail: st.peters.dartmouth@ns.sympatico.ca