ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

P.O. BOX 610 - BELL ISLAND, NF - A0A 4H0
PHONE: 488-2525 – FAX: 488-3399

At a wedding in Cana, Jesus changed water into excellent wine. There are many things in our spiritual lives that should be changed. Jesus’ power is available to us. Let us reflect on our need of his power in order to change the things in our lives that need to be changed.
First Reading (Is 62: 1-5). We hear of a new wedding feast between God and his people.
Second Reading (1 Cor 12:4-11). Though there are many spiritual gifts, they all come from the same Spirit, and should be used for building up the community.
Gospel (Jn 2:1-12). Jesus fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah. The changing of water into wine is a symbol of the old order yielding to the new.
Scripture Note:
The First Reading contains a message of hope for God’s people at one of the lowest moments in their history. Jerusalem lay in ruins. The city’s plight reflected that of the nation as a whole. Israel, once God’s bride, was now like a widow bereft of children. However, her husband, God, has not forgotten her. There will be a new wedding feast, and God and his people will be like newlyweds again.
This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who replaced the old order with the new. This is symbolized by the changing of water into wine, (Gospel). The miracle of Cana links this Sunday with the feast of the Epiphany and with Jesus’ Baptism-all are epiphanies of his glory.
John depicts Mary as involved at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, and again at the end of it when she is present at the foot of the Cross. Mary is thus associated with the whole of his ministry. But her role must always be seen in relation to that of her Son.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life
Jan. 21st

SANCTUARY CANDLE: In Loving Memory of Marge Sweeney

Collections for Jan. 6th & Jan. 7th, 2007
Offertory - 114 envelopes.............................................................................$1091.35
Initial - 13 envelopes........................................................................................$61.00
Dues - 4 envelopes...........................................................................................$25.00
Advent - 7 Folders............................................................................................$67.65
Christmas - 1 envelopes......................................................................................$5.00
New Year’s - 17 envelopes..............................................................................$162.25

Thank you for your financial support

Family Life Bureau
The following groups will be offered January 2007.
1. Separation and Divorce (8 wks) - Focus on rebuilding and personal growth. Topics include: grief, anger, self-worth, stress, etc. Begins Monday, January 29th, from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
2. Self -Empowerment Women’s Groups (8 wks) -( John Powell’s Video Series - Happiness is an Inside Job) - Topics covered - Self -acceptance, Taking Responsibility, Effective Communication, Self -care, etc. Begins Wednesday, January 31st, from 7:00 -9:30 p.m.
Please call Sr. Loretta Walsh 579 - 0168 to register. Space is limited.

Knights of Columbus Meeting
The Knights of Columbus scheduled meeting for January 12th, 2007 is now being held on Friday, January 19th, 2007, St. Michael’s Hall at 7:30 p.m. All members are asked to please attend.
Liturgical Ministers
Sat. 5:00 p.m. Readers: Ros Hurley & Christine Tulk
Jan. 20th Eucharistic Ministers: Pat Craig; Betty Quigley; Kevin Quigley; Rosemary O’Keefe; Helen Pitts
Presentation of Gifts: Harriett & Colin Taylor
Ushers: George Jackman; Christopher Delaney; Bill Hammond; Peter Power; Keith Pitts

Sun. 10:30 a.m. Readers: Karen Seward & Susan Boone
Jan. 21th Eucharistic Ministers: Shirely Murphy; Pat Murphy; Connie Cole; Sid Maddigan; Christine Quinlan
Presentation of Gifts: Valerie Gorman Family
Children’s Liturgy: Patricia King
Ushers: Ray Whalen; Sid Maddigan; Art Whelan; Ray Kennedy

Church Cleaning Team -1- for week of Jan. 15th - 19th, 2007
Ray Whalen Jr.; Joey Kent; Amanda Curnew; Jasmine Brazil; Tasha Brazil

Mercy Associates
The next meeting of the Original Group of Mercy Associates will take place on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sister’s Residence.

Church Ushers
Would you be interested in helping the Ushers in our Parish. We require extra help with the Collections during the Weekend Masses on Saturday Evening and Sunday Morning. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact George Jackman at 488-2455 and he will answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

Development & Peace
The Brother Jim McSheffrey Diocesan Council of St. John’s will hold its annual Development and Peace Share Lent Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 20th, 2007, at the Latern, Barnes Road, St. John’s. Parish contacts and other interested persons are cordially invited to attend. A light lunch will be provided. Come and bring a friend. For information, please call Pat Kennedy at 747-0680 (after 6 p.m.). For more information about the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, please visit our website at www.devp.org.
Did you know?....
That this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Family Life Bureau. The Family Life Bureau was established in 1976 by Archbishop Patrick J. Skinner with the objective “to strengthen the quality of family living in the Archdiocese...” Currently the Family Life Bureau offers both individual and Marriage Counseling, as well as family-oriented programs such as Marriage Preparation, Assertive Communications, Self-Empowerment Women’s Group, Separation and Divorce, Spirituality...in keeping with their Mission Statement staff respond to people in need with compassion and concern. In 2006 they provided services to over 1000 individuals. Sister Loretta Walsh is the current Director of the Family Life Bureau.
Special events will be held to celebrate this anniversary. Watch your bulletin over the next few weeks for details.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
As a part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the St. John’s and Area Council of Churches is sponsoring a Festival of Prayer and Praise at Cowan Heights United Church at 7:30 p.m -Wednesday, 24 January. Church Choirs and Singing Groups are specially invited to participate.

Newfoundland Catholic Renewal
Newfoundland Catholic Renewal is sponsoring a Retreat Weekend, entitled “Deep Calls Unto Deep”. This weekend retreat will be given by Father Marc Van Rossem from the Netherlands. It will be held at St. Paul’s Parish in St. John’s, on February 9th -11th, 2007. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9th. For more information, please contact Brian at 726-3139 or Sharon at 739-6448.

Archdiocese of St. John’s Announces Year of Youth 2007:
The Most Reverend Brendan M.. O’Brien, S.T.D., Archbishop of St. John’s, has designated 2007 as “Year of Youth”. As we launch YEAR OF YOUTH 2007 let us make every effort to be communities which embrace, welcome and celebrate youth and provide them with opportunities for prayer, learning, sharing and caring.
“YOUTH POWER-ELECTRIC CONNECTION” Connecting to the Power of Youth in our community...Church, School, Environment, Social Justice, Home and Family, Neighbourhood...! Youth! Lighting the way of community. Youth! Leading lights in a community of life. YEAR OF YOUTH 2007 -Youth Rally at St. Bon’s School 1:00-4:30 p.m. Year of Youth Celebration Mass at the Basilica, 5:00 p.m., all ages welcome.
Pizza Party for youth after Mass at St. Bon’s School. All this on Sunday Jan. 28th.

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary
Our Parish extends congratulations to Mr. George & Doris (Dolly) Hickey who are celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary on January 18th.

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