TWENTY – SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 30th, 2007

A Blessing of Animals:
This week, on Thursday, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis has long been identified as the patron saint of animals and of creation. Both the Book of Blessings (Ch. 25) and Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers include an order of Prayer for the Blessing of Animals on the feast of this great saint.
Our Catholic spiritual tradition has long held that creation (the earth, all the animals and birds, the trees and plants, the mountains and hills), by its existence, gives praise to God, the great creator who entrusts his work into the hands of humans. Psalm 148, for example, sings, calling upon all creation to praise the Lord: “Praise him, sun and moon; /give praise, all shining stars;/ You animals wild and tame,/ you creatures that crawl and fly/….let them all praise the Lord’s name” (Psalm 14:3, 10, 13a).
Many parishes celebrate a blessing of animals in observance of the feast of Saint Francis. Such a prayer service begins with the sign of the cross and an introduction to the service of blessing. A reading of scripture follows (for example, the account of creation: Genesis 1:24 – 31). After that, the Prayer of Blessing is prayed, followed by Intercessions, the Lord’s Prayer, and a Closing Prayer. The full order of service can be found in the Book of Blessings or in Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, pp 174-77.

First Reading: Amos 6.1a, 4-7
The carousing of those at ease will pass away: they will head the line of exiles.
Second Reading: 1.Timothy 6.11-16
As you await Our Lord’s return in glory, keep his commandments perfectly.
Gospel: Luke 16.19-31
You received good things, but Lazarus received evil: now he is comforted, while you are in agony.

Tuesday Oct. 2nd 7:00 p.m. Sam Kavanagh; Annie Lahey; Walter Lahey; Marion
Sweeney; Fred Thoms

Wednesday Oct. 3rd 9:30 a.m. Philip Delaney; James Fitzpatrick; Bridget Whelan;
Joan Gosse; Horace Gendreau

Thursday Oct. 4th 9:30 a.m. Ronald J. Kavanagh; Annabell Kavanagh; Dawn Cahill & Bart
& Beryl Bartlett; Margaret Cummings; Kenneth Lahey

Friday Oct 5th 9:00 a.m. Scott King; Lloyd King; Louise Conway; Mary Hammond;
Ryan Hicks; Mary McLean

Saturday Oct. 6th 2:30 p.m. Wedding Ceremony of Gregory Kent &Amanda Verge
4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Penance
5:00 p.m. Phonse, Jenny & Gary Sweeney; Mary O’Brien; Don Lewis;
Bess Walsh; Fred Watson, Patrick & Minnie Doherty; Bill
Gosse; Gregory Gorman; Elizabeth Gorman; Con Dalton;
John W. Cahill

Sunday Oct. 7th 10:30 a.m. For Parishioners Living & Deceased
St. Michael’s Parish

Liturgical Ministers
Saturday Oct. 6th 5:00 p.m. Readers: Ashley Curnew & Amanda Curnew
 Eucharistic Ministers: Art Whelan; Karen Seward; Helen Pitts;
Brenda Sweeney
Presentation of Gifts: Colin & Harriett Taylor
Ushers: Bill Hammond; George Hickey; George
Jackman; Keith Pitts

Sunday Oct. 7th 10:30 a.m. Readers: Sharon Hammond & Kelly Whelan
Eucharistic Ministers: Judy Burt; Sarah Burt; Riv Fitzgerald
Connie Cole
Presentation of Gifts: Shirley & Pat Murphy
Children’s Liturgy: Rosalind Hurley
Ushers: Ray Kennedy; Alex Newell; Charlie O’Brien;
Ray Whalen

SANCTUARY CANDLE IN MEMORY OF HORACE GENDREAU

Mass Intentions for Week of October 9th- October 14th, 2007
Tuesday Oct. 9th 9:30 a.m. Richard, Veronica & Sister Phascal Dwyer; Regina Power;
Gertrude George; Blair Dalton; Kevin Walsh

Wednesday Oct. 10th 9:30 a.m. Jeffrey Kearsey; Yvonne Stone; Eileen Hanlon; John W.
Cahill; Loretta Kennedy

Thursday Oct. 11th 7:00 p.m. Patrick W. Murphy; Patrick Power; Gladys Brown; Esther
Burke; Bess Walsh

Friday Oct. 12th 9:00 a.m. Doraval Skinner; Rev. Richard McHugh; Theresa Lenz;
Robert Mantha; Gertrude Byrne

SaturdayOct. 13th  4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Penance
5:00 p.m. Elizabeth (Betty) Murphy; Julia (Foley) Lahey; Kevin
Wiseman; Michael & Margaret McLean; Kevin Walsh;
James & Sarah Kavanagh; James & Florence Kavanagh;
Richard O’Brien

Sunday Oct. 14th 10:30 a.m. For Parishioners Living & Deceased
St. Michael’s Parish

Liturgical Ministers
Saturday 5:00 p.m. Readers: Bonita Power & Karen Seward
Oct. 13th Eucharistic Ministers: Jasmine Brazil; Lydia Brazil; Irene
Delahunty; Raymond Whelan
Presentation of Gifts: Shirley Murphy & Carol Clarke
Ushers: Leo Byrne; Fred Carroll; George Hickey;
Brian Tulk

Sunday 10:30 a.m. Readers: Donovan Taplin & Christine Taplin
Oct. 14th Eucharistic Ministers: Joey Somerton; Rosanne Grant; Bev
Rees; Geraldine Fitzgerald
Presentation of Gifts: Patricia & Michael King
Children’s Liturgy: Susan Boone
Ushers: Tom Cole; Kevin Delahunty; Sidney Rees;
Ray Whalen

SANCTUARY CANDLE IN MEMORY OF THOMAS W. BRAZIL

MARRIAGE***6 months notice required***PREPARATION PROGRAM – Must
be completed before the wedding takes place.
Friday Oct. 12th, 2007 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 13th, 2007 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday Nov. 16th, 2007 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday Nov.17th, 2007 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
MARRIAGE INFORMATION: Are you aware that Catholics are obliged to marry in the Catholic Church? If they marry elsewhere without permission, the marriage is not recognized by the church. Permission is available and readily granted provided that both parties are free of impediments and fulfill the church’s requirements for marriage. Please speak to your Parish priest for information and to apply for permission.

Bad News and Good News on Church Furnaces:
During our regular “Fall Furnace Tune-Up”, it was discovered that the whole Fire Box and Heat Exchanger were both burnt-out with gaping holes in the fire area. The second furnace for the hall is in perfect condition. The Church furnace (23 years old) had to be completely replaced at the cost of $5,454.00. This is an unexpected shock to our ordinary heat and light budget. Someone suggested that we can’t really afford to turn on the furnace until it is paid for. Hopefully, we will not have to go that route. Any offering Big or Small for the furnace will be deeply appreciated.

Collection for Sept.22nd & Sept. 23rd, 2007
Offertory Collection – 122 Envelopes-------------------------------------------------$1, 092.90
Furnace Renovation Fund – 8 Envelopes--------------------------------------------------475.00
Needs of Canadian Church – 2 Envelopes----------------------------------------------------4.00
Dues – 4 Envelopes-----------------------------------------------------------------------------24.00
Donation in Memory of Betty Murphy-------------------------------------------------------25.00
Thank – You for Your Financial Support

Home Religion Program/Parents Meeting
All Parents of the Home Religion Program are asked to attend the first scheduled meeting being held on Tuesday, October 9th, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church. Please ensure your child is registered. Registration forms are available at the Church or Parish office.
 

Caring By Sharing
St. Michael’s Parish has designated the First Sunday of each month for a collection of fresh vegetables for the Caring by Sharing. Please help to support this cause. God Bless.

Events in the Parish
Monday and Wednesday nights at St. Michael’s Hall…………….. Card Game at 8:30 p.m.

Mercy Associates
The next meeting of the New Group of the Mercy Associates will be held on Thursday, October 11th, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. at the Sister Residence.

Visitation of the Sick & Shut Ins
Father Jim and Sister Phyllis will visit the Sick & Shut Ins of the Parish on Friday, October 5th, 2007. If you cannot be home on that day, please notify the office at 488-2525. If any Sick or Shut In member of our Community wishes to have a visit, please register at the office.

Snow Tender: 2007 – 2008
This is the time of year when we prepare for the upcoming winter. We invite contractors to submit the type of equipment they use for snow removal and the expenses incurred for its hire. We will review the costs of the equipment per hour as well as the snow removal contract for the total winter season. The contract will include the clearing of snow around all church/hall property as well as the Priests’ residence. For further discussion or information, please call the office at 488-2525. All interested persons are asked to have their prices or contract submitted by the end of October.

World Mission Sunday
Sunday October 21st, 2007 Catholics throughout the world will celebrate World Mission Sunday. This ‘Special’ Sunday provides an opportunity for Catholics everywhere to share in the mission of the church through prayer and financial support.
World Mission Sunday Collection for 2006 from Newfoundland totaled $20.730.00.
Copies of the World Mission prayer and Envelope Collection are available at the back of our Church. Please take a copy of the prayer and pray it during the week in anticipation of Mission Sunday, October 21st.
 

Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is October 8th: Today, or on a suitable weekday during the autumn, it is fitting for God’s people to offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings God wants to shower on us through Christ. Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people. Happy Thanksgiving
 

Cemetery Clean Up
Soon winter will be upon us once again and it is time to clear the gravesites of all the debris that has been left there from our Cemetery Service. Removal of all the old flowers that have decayed would give us a clean area to put the fresh flowers and wreaths that you have for your loved ones at Christmas, and at the same time, would also give you less work for the following year.
 

Canadian Bishops
During the month of October (Monday, October 15 to Friday, October 19) the Canadian bishops are scheduled to meet in plenary session in Cornwall. All are invited to pray throughout the month asking the spirit of God to guide the bishops in their deliberations and decisions for the people of God.

October: Month of the Rosary
Families are encouraged to pray the Rosary during the month of October. During the month of October, we will pray the Rosary 15 minutes before weekday Mass. I invite parishioners to join us for this time of prayer.

Ministry Sunday
During the weekend of October 14th and October 21st, we will celebrate our annual Ministry Sunday. This is a time for parishioners to sign up for various ministries in our Parish. We encourage our youth to participate and parents/families are asked to become involved. We need additional members of our community to participate and we count on ‘you’. Ministry sheets are available at the entrances of our Church. Please fill them out and return them after Mass.
Vote Early, Vote Often, Vote Life!
To end abortion, pro-lifers need to question their election candidates on abortion and vote for only pro-life candidates and policies. The Campaign Life Coalition-NL has sent a survey to all the election candidates in Newfoundland and Labrador to determine which ones are worthy of support. To view the results visit www.lifesite.net, call 709-279-3580, or e-mail MUNforLIFE@gmail.com

Life Chain
The annual Life Chain will be held in front of 202 LeMarchant Road on Sunday, September 30th, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. This is a peaceful, silent, prayerful witness to life. Join us! For info call the Right to Life Association at 579-1500.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Bell Island
2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. “Community Concert” St. Augustine’s Gym - $3.00 at the door.
4:30p.m. – 5:30 p.m. “Walk of Hope” (Wabana Complex - St. Michael’s Church)
5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. “Ecumenical Service” at St. Michael’s Church
6:30 p.m. Reception at St. Michael’s Hall hosted by the Parish

49th International Eucharistic Congress
Those interested in attending the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, June 14-23, 2008 are asked to contact Joanne Chafe (the Group Leader for the Archdiocese) at 709-579-7924.

ELIMINATING POVERTY IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR:
CBC-TV will broadcast a two-part open dialogue with all three political parties and members of the Religious Social Action Coalition on ELIMINATING POVERTY IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR during the final week of the Provincial election campaign: Tuesday, October 2 at 7 PM ; and, Wednesday, October 3 at 7 PM. Please tune in.
Family Life Bureau
The following group will be offered the Fall 2007.
The Marriage Enrichment Course (7 Week Video Series) - The marriage course is designed for couples who want to enrich their marital relationship.
Topics include: recognizing each other’s needs, communicating effectively, resolving conflict, forgiveness, parents and in-laws, good sex, and more. Each evening includes a candlelit dessert, a video talk and an opportunity to discuss topics together AS A COUPLE.
Facilitators: Claude and Grace Pike.
Begins: Tuesday, Oct 16th, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
To register: Call Sr. Loretta Walsh 579-0168. Space is Limited

NEWS from ST. BONAVENTURE’S COLLEGE
A committee has been formed to launch a Brother A.F. Brennan Scholarship /Bursary Fund to honor Brother Brennan’s outstanding contribution to Catholic Education and Environmental Studies. Contributions may be made payable to Brother A.F. Brennan Scholarship Fund c/o Brother J.B. Darcey, c.f.c., 4 Merrymeeting Road, St. John’s, NL A1C 2V5. A tax deduction receipt will be issued.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE SPECIAL PUBLIC LECTURE AND WEEKEND
WORKSHOPS :
Join us at The Lantern, 35 Barnes Road, St. John’s as the Brother Jim McSheffrey Diocesan Council of St. John’s celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace with a special guest solidarity visitor and a weekend of events, as follows: Friday, October 12, 2007, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Public Lecture, “Catholic Social Teaching: Implications for Doing Justice in the Parish and the Community”, by Father Peter Henriot, S.J., Director, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, Zambia, and internationally renowned author and speaker (see www.jctr.org.zm); Saturday, Oct. 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Workshop “Development and Peace and the Tree of Catholic Social Teaching”, followed at 5:00 p.m. with Mass at the Basilica; and, Sunday, Oct. 14th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fall Action Campaign Workshop. Lunch will be provided each day. Admission is free for each event, but please pre-register. For information and to register, please contact Pat Kennedy at 747-0680, e-mail: patkennedy@uponthisrock.ca

FAMILY LIFE BUREAU
Self-Empowerment Women’s Group (8 wks) - (John Powell’s Video Series - Happiness is an Inside Job) - Topics covered - Self-acceptance, Taking Responsibility, Effective Communication, Self-care, etc.
Facilitators: Anna Powell, M.Ed, CCC,
Catherine Ryan, R.N., B.Sc.Nsg., M.Sc.Med., MBA.
Begins: Wednesday, Sept. 26th 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Events Item
St. Lawrence Anglican Church Hall in Portugal Cove will be holding a Wine and Cheese/Live and Silent Auction, on October 13th, from 7-10 p.m. Wonderful gifts and terrific deals will be available. Tickets are being presold and are now on sale for $10.00 each. For further info please call Christine (895-3144) or Church Office (895-2215).

Royal Canadian Legion Seniors Party
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 18, Bell Island, will be hosting a Seniors Party on Friday, October 5th, 2007 starting at 2:30 p.m. with supper at 4:30 p.m.. A dance will follow.

Community Service Council
The Community Service Council is conducting computer training free of charge at the Wabana Boys & Girls Club, Bell Island from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The dates are as follows: Oct. 9th - Excel; Oct 10th - Internet Safety and Oct. 11th - Power Point. Registration Deadline is October 3rd, 2007. Space is limited, please call 753-9860.

Belvedere Orphanage Fund
This is a special fund which is available for female orphans or half-orphan. Applications are available at the Parish office. The following conditions apply if you seek to receive support: 1 Recipient must be a female orphan or half-orphan; 2. Recipient must be in need; 3. Need is to be interpreted broadly and not confined to Education; 4. The recipient must be 18 years old or younger; 5. Application must be made through a member of a religious congregation, or a parish priest; 6. The party making application for the recipient must verify that she is a needy orphan or half-orphan. The deadline for the application is October 12, 2007.

Prayer for the Election of Our New Bishop
Almighty, God, giver of every good gift; Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose the new Archbishop for the Archdiocese of St. John’s, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Quote: “To Call God my Father and to Know myself His Child, that is Heaven to me…” ~ St. Thérèse

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