SJVS Dinner Auction

The Vianney Nights Dinner Auction Committee needs your help!  We are looking for empty baskets that we will use to create lots for our Silent Auction.  If you have any baskets you can spare, please drop them off in the Bride's Room or in the Church office.  Thanks in advance for your help and support!

NEEDED

The St. Agnes Food Pantry is in desperate need of paper grocery bags. This is a continuing need. Please leave them in the back of Church.

A Christmas Thank-You

On Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful group of musicians accompany us on our Cantata “The Promise of a King,” and for Mass.  Our thanks and appreciation go to:  Adam Carlson and Greg Carlson (both on Cello), Brenton Craggs and Doreen Craggs (both on French Horn), David McEachern (Euphonium), Anne Petrides (Clarinet), Mary Petrides (Trumpet), Matthew Racette (Trombone), Tony Smela and Tim Smela (both on Trumpet).  A very special word of thanks to Tony Smela for organizing the musicians and directing them for the Cantata--fantastic job, Tony!  Our Narrators for the Cantata were Michael Jennings on Christmas Eve, and Martin Jennings on Christmas.  We thank you both for the great work!  In addition, Tony Smela returned on Christmas morning, as did Matt Racette, and played for the Cantata and Mass.  They sounded great!  Our thanks, also, to Bard McClanahan for adding to the beauty of “Silent Night: with his harmonica!

Blessings of the holiday season to all of you, and a Happy New Year.  Meg, Ron and the Choir

Thank you

Thank you so much for your extreme generosity for the Christmas Family Adoptions and cash donations.  Your generous spirit helped us at the Women’s Center to service 513 individuals with food; 265 of them were children with gifts; 77 senior citizens and singles were also gifted; of the senior citizens or singles, 50 were homeless or singles living alone.  Of the families, at least half of them said thank you because they are struggling due to being laid off or unemployed due to down sizing or businesses closing.  Others were just grateful that someone cares.  You helped make all of this possible.  Your generosity is commendable!  Thank You!  May Your New Year be blessed abundantly!    Sister Judy Blake and Sr. Carol Weber.

Angels Outreach Ministry

We want to sincerely thank the St. John Vianney parish for all of your kindness, generosity, and support given to the Angels Outreach Ministry for our 2008 Christmas Party.  We want to thank all of those who have donated, who volunteered to help decorate, our party volunteers (even though it was cold in the gym), and Fr. Firestone.  We have estimated that approximately 200 children and adults in the community attended.  The children enjoyed the activities and were so happy to receive gifts from Santa Claus.  The children’s parents were also grateful.  Without the support from St. John Vianney parish, this party would not have been possible.  We are proud to be a part of the St. John Vianney parish and we are very grateful for all of your support.  Other activities of the Angels Outreach Ministry are open gym, Camping Out With Jesus (C.O.W.J.), and our next annual event will be an Easter Party.  If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please contact Susan Verdun.  Thank you, Deacon Anthony and Susan Verdun

SJV Bible Study
Our Bible Study will start up again and will meet every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room.  Please come and join us!  Deacon Ron Rowe

SJVCS Raffle Tickets Available

We will have the calendar raffle tickets available next weekend, December 13 & 14, after all the Masses.  They make a great gift item for all those people on your list.  Share the fun!!  All proceeds go to our very own St. John Vianney Catholic School.  This raffle is throughout all of the 2009 calendar year.  Each $25.00 ticket equals 365 chances to win!  Tickets are also available at either the school or parish office.  Let Melinda in the parish office know if you are able to help Dec. 13/14.

Health Note

The most important thing you can do to prevent illness is wash your hands.  By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs picked up from other people and contaminated surfaces.

Young Adult Ministry

The Flint Newman Center is now open on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-10:00 p.m.  The Newman Center serves college students attending the University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering University, Mott Community College and Baker College.  The evening sessions will consist of praise and worship, speakers, bible study, food, fun, and more.  For more information please call 810-238-7931.  The Newman Center is located in the lower level of St. Michaels Church, 609 E. Fifth Ave., Flint, MI.

"Give Us a Try!"
Starting in September, we gather on the second Wednesday of each month for the 10:30 a.m. mass followed with a Potluck lunch in the Parish Center.  We would like to have all youngsters and oldsters join us for good food and good company.  As the song sings “All are welcome, in this place”!

DECREE

The Most Reverend Bishop Earl Boyea has issued Decrees for the consolidation of St. Luke Parish, St. Agnes Parish and Sacred Heart Parish to St. John Vianney Parish.  If you would like to see these Decrees they are available in St. John Vianney’s Church office, 8:00-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Decrees will also be posted on the Diocese of Lansing’s website on July 18.  The website address is www.dioceseoflansing.org. For additional information about the parish & school realignment for the north end of Flint please  CLICK HERE

Website for Deaf Catholics

Father Michael Depcik has a website especially suited to Deaf people who use sign language.  Besides Catholic information, it also consists of a VLOG or visual blog.  Father Depcik’s VLOG will include American Sign Language signed homilies, prayers like the rosary, and there is Catholic-related information.  The website can be found at www.frmd.org.

Cell Phone & Eye Glass Collection

Just a reminder that SJV is continually collecting cell phones & eye glasses.  For your convenience a box has been place in the vestibule of the church.  Please feel free to drop off cell phones and chargers, as well an any extra eye glasses in the box that has been provided.  The Christian Service commission will make sure the items are distributed to agencies that will benefit from your donations.