Parish Luncheon
Mark this date on your calendar! We had a wonderful turn out for our January lunch, but we missed you! Our guest speakers will be Mary Hackett and Joyce McCartney! You’ll be surprised with their topic - ’Covered In Prayer’! Wednesday, February 8th following our 10:30 a.m. Mass!

Pre-Lenten Dinner
Mark your Calendars the Pre-Lenten Dinner will be on Monday, February 20, 2012 (due to a Spelling Bee). If you would like to help, please call Marje at 659-6214. More information later.

Byzantine Forgiveness Vesper
You’re Invited to a Byzantine Forgiveness Vesper on Sunday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m. Father David A. Hannes, pastor of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church (2333 N. Elms Rd., Flushing) and parishioners extend a warm invitation to experience the Byzantine Catholic Church, as they begin the journey of Great Lent with the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers and the anointing for “healing of soul and body”. This presents a wonderful opportunity to experience the Byzantine Catholic East. This prayer form set within the heart of numerous holy icons conveys the intensity and warmth of “holy image and holy space”; a beginning point for the journey of Lent. Know that you and your family are invited! For more information: Parish office: 810-659-4887; stmichaelbyz@aol.com

Heartbeat
The Heartbeat organization in downtown Flint assists needy pregnant women and their infants with many services. Among these are counseling and providing young mothers with many things necessary for raising a healthy baby. They can use all items, new or used, that are in good condition such as furniture, clothing (new or gently used especially sizes 4T & 5T), blankets, diapers (all sizes especially larger sizes 3, 4, & 5) and anything else a baby and the mother may need. Also needed are formula (Enfamil or Parent’s Choice) and baby food. Please bring your donated items to church next weekend Saturday and Sunday February 11 & 12. Thank you, The Christian Service Commission

Contribution Statements
The 2011 Contribution Statements are at the main entrance of the Church. If you cannot locate yours or if you have a question about your statement, please call the parish office at 235-1812.

Ministry Schedule
The Ministry Schedule for March through July, 2012 will be published soon. If you have any special requests to be put on the schedule, off the schedule or if you wish to become a Minister; please contact Annie in the Parish Office: 235-1812 or ann_saunders@comcast.net

Catholic Schools
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2012 is January 29 to February 5. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large. The theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship. Catholic schools stand out from other educational institutions.          NCEA Catholic Schools Week 2012

Men’s Retreat
St. John Vianneys’ MEN’S annual retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center is on March 2-4, 2012. The theme for Retreat 2012 is “Living with Enthusiasm and Purpose: The Treasures of Faith Today.” For centuries, believing people have relied on the practices and beliefs of our faith. We will look at these practices and beliefs to see about putting them into practice and how they can affect our daily life. All of this leads to the ultimate goal of Christianity and bring about “A Change of Heart.” Retreatants may register by calling Dcn. John Sundwick at (810) 235-1812, the Retreat Center at 517-669-8321 or toll free at 866-669-8321. You may also register by visiting our web site www.stfrancis.ws. Suggested donation for the weekend is $140.00. A discount coupon is given to each retreatant for use in our Gift and Bookstore.

St. Joseph Workers
Our St. Joseph workers have been collecting and recycling scrap metal (iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper) for cash which was then used to buy maintenance supplies as needed.  Any metal donated will now be used to offset the high utility bills the school is currently incurring. Scrap metal may be left next to the dumpster by the school. Anything from curtain rods to brake drums will be appreciated. And we will take your old washing machine.

We are now prepared to accept all metal cans (PLEASE RINSE FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE CANS!) along with any other metal items you may wish to discard. No plastic or glass bottles at this time. Please put your cans into a sack and leave them, and any other items near the back door of the convent. Those are the doors closest to the flag pole. If you have any questions, call the Parish Office at 235-1812. Thank You!

Our St. Joseph Workers normally meet on Wednesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are retired or have a flexible work schedule, why not consider offering some of your time to help out our church and school. We are always looking for those who are blessed with a talent in plumbing, electrical, painting, gardening, and carpentry or have a willingness to work.

SJV Bible Study

Our Bible Study will start up again Thursday, January 5 and will meet every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room. Please come and join us!   Deacon Ron Rowe

Stay in Touch
If you plan to spend the winter months in warmer climate but want to know what’s happening in the Parish, we would be glad to mail you a bulletin. Call us, 235-1812, with your winter address and we will send a bulletin your way every week. You can also keep track of Parish information via the web: www.sjvflint.com

Vocation Cross
How can you assist the Church in one of its greatest needs? By praying for vocations! It is time to sign up for the Vocation Cross. It's very easy to do. Just give your name and phone number, and Celeste Milne will call you to set up a week where you and/or your family will receive the cross. Then, you simply pray for vocations that week. The next week, another family or individual takes it home. Sign up sheets are in the lobby. Thank you!! God will reward us with many holy priests!

Boxtops for Education
Thank you for sending in Boxtops throughout the year.   There are two submission times each year and one is the end of October.  We would appreciate having any Boxtops that you have accumulated by October 20^th so we can get them organized to mail.  The $0.10 rebate for each Boxtop adds up!  Throughout the year, we purchase supplies for science experiments and art and social studies activities, develop photos, etc. etc. so all donations are used for the students’ learning experiences.

The Guardian Angel Ministry
Provides transportation to Mass for individuals who may have no other way of getting to church. If you need our service, call the parish office 48 hours in advance of the need so that we may be able to schedule a driver

Prayer Chain Ministry
Prayers offered for anyone who has a physical, spiritual or emotional need. Confidentiality guaranteed, and anonymity if requested. Call any time: Joyce 810-621-2342, Pat 810-635-3716, or Church office, 810-235-1812. Parishioners are welcome to join the ministry at any time.

Cell Phone & Eye Glass Collection
A box has been placed in the Holy Family Chapel, off the church vestibule near the suggestions box to collect cell phones and eye glasses. Please feel free to drop off cell phones and chargers as well as any extra eye glasses you are not using. The Christian Service Commission will make sure these items are distributed to those agencies that will benefit from the donations. Thank you for you donations.

Recycle Your Paper

We Want ALL Your:  newspapers, magazines, office and school papers, shopping catalogs, and mail.  SJV school has become one of a few Michigan Green Schools in our ongoing quest to be good stewards of God's Earth.  A new paper retriever is located near the school for paper deposits at any time!  Please do not include plastic, glass, metals, or trash.  Thank you for helping to recycle paper and save trees!