SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER

Each year we collect money and food items on Super Bowl Sunday Weekend to support our local food Pantry. This year is no different, please remember to bring in canned goods or make a monetary donation to this worthy cause. Thank you

The Faith Formation Session that will be on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th, 2012 will begin with the 11:00am Mass followed by lunch and the session in the parish hall.

The Saturday February 4th session will remain at 9:00am to 12:00pm and the Monday February 6th session will remain at 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

All parish men, as well as their sons, brothers, fathers and friends are invited to this important annual conference, scheduled for Worcester's DCU Center on Saturday, March 24. Hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: author George Weigel (The Achievement of Blessed John Paul II: A Retrospective), Father Larry Richards (Confession), convert Father Dwight Longenecker (Listen My Son: St. Benedict for Fathers). New Orleans Saints' QB Coach Joe Lombardi, Vince Lombardi's grandson (Faith, Family & Football) and lay evangelist Mark Nehrbas (Power from on High: The Holy Spirit in our Lives). Bishop McManus will celebrate the conference Mass. For a Conference brochure, further information, or registration, call 508.929.4345 or visit the Conference website at www.firstmensconf.org for information and ticket purchases.

If any man in the parish wishes to attend the conference, but is unable to afford the conference fee, please contact Father LaBaire. He will assure that everyone who wants to attend the conference is able to participate.

These gatherings are meant to explore the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism. Together, we seek to come to a deeper appreciation of the commitment families make to their children through the Sacrament and look at some ways through which we can cultivate Christian values within our families and homes.

If you are expecting a child or the parents of a newborn and plan to have your child baptized, we invite you to join with us. Please contact Laurene Hirko at 508.278.2226 or at lhirko @ stmaryuxbridge.org if you are planning on attending one of the upcoming gatherings or if you have any questions. Godparents are most welcome to join with us, if they are able. Please remember that Godparents must present a letter from their respective pastors attesting to their active participation in the life of the Church.

The next gathering is Friday, February 3, 2012. The gathering will be held from 6:30-8:30pm.

Our next Adult Safe Environment Trainings will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 and Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 6:30-8:30pm at St. Mary's Parish Center. Anyone 18 years and older who is involved in any Parish Ministry and has not yet attended a training is asked to attend one training session. Please call Liz Wondolowski at (508) 278-0320 with any questions.

In case of bad weather please visit the Parish website, call Liz or call Annette Gion at St. Mary's (508) 278-3777 before coming.

The Saint Mary Parish weekly Bible Study meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome. Participants are invited to bring a Bible. Bibles will also be provided for those needing one. The focus of our gathering is exploring the Gospel of Luke and applying the gospel to our daily lives in today’s world. No prior experience in scripture study is required, only open hearts and open minds!

Join with us as we begin the holy season of Lent together. Our liturgical schedule for Ash Wednesday, February 22, is as follows:

7:00am Mass with the distribution of ashes
4:00pm Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of ashes
7:00pm Mass with the distribution of ashes

"Merciful God, you bring us to life from the dust of the earth: You re-create us through the waters of baptism and you breathe into us the new life of the Risen Christ.

Look upon us as we enter these forty days, bearing upon us the mark of ashes.

May our fasting be a hunger for justice;

May our works of charity be the making of peace and reconciliation;

May our prayers be the hopes we are prepared to work and sacrifice for.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

During the upcoming Lenten Season, Saint Mary’s will be offering a weekly gathering that will explore the richness and beauty of our Catholic faith. The event will be held on Tuesdays at 7pm throughout Lent.

The gathering will include the viewing segments of Catholicism: The Journey of a Lifetime. This rich multimedia experience, narrated by Father Robert Barron, was filmed in more than 50 locations throughout 15 countries. From Israel to Uganda, from the shrines of Italy, France and Spain, to the streets of Mexico and New York City, the Catholicism: The Journey of a Lifetime series recounts the spiritual and artistic treasures of the faith that claims more than one billion of the earth’s people. It tells one of the most amazing stories ever told: the 2,000 year story of the Catholic Church.

This critically acclaimed series has been recently featured on PBS and other media outlets.

Each night's segment will be followed by a discussion and reflection. Please mark your calendars and consider joining us for this engaging exploration of our faith. The series will begin on Tuesday, February 28th.

YOUTH MINISTRY EVENT
Attention Youth in Grades 7 – 12

On Sunday, January 29, in the Parish Hall starting at 7:00pm, we will be having a Movie Night!

We will be watching the multi-award nominated film, King Fu Panda 2.

Come and enjoy a good movie and have fun with fellow youth of the parish…and, yes, popcorn will be served!

All who wish to attend – please email Deb Doonan at luigi6202009 @ aol.com by Friday, January 27. Please let your friends know…the more people, the more fun we have!

People First Food Pantry is the local town-wide food pantry serving all residents in Uxbridge and Linwood as well as any parishioner from any Uxbridge parish. The following is a food list that the pantry is always in need of:
Laundry Detergent
Snacks for Children
Cereal, Macaroni and Cheese
Personal Care Items (Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, etc.)
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)
Jelly