FOLLOWING ST. PAUL 

The Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians was written by St. Paul probably around the year 60 A.D. while he was in prison.  He founded this church during his second missionary journey (this story is found in Acts 16: 12-10).  The primary reason for writing is to thank the people of Philippi for the contribution they sent him.  This letter is filled with words that express Paul’s feelings about the Philippians – warmth, affection and thankfulness.  The whole letter turns around the theme of joy which is found only in having a fellowship with Christ, a dynamic relationship that comes from knowing that God has started a good work in us and he will continue to complete it until the end of time.  Memorize: Phil 1: 21.  In 1:27 and chapter 2, Paul invites us to conduct our life in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ.  One way of doing that is by living unselfishly.  A good way to start living this way is to esteem others as more important than ourselves.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL  

There is now a monthly envelope for St. Vincent de Paul included in your annual envelope box set. The Society would like to thank you for your past contributions and hope that you will continue your generosity under the new system. The reason for the change is so that those who itemize their charitable contributions will have a verifiable receipt through the records of the parish for IRS verification. Thank you for your continued support in enabling us to see the face of Christ in the poor!

Lent is a call not just to “give up something” but more important to “give something to the poor.” Wherever you live in the parish, there are poor families within walking distance of your home.  When in need, they ring the rectory bell.  They are, in effect, ringing your doorbell. Your gift in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul poor box will help the poor to celebrate the grace of God’s love this Easter.  Thank you for your continued generosity!

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Anger is a natural, emotional response to someone when we believe that he/she has done something wrong, unfair, unjust or inappropriate to us or to those about whom we care; or it is the emotion we experience when we feel threatened. Anger is usually accompanied by a great deal of energy which when unmanaged often causes hurt, fear, misunderstanding, hard feelings and broken relationships.   The Family Life Bureau at Catholic Charities conducts classes in Anger Management on a regular basis.  Contact person; Mary Jo 302 655-9624.

WORD OF LIFE 

Mother Teresa said that Christ comes to us in the distressing disguise of the poor.  She also said that it is a terrible poverty that a child must die so that people might live as they wish.  Taken together, I believe that the poorest of the poor are those whose poverty lies in the loss of a child.  We should consider them the face of Christ in our lives and help them with a kind word, a listening ear, a healing embrace.  Only love can overcome the tragedy of abortion and that love must begin with each of us.~ Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus, Address at the 25^th Anniversary Celebration of Project  Rachel.   

MENTOR VOLUNTEERS  

The Division of Family Services in partnership with the State Office of Volunteerism is looking for Mentor Volunteers to serve children aging out of the Foster Care system.  Volunteer Mentors would teach life skills, such as how to:  Balance a check book; Rent an apartment; Learn to Interview; Develop a Budget.  A few hours a month could make a huge difference in helping these young men and women with independent living skills towards a brighter future.  Training is offered to Volunteer Mentors prior to working with children.  For more information about how you can make a difference and become a trusted friend to someone who needs one, please contact Andy Kloepfer at Andy.Kloepfer @state.de.us.

WHAT THE U.S. BISHOPS TEACH ABOUT IMMIGRATION. 

Please check out outstanding resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at www.justiceforimmigrants.org  If you did not get a chance to fill out postcards or know others who were unable to do so, then please visit this website to advocate on-line for information reform.  If you need further clarification, then please call 302 6555-0518 or visit mtkerrig@yahoo.com.

CATHOLICS ON CAMPUS

Many of your teens have graduated and are heading off to college. Concerned about the future? Are you worried about your youth finding people with values in the "real world?" Become a part of Catholics on Campus. While this site is intended to be used by students, parents, teachers, or youth ministers are invited to submit information. The Catholic Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Wilmington offers a free and easy way to connect with the Campus Ministry of any College or University in the country. Simply fill in the required information and the Campus Ministry personnel of the college of your choice will contact your teen this summer. Visit www.catholicsoncampus.com to sign up today.

PRO-LIFE DE LICENSE PLATE  

Choose Life Delaware, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer organization with an annual membership fee of $20.00  These fees are distributed to pregnancy help agencies within Delaware that promote adoption instead of abortion. As a member of Choose Life Delaware, Inc. a State of Delaware organizational auto license plate is available to you for a one time fee of $10. For details to obtain your own Choose Life Delaware vehicle license plate, contact Jim Cordie at 302-678-9955 or email him at jim@cordie.us.

JESUS HOUSE EVENTS

Catholic Mass – Tuesdays at 12:15PM

Healing Mass – Third Tuesday of the month at 7:10PM

Healing Prayer Service – Fourth Thursday of the month at 12:15PM

Prayer Meeting – Tuesdays at 7:30PM  

For information, call Edie at 302 995-6859 or edie2501@comcast.net.

STEPPING STONES

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington will be offering “Stepping Stones,” a six-week program for recovery and healing after divorce and separation. This six-week program will meet at St. Joseph’s Church (Room #9 of the Parish Complex next to the church) in Middletown, DE, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday evenings ending March 27^th. Registration for the six-week program is $35. For any further information contact Sandy Clark at Catholic Charities 302-472-0638 or send an email to sclark@ccwilm.org.

DIALOG TRIP TO ITALY :

The Dialog invites you to join Msgr. Joseph Rebman on an 11-day pilgrimage to Italy , March 8-18, 2010 . Non-stop flight from Philadelphia . Rome, Siena, Assisi, Florence and more, including shrines associated with St. Benedict, St. Catherine of Siena, Padre Pio, Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Francis of Assisi.  $2,649 (per person based on double occupancy) plus taxes and fuel surcharge. For a brochure call (302) 573-3109, email knovello@thedialog.org or go to www.cdow.org/dialog.html <http://www.cdow.org/dialog.html>. Reservation deadline – December 3.

POSITION AVAILABLE

President—Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington, a private, Catholic, tuition free middle school in the Salesian tradition for boys from low income families is seeking a President. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic who will promote and foster the school’s mission. For more information and application go to www.nativitywilmington.org. Application must be submitted by 3/15/10.

 SHARED EXPERIENCES, ENRICHED LIVES: 

Enter more deeply into solidarity between the Dioceses of San Marcos and Wilmington. Meet men, women, and children from San Marcos, Guatemala during a morning of prayer, story-telling, and faith sharing on Saturday, March 20 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel, Georgetown.  If you plan on coming or need clarification, then please respond to this e-mail or call Br. Chris at 302-655-0518.

THE MSGR. THOMAS J. REESE AWARD: 

Ellen Barrosse, founder and CEO of Synchrogenix Information Strategies and Kevin Reilly, motivational speaker and a former linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, will receive this award at the Catholic Charities Annual Tribute Dinner on Wednesday, March 24, 2010.  The Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, D.D. will present the awards at the dinner to be held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.  Call 302 655-9624 for more information

 DIOCESAN PILGRIM CROSS 

Bishop Malooly invites youth and young adults from all parishes and schools to join him as we come together for the inaugural Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Young people from across the diocese will carry the diocesan pilgrimage cross through the streets of Wilmington with the bishop as a representation of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and his journey on Good Friday to Calvary. Registration opens at 9:30 and the day concludes with an optional concert with Catholic musician Steve Angrisano, our emcee for the day. Don’t miss this great opportunity to wrap up your Lenten journey with hundreds of your peers. Cost for the day is $15 (bring your own lunch). To register, please contact Maritza Figueroa or visit www.cdow.org.  See bulletin insert for more information. 

 “CELEBRATE LIFE DAY" 

You are invited to join in a celebration for persons with special needs and their families/friends.  The date is Sunday, April 18^th at 3:30 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Liturgy at 4:00 PM and a light supper to follow. Please bring 2 or 3 cans of food for the parish food closet.  Please call Sr. Sally Russell at (302) 573-3130 no later than Friday, March 24 to register,.

BLING & BLUE JEAN GALA 

A celebration of the past, present & future sponsored by Holy Cross School.  The date is Friday, April 23^rd from 7 PM to 11 PM.  Entertainment from Delaware’s own Love Seed Mama Jump.  Hors d’oeuvres and open bar.  Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door.  For more information call Tina Fannin at 674-5787, ext. 32.

REUNION PLANNED

Alumni of St. Catherine of Siena Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware should mark their calendars for the evening of Saturday, April 24. As part of the parish's Jubilee, a reunion will be held in the Martin Center with food, music, and lots of catching up with classmates. Class coordinators are assembling invitation lists. To be added, contact Sharon Cordrey at (302) 994-2302 or send your contact info to SCSJubilee@gmail.com. Please include your name now and then, year of graduation, address and phone.  

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER 

“Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” (Second Reading) Marriage erodes when we take each other for granted.  Hear more about the choices to love that keep marriage strong. The  next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is April 30-May 2. Early registration is highly recommended. For more information visit our website at: wwwme.org or to register for the weekend, please call Jack and Bridget O’Connell at 302 653-0593. 

 VIA CRUCIS (Way of the Cross) 

Annual production will be presented in St. Anthony of Padua Church during Fridays of Lent.  The local tradition is marking its golden anniversary this year, but the tradition is much older than 50 years because the presentation is done in the style of a medieval Europe 'mystery play', when drama was frequently used as a vehicle for imparting the Word of God. 

 CATHOLIC CHARITIES CELEBRATES 180 YEARS OF CARING SERVICE 

Catholic Charities is highlighting one program each month during its 180^th anniversary celebration in 2010.  The Catholic Charities Thrift Centers are featured this month. Information on these programs and other Catholic Charities programs is available at www.cdow.org/charities.html.

 HOLY CROSS 

Is sponsoring a CYM Track and Field team for youth grades 3-8. (younger siblings may participate in practices)   Practices are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM at Delaware State University Track. Attendance at 2 of the 3 practices is required. Meets are on Saturdays. Events include: Sprints and relays, mid-distance (400, 800  and 1600m), Shot Put, Long, triple and high jump. Come join this VERY FUN and SUPPORTIVE team that instills the finest characters and ideals of CYM sports.  Already run for a middle school team?  You can still join the team and enjoy competition against some of the finest teams and tracks in Wilmington in a positive and encouraging environment. Participating in another sport, like soccer or baseball? You might still be able to participate as a CYM Track athlete. For more information- COME TO PRACTICE or contact Coach Stubbolo at 222-8903 or Coach Ryan at 233-5251  See you on the Track!

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 

St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, DE has started a book discussion club that meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the Religious Education Center from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  We are currently reading Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.  In March we will begin reading Mother Theresa Through the Eyes of a Friend, written by Father Vazhakala who worked with Mother Theresa in starting the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative and the Lay Missionaries of Charity. For information, call Barbara at 302 644-2603.

Invest in the future of Delaware – Children!

The Division of Family Services in partnership with the State Office of Volunteerism is looking for Mentor Volunteers to serve children aging out of the Foster Care system.  Volunteer Mentors would teach life skills, such as how to: balance a check book, rent an apartment, learn to interview,  develop a budget.  A few hours a month could make a huge difference in helping these young men and women with independent living skills towards a brighter future. Training is offered to Volunteer Mentors prior to working with children. To find out more about how you can make a difference, and become a trusted friend to someone who needs one, please contact Andy Kloepfer at Andy.Kloepfer@state.de.us

 DO YOU KNIT? CROCHET? SEW?

Would you like to use this skill to help someone who has lost their hair due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, or burn wounds? I am embarking on a project to do just that, and would like to invite you. If you are interested and would like more information (including patterns and ‘Head Huggers Guidelines’), please contact: Robin E. Agar, 202 Acorn Forest Drive , Felton , DE 19943 Phone: (302) 284-8141; Email: robin@delawareheadhuggers.org, www.delawareheadhuggers org, or visit the main Head Huggers web site for information and patterns: http://www.headhuggers.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BIRTHRIGHT OF DELAWARE

Make a positive difference in a woman’s life! You are just the person to do that. Birthright welcomes your help in the following areas: friendship counseling, prayer volunteering, bulk mailings, and fundraising. It’s fun and flexible! Please call Nan Bernardo at 656-7080 or email birthrightofdel@verizon.net for more information.

CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE 

Catholics in Central and eastern Europe need your help to continue to revitalize the Church and to foster the Spirit of Love in their parishes and communities.  In 28 countries throughout Central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the Collection funds vital pastoral and social projects and contributes to programs that promote Catholic life.  Please be generous in today’s Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.  Believe in the power of the Spirit of Love.

A UNIQUE WAY TO HELP CATHOLIC CHARITIES

        What if Catholic Charities earned a donation every time you searched the Internet? Or, how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support Catholic Charities? Well, now it can! GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate.

        To support Catholic Charities, just go to www. GoodSearch.com, pick Catholic Charities (Wilmington DE) as the charity you want to support, then use it just as you would any search engine. Because Yahoo powers the search, you will receive quality search results, and Catholic Charities will receive a donation.

        GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall that donates up to 37% of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting your favorite cause. Go to www.GoodShop.com, enter Catholic Charities ( Wilmington DE ) as the charity you support, choose the store you want to shop in, and go shopping!

        Remember, just go to www.GoodSearch.com and www.GoodShop.com and choose Catholic Charities ( Wilmington DE ) as the charity you want to support.

 HELP CATHOLIC CHARITIES HELP OTHERS 

Catholic Charities Thrift Store, located at 23^rd & Bowers Sts. In Wilmington, is in need of clean and useable furniture, appliances and beds.  If you have any items you can donate to help us continue our efforts to provide for those in need, please call 302 764-2717, Monday-Friday 9AM to 4PM.  Pick up service is available in some areas. All donations are tax deductible.

POST-ABORTION PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING

Post- Abortion Professional Counseling is available at all four Catholic Charities locations. Catholic Charities’ counselors are trained to provide sensitive and effective post-abortion counseling. When you call the Clinical Services Program you will speak to intake workers who will answer any questions that you have and set up an appointment with a counselor who will help you begin the healing process. The Clinical Services Program is committed to providing confidential counseling services to those who need it regardless of ability to pay. Please call the Clinical Services Program office most convenient for you. Wilmington -- 302-655-9624; Salisbury -- 410-749-1121: Georgetown -- 302-856-9578; Dover -- 302-674-1600.

LAKE FOREST SCHOOLS NEED MENTORS/TUTORS

Mentoring and tutoring is most effective to a child when a meaningful relationship develops by means of a regular time commitment.  Children who receive tutoring and mentoring are less likely to drop out of school, join gangs, get arrested and get pregnant while still a teenager.   Any caring person can become a mentor and tutor.  One hour a week can make an impact on a child’s life.  If you are interested or would like more information please call 398-8197 ext. 371 to discuss service opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Teach international exchange students about your family and our North American Culture. Learn about students and their cultures by becoming a Volunteer Host Family. Lifelong friendships are gained by hosting an exchange student. You can host a 30 day, 6 month or 10 month student. Call Julieann Giannone (parishioner) at 422-1874 for information on this program.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Delaware Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign is looking for volunteers to assist low-income families claim the tax credits they have earned. Last year, 500 trained volunteers prepared taxes and generated over $19 million in refunds for over 14,000 hardworking Delawareans. You don’t need any experience, and all volunteers receive training. Your volunteering can boost a family’s income and put them on the road to financial success! To volunteer, visit the EITC website, http://www.eitcdelaware.net. To get information for Kent & Sussex Counties , email DEopportunitiesKSC@ymail.com

A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME! TAX-FREE IRA GIFTS

Did you know that federal law changed in 2006 to allow tax-free charitable distributions from your IRA? Recently, that law was extended for 2008 and 2009. Charitable taxpayers can direct “qualified charitable distributions” from their fund administrator directly to the charities of his/her choice, including one’s parish, school or favorite ministry. Anyone with an IRA who is 70 ½ years old at the time of the distribution should explore this possibility. For the details, contact your legal or financial adviser--or Sister Margaret Mahoney at (302) 573-3125 or visit the diocesan website under www.cdow.gift-planning.org.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.  The Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club is interested in implementing a mentoring/volunteering program. If you are interest in being a part of the development of tomorrow’s leaders, please call Marlene Duffy, interim director at 302-422-4453.

ROSARY MAKERS WANTED

Respond to the call of Our lady.  The need for rosaries is great and urgent. Become a missionary by making rosaries for missions in the U.S., the military and around the world.  Please call Our Lady’s Rosary Makers (4611 Poplar Level Road, P.O. Box 37080 , Louisville, KY  40233-7080 at 502 968-1434 or 502 968-1477 and order a beginner’s kit for less than $10.00 which allows you to make 50 cord rosaries and comes with instructions. Make a difference in the world.  Help bring peace to the world and turn the tide of evil.  God will bless you abundantly.  

HOPE HEALING MINISTRIES of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes,

Is offering Exposition/Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament,  Healing Prayer Group and the Laying on of Hands every Wednesday at 10:00am in the nave of the Church. Everyone is welcome!

MARRIAGE HELP

RETROUVAILLE MARRIAGE PROGRAM  is a live-in weekend and post session program at the Malvern Family Center, Malvern, PA for Married Couples who feel stressed about their marriage.  Call 1 800 470-2230 or 1 302 832-8044 for information or visit the web-sit www.retrouvaille.org . All calls are confidential.  Retrouvaille is a marriage help program endorsed by the Catholic Church.

MARRIAGE

What have you done for your marriage today? Celebrate the good news of married love. Go to the U.S. Bishop’s new website encouraging couples on their lifetime marital journeys. Spread the word.  Send the website to your friends and family.  www.foryourmarriage.org. 

PROJECT RACHEL

 If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, help is available.  Local retreats are sponsored by the Cecil County Pregnancy Center.  The retreat and registration are confidential.  You can also visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.    If you are suffering from distress as a consequence of an abortion, please contact the Family Life Bureau of Catholic Charities for Project Rachel.  Confidential services are provided at Catholic Charities' offices in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown, DE and in Salisbury, MD.  Call Jennie at 472-0649.

CRISIS IN DARFUR

Take action.  Over 200,00 people in Darfur have been killed and another 2.5 million have been displaced within Sudan, two million of these into camps and 230, 000 Sudanese have fled across the border into Chad and Northern Central African Republic.  The lives, basic human rights and dignity of more than 2 million Sudanese are in grave danger, because of complete lack of security and major gaps in the provision of food, water and sanitation.  The result is a crisis that is deemed by the U. N as the world’s greatest humanitarian emergency today, and one that continues to destabilize Africa’s largest country and its neighbors. Learn more by going to http://sudan.crs.org/index.htm. Find out how to take action in Darfur by going to http://www.cdow.org/Darfur.pdf   See insert in this week’s bulletin!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities offers two groups for widowed men and women.  Post-Cana is a social support group which meets at various places for social activities, such as dances, dinners, day trips and picnics.  You Are Not Alone is a grief support group which meets every Wednesday from 1:00-2:30pm at Catholic Charities, 2601 West 4^th Street, Wilmington.  Please call the Family Life Bureau of Catholic Charities at 655-9624 for more information.

Pregnant? Don’t know where to turn? If you or someone you know is pregnant and needs help, please call Catholic Charities for free and confidential pregnancy counseling at 1‑877-225-7870, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our licensed and caring staff can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.”

MINISTRY FOR BLACK CATHOLICS

The Diocese of Wilmington is available to assist parishioners of African descent.  The National Black Catholic Congress X will be held in Buffalo, NY in July of 2007.  For additional details and information on either  please call Darryl Simmons at 302 762-6848.

LEAVE A LEGACY

For specifics on bequests or other planned gifts, please contact  Deborah Fols, 302 573-3125.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Please contact Andrew or Cathi Riddle at 684-4318 or visit www.cclde.org

CATHOLIC FORUM

Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at 9:05 am on 100.9 FM, WAAI, 10:05am on 1150AM WDEL in Wilmington or at 10:30am on 92.7 FM WGMD in Rehoboth Beach.  This Sunday, March 7^th, tune in to hear an interview with Fr. Richard DeLillio, president of Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington.    Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Wilmington.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING