BLOOD BANK UPDATE  

After twenty years of service, Don McDonough has decided to discontinue managing the parish blood bank.  Mary Hall has graciously agreed to replace Don and can be reached at 302-491-6432.  Please call her if you have any  questions regarding the blood bank.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

A 15% discount is being offered on the pre-need purchase of graves, crypts or cremation niches until August 15.This offer is being extended to all parishioners of the parishes that we serve. For more information call: All Saints Cemetery at 737-2524 Cathedral Cemetery at 656 - 3323 or Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 437-6089.Planning for the inevitable makes good sense.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES 

Is in need of gently used household goods for their Thrift Center in Wilmington.  They will accept furniture, mattresses, and working appliances.  Demand for these items continues to outpace their supply.  To schedule a pickup of these items, call the Thrift Center at 302-764-2717.   

FREE CLOTHES  

Thrift, trade and consignment shop located in the Food Lion Plaza will trade clothes in Exchange for your gently used items.  10% of all sales go to a charity of your choice.

DEPLOYED TROOPS  

Please pray for our deployed troops and their families. Matthew Hilligoss (Afghanistan), Steven Haesler (Germany & Afghanistan), A.J. Hughes (Afghanistan), Bryan Coro (Iraq), Carol Kennedy Schimmoler (Kosovo) and James Kennedy, (Afghanistan), Alex Voshell (Afghanistan). To add anyone to this list, please call the church office.

THE DIALOG 

THE Diocese of Wilmington is pleased to announce that THE DIALOG, our diocesan newspaper, will continue as a biweekly newspaper available through the parishes at weekend liturgies during the weeks of its publication. Please make sure to take a copy to keep up to date on news, information and encouragement.  Thank you to our parishioners who have taken on the special task of distributing the papers at each Mass.  The Dialog has also developed an informative website.  Please visit www.thedialog.org daily starting Oct. 14^th for the latest news. Also, register at the website to join the  Dialog e-community.  

ST. VINCENT de PAUL  

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” As disciples, we are called to continue God’s work on earth. Taking care of God’s poor is indeed living gospel values. Have you considered answering the call to serve the poor by joining the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

SHARE IN THE SPIRIT

For those of you who were unable to participate last weekend, you may still contribute to the Share in the Spirit collection for tuition assistance. Please drop your envelope in the collection basket or at the parish office. If you have misplaced your envelope, extras can be found at the rear of the church. This important collection supports the mission and ministry of our Catholic schools by assisting parents who seek a Catholic education for their children but who struggle to afford the full cost of tuition. Your support is gratefully appreciated.

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE 

Just as our young church here in the United States received support in the 19^th century from the Catholics of Europe through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, so too the growing churches in the Developing World today also require financial help.  Your generosity will help make a faith-filled difference around the world! A gift of $25.00 would be a month’s support for a young woman preparing to serve as a Religious Sister in Indonesia.  A gift of $60.00 is a month’s education for a seminarian in Nigeria.  About $50.00 a month helps a local Religious Community of Sisters in Tanzania care for the poor.  Just $20.00 helps toward the purchase of a bicycle for a catechist in Kenya.

FROM THE OFFICE OF FAMILY LIFE  

Marriage and the Kingdom of God “A marriage that is truly in Christ, a marriage upon which his school of gratitude and openness has left its mark of joy and warmth, is a sign of the Kingdom that is coming. It is a blessing to the couple, to their children, and to everyone who knows them. It offers a sign of hope and a loving witness to human dignity in a world where hope often seems absent and human dignity is often degraded. It is a sign of the Kingdom because the love of Christ moves the married couple to ever greater heights of love.”

MARRIAGE MOMENTS

Getting married is the boldest and most idealistic thing that most of us will ever do.” (Maggie Gallagher, co-author of The Case for Marriage) Pause today to remember your wedding day. Are there any dreams that you had on that day that you now think were unrealistic? Think of one thing about your marriage that has turned out to be better than you expected.

PARENTING POINTERS

How FREE are you and your children? Can you enjoy each other’s company without spending money? Can you have fun without depending on electricity? Explore free recreation this weekend. Sing and dance – or at least talk and walk.

 NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP)

        NFP is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.

Natural Family Planning classes will be taught by members from the Couple to Couple League in a series of 3 classes. To provide flexibility to couples due to where they live, classes will be held in two locations. Classes at St. Margaret of Scotland, Newark, will begin on September 10^th at 1PM. Classes at St. John the Apostle, Milford, begin September 3^rd at 9am. The method taught, Sympto-Thermal is safe and highly effective. For additional information about registration, please call the Office for Marriage and Family Life at 302-295-0657.

DROUGHT IN EAST AFRICA

A drought in East Africa, complicated by political instability in Somalia, has led to desperate conditions for millions of people. Our Church is responding through Catholic Relief Services that has worked in the region for decades. Many CRS projects in East Africa over the years have made communities better able to withstand this drought and alleviating suffering. But many are still suffering, including Somalis who live beyond the reach of humanitarian aid and are fleeing to neighboring countries seeking help. CRS is responding to their needs. We ask that you show solidarity with those who are suffering in East Africa with your prayers and support. Prayer resources and more information are available at www.crs.org.

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  

DAY OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION is scheduled at Jesus House on Tuesday, January 24th from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  The theme is "Making a 'New Life' Resolution".  We will leave the retreat with ideas and resources to support us in taking the next best steps to be in step with God as we move forward in our life.  Fee is $35.00 and includes lunch.  Call Edie Campbell at 302-995-6849 or e-mail edit2501@comcast.net.

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

PRO-LIFE FILMS

As part of an effort at building a stronger Culture of Life in our area, the Pro-Life Committee of Holy Cross Parish, Dover, is holding free monthly Pro-Life Films. The first is: Unplanned, the amazing conversion story of Abby Johnson, former director of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. She was a former “Employee of the Year” of Planned Parenthood. Come join us in viewing her beautiful conversion to the cause of life. Sunday, January 22, 2012, 3:30pm in the St. Luke Rm. at Holy Cross Early Learning Center. For more information, contact Lilian M. Rogers, 678-1379.

MARCH FOR LIFE

The March for Life in Washington, DC is scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2012. If you are interested in going please note the following information. St. Polycarp's has a bus leaving from the church - contact person is Darla Vinton, 302-747-7053. Delaware Right to Life has a bus leaving from Christiana Mall - contact is Janet Grayson 661-1877.

PRO-LIFE LEADER LILA ROSE TO SPEAK

Miss Lila Rose will be at STMA on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 7pm. Donation requested for attendees: $10. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. This event is being underwritten by Cape Henlopen and Nanticoke Dermatology, P.A., and is being hosted at STMA as part of our commitment to promoting the culture of life.

MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE ART SHOW

For art enthusiasts and collectors, please come to our free, invitational art show, Wednesday Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The show, in the McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, features original works by more than 80 professional artists and includes paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery, photography and jewelry. Proceeds benefit Malvern Retreat House. For information, please call 610-644-0400.  

MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT  

Join us in a "Married Couples" Retreat at Priestfield, WV on the weekends of March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Apr 27.  For more information  call Elaine or Frank Galeone at 410-252-5355.

HAITI MISSION TRIP $599   

An adventure in Faith and Service - March 24 - 31, 2012.  We're looking for people who have a heart of service and want to provide meaningful repairs to our ministry partner's many facilities. In addition, some of our trip participants will demolish and remove structures to make way for a life-saving medical clinic that will be built later this year. Learn more about how you can have a great international missions experience by visiting LifetreeAdventures.com.  Give me a call at 800-747-2157 today, trip space is limited and we'd love to have you serve with us.  Robin Clark, Mission Trip Advisor.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Hope Medical Clinic, 1125 Forest Ave. Dover, 302-735-7551, located behind Modern Maturity Center, provides medical treatment for the uninsured or low income. Call for appointment Tuesday 9am -4pm. Donations accepted including prescription drugs in original containers.

LOYOLA INSTITUTE FOR MINISTRY EDUCATION

SOLDIER'S ANGELS

Would you consider becoming a Soldier's Angel. There are over 1,400 men and women serving in the military especially in Afghanistan waiting to be adopted. Forget politics, these are American men and women serving thousands miles away from home. Go to www.soldier'sangels.org for details. Read the testimonials they are very heartwarming. Why not spread your wings and become a Soldier's Angel.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER 

The love of God has been poured out into our hearts. Is God in the center of your marriage so that His love shines through you to your spouse? “He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to His own design and the grace He bestowed on us.” Learn about the graces bestowed on your marriage through the sacrament of matrimony. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is February 11-13 in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Early registration is highly recommended. For information visit our website www.wwme-delmar.org or to register, please call Jackie and Paul Czachorowski at 302 653-1434.

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND

Are you experiencing stress or trouble in your marriage? The Retrouvaille Marriage Program has helped countless couples at all stages of disillusionment in their marriage. This program may be able to help you too. The next local Retrouvaille weekend program will be held at the St. Joseph in the Hills Malvern Retreat center, Malvern, PA on February 10-12, 2012. For information on the program please visit our website www.retrouvaille.org or to register for the weekend please call Mark and Leona Russell, 1-800-470-2230 or call 302-832-8044.

ST. THOMAS MORE

The High School Placement test will be given to prospective students entering 9th grade on Saturday, January 28 at STMA. Registration is required. Interested students should contact the Admissions Office at 302-697-8100 Ext. 2.

A YEAR OF CELEBRATION

The sisters of Caterina Benincasa Dominican Monastery cordially invite you to celebrate with them 800 years of Dominican life and mission. As part of our celebration, the artistic and literary works of the nuns of the United States and Canada will be on display from October 16, 2011 - Opening Day - through September 11, 2012 in the Benincasa Gallery and Gift Shop, located on the premises of Holy Spirit Parish, 14 Halcyon Drive, New Castle DE.

MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE

Malvern Retreat House kicks off its 100^th anniversary (1912-2012) with the Epiphany retreat for men, January 6-8. Newcomers and returning retreatants are welcome to join Men of Malvern weekend retreats. Retreats for women include Serenity, January 6-8, and Women Afire, March 16-18. For information, call 610-444-0400 or go to malvernretreat.com.

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.

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.

POST CANA

Sponsored by the Family Life Bureau of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of  Wilmington, Post Cana is a support group for widowed persons. For information call Jennie at 302 655-9624.

GOD’S WAY TO RECOVERY

This is a mid-shore community outreach helping those with drug & alcohol addictions, the homeless and the poor. Volunteers are urgently needed. If you could only spare a couple of hours a week, it would be greatly appreciated. Become part of a very worthwhile cause. Call Jane at 422-9588.

CHILD ABUSE

Many Catholics are unaware of the Church’s effort to address the tragedy of Child sexual molestation by clergy or Church related personnel. Find out what the Diocese of Wilmington does when a report of abuse is given. Learn about the outreach the Diocese makes to victims and/or their families, and what is being done to prevent abuse. This information and more is available on the Diocese of Wilmington’s web site at www.cdow.org.

DIGNITY OF WORK AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS

Jean Denis and Francois are neighbors in Coteaux, Haiti. For years they barely supported their families through subsistence farming. In 2002, they joined an agricultural cooperative organized by Catholic Relief Services and began to see change. They received and planted better seed, diversified their crops, found better techniques for raising livestock, learned to combat erosion, and generated surplus crops to take to market. Now their families no longer face hunter or malnutrition. As Jesus transformed the life of the blind man, so CRS transforms the lives of rural farmers. By giving through Operation Rice Bown and purchasing Fair Trade products, you support the dignity of workers by ensuring just wages and economic self-sufficiency.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION

The Family Life Bureau at Catholic Charities conducts domestic violence programs for persons who verbally, physically, and/or sexually abuse their partners. Abusive behavior is learned behavior. It can be and often is passed down from parents to their children. Children with an abusive parent often grow up to be abusive or marry an abusive partner. Help is available. Contact person: Mary Jo, (302) 655-9624.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

Did you know that the Little Sisters of the Poor have been serving the elderly poor in the Newark and Wilmington areas for over 100 years?  Do you want to learn more?  Call 302 368-5886 or visit us at www.littlesistersofthepoordelaware.org