Married couples of the Parish are invited to celebrate their marriage by attending the Celebration of Marriage Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 11. During Mass couples will have the opportunity to renew their marriage vows and commitment to each other. The Parish Life Committee will present a festive seated dinner in the Parish Center following Mass. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and music. Cost is $25 per couple. Make your paid reservations after Mass at the Parish Life Table on January 28/29 or February 4/5.
Beat winter’s chill at the Parish Chili Supper on Wednesday, January 18 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Center. Homemade chili will be served with chili fixin’s: cornbread, beverages, and fruit cobbler for dessert.
Grilled cheese sandwiches will be available for the little ones. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children, age 10 and under. Make your paid reservations after Mass at the Parish Life table on January 7th-8th or 14th-15th.
The American Red Cross will be setting up in the Parish Center January 8, and will be taking donors from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you have never given blood, please stop by on the day of the drive and ask to speak to one of the nurses on staff. Youth, ages 16-18 can give as long as a parent/guardian is present and signs a permission form. All donors must have some type of ID or donor card. Thanks to all who have supported this program – you have helped save lives!
The Knights of Columbus is having a breakfast that same morning after 7:30 and 9:30 am Masses to benefit Birthright. The Ladies Auxiliary is having a bake sale to support Deacon Jason Adams as he continues his studies leading up to his June 2012 ordination. Come early to partake in one or both of these events, then continue to the blood drive.
We began the new translation and Mass responses in the beginning of December. We have pew cards and new missalettes to help. The priests thank you for your patience and efforts as we all get accustomed to the new wording.
Please note that contribution statements go out to all who have contributed at least $250 in the previous year. If you do not receive a statement and would like one, please call the church office. 229-244-2430 ALL donations received after January 3 will be applied to year 2012.
Church Directory photos are still being taken during January. If you haven’t made an appointment to have your family photo taken, call the church office. Photos are being taken January 10-14, January 18-21.
* * * Fr. Dan, Fr. Luis, Fr. Marv and the office staff wish you health, happiness and peace in the year ahead!
St. John’s Giving Tree Christmas project, which has been a tradition in our parish for more than thirty years, will be slightly different this year. Please read the directions carefully and note the changes. We will be providing gifts for three agencies: St. Francis Center, The Salvation Army, and Ora Lee West Community Center.
1. Take a tag from the baskets on the holy water font.
2. Buy a gift for the intended recipient.
3. DO NOT WRAP the gift. (You may drop it in a gift bag if you wish, but the gifts must be unwrapped to assure their safety and age-appropriateness.)
4. Attach the tag with the number side up.
5. Gift cards have been requested for St. Francis Center recipients so that parents can select what their children most need or want. The cards may simply be placed in envelopes with the tag attached.
6. Return the gift to church no later than Sunday, December 11th. Late gifts will not reach their intended recipients.
* * * Thank you, as always, for your generosity! * * *