Romance Without Regret

Today’s teens experience greater temptations than ever before. In the midst of this cultural assault against innocence and virtue, young people need convincing reasons to practice the virtue of chastity. Some think that "chastity" simply means "not having sex." But that's mere abstinence: what you can't do and can't have. Chastity is more than that, it is about what you can do and have—right now: a lifestyle that brings freedom, respect, peace, and romance without regret. By addressing the issues that teens struggle with most, such as sexual pressure, pornography, modesty, and starting over, Jason Evert offers encouragement for teens to maintain their purity or begin again if they’ve made mistakes in the past.

Through the generous sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus, we are delighted that Jason Evert will be speaking at St. Columbkille on Thursday, February 3rd. Jason earned a master's degree in theology, and undergraduate degrees in counseling and theology, with a minor in philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the author of ten books, including If You Really Loved Me, Pure Love, and Theology of the Body for Teens, which challenge young people to be pure. Jason speaks at seminars, participates in debates, and responds to thousands of questions about chastity and Catholicism from people around the world.

So mark it on your calendar:

Romance Without Regret

Jason Evert

Thursday, February 3rd

7:00 p.m.

Mary Mother of God

Masses for the Solemnity of Mary

Friday, December 31

11:00 p.m.

(followed by a New Year’s Toast & Celebration in the Social Level)

Saturday, January 1

9:00 a.m.

Because this solemnity falls on a Saturday,

it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year.

There is not a 5:30 p.m. Mass on Friday.

Lending A Hand to the Tri-City Pantry

The Lend-A-Hand ministry is designed to help those who need someone to come help with projects around the house that they might not be able to do themselves. They work with anyone in need, regardless of religion.

This month they provided some help for the Tri-City Pantry building some rolling pallets. The pallets are used to store boxes of food under the existing pantry shelves. A protype was built that worked so well six more were requested.

When pantry volunteers need to get food from the boxes to put on the distribution shelves, they can just use the handles to pull the rolling pallets out for easy access.  Charlie built the frames for the pallets and attached the handles later.

Thank you Charlie & John for all your hard work!

Pope Benedict on Christmas

The Holy Family

When God chose to live among us, He (being God) could have done it in a number of ways. He choose to enter into life as part of a family. In so doing, He both emphasizes the importance of family and created a model of what a family ought to be like. Today all of should be inspired to be better family members.

Merry Christmas

Earlier this month, members of the Drama Club

 presented the story of the nativity.

 Everone got warmed up offstage.

 Then we heard the story...

... Of how the Word was made flesh and born among us...

 ...among the animals.

The shepherds were informed by the angels

and went to meet him.

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Advent is Ending

After Mass Tuesday a group of 8th graders

lived out the story of the nativity.

 Mary and Joseph were turned away from inns.

 Angels sang for the shepherds.

 Baby Jesus was born.

 The Wise Men brought gifts.

 The Advent candles were lit.

We were reminded of the importance and

significance of Advent and Christmas.

Last School Day before Christmas

 Today there was a half day of school. This last day

before the Christmas break was filled with fun,

activities, and treats all planned by the parents.

 

 

 

 

 

 Enjoy the break & Christmas!

 

Calendars are here

If you haven't, be sure sure to pick up your calendar.

They are at the church entrances.

Arrow of Light

At the December meeting, the Arrow of Light award was presented to two Webelos. It is the highest award earned by Webelos that have been active participants in their den and are ready to join a Boy Scout troop. Many of the requirements for the Arrow of Light are intended to familiarize the scout with a local troop and hopefully show him that crossing over into a troop is the next step to take in scouting. A scout that earns his Arrow of Light patch has also completed nearly all the requirements to earn the Scout badge in the troop so he has already begun his Boy Scout trail.

Congratulations!

Advent Penance Service Tuesday

Our Advent Penance Service will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Eleven priests will be present to hear confessions.

Preschool Christmas Concert

Thursday night was the Sacred Heart Preschool Christmas Concert.

We lined up early and got warmed up to sing.

Then we got ready to sing. 

Our response to Jesus being born was:

After the concert we got a gift.

It was a lot of fun.

Here is a little more from the concert:

Fr Wee Cooks Lunch

 Today Fr. Wee cooked lunch at the Education Center.

 

Thanks for lunch Fr. Wee!

A Transition in Advent

Advent is a time of anticipation. In our readings and prayers, the first part of Advent anticipates when Jesus will come again in glory. Starting today, the focus shifts towards the coming of Jesus to dwell among us in the Nativity. So today, liturgically, we begin to anticipate Christmas.

A Start to BASIC

 Friday BASIC (Beginning Apologetic Studies In Catholicism)

began promptly at 7:00 with a discussion of Sunday's Gospel.

Fr. Wee gave the featured presentation on

"How to Answer any Question with the Catechism."

There was even Catechism Cake!

The next session of BASIC will be January 14th.

The Topic will be:

Perpetual Virginity: Why wouldn't Mary have relations?

Mommy & Me

Monday and Tuesday were Mommy & Me Days at preschool. 

Each preschooler invited their mommy or grandma for some time together.

The preschoolers served their mommies a snack

and then decorated gingerbread houses together.

 It was a fun time for everyone.