Our Lady On The River Parish, Holy Cross, Marine City MI; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island
Sponsor of the Week	State Farm Insurance, Ryan Whiting, Agent
January 25, 2009		Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Please pray for our sick and suffering
St. Mark: Betty Baker, Jacob Bryson, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Shirley Hollowaty, Shirley Koster, Clark Odzark, Sally O'Neil,  Sophie Palmer, Walter Sawkin,  Bob Soulliere, Patrick Tierney, Sheila Thompson, Tena Van Loon, JoAnn White, Paulette Wieczorek, Keith Wright
Holy Cross: Norma Arnold, Jill Block, Valerie Brettin, John Chadra III, Barbara Corn, Laura Goltz, Jim Gramer, Annette Griffith, Dave Hull, Dolores Hauer, Betty Holtz, William Hubbarth, Derek Jacobs, Jim Keelan, JoAnn Kramer, James KuyKendall, Donald Lipa, Rosanne Arnold Lozowski, Gerald Magnan, Jerry Malinowski, Ryan Markel, Jim McCalla, James McPhee, Vergil & Marie McTevia, Lorraine Merglewski,  Josephine Michalski, Roger Musialowski, Lisa Jones Nagy, Margery Osterland, Barbara & Tony Pizzo, Eugene Pollock, Sharon Rao, Andrew Redlawski, Lorena Sadler, George Schafer, Helen Schweihofer, Dee Dee Stockwell, Louise Streitz, Barbara Susan, Kris Taylor, Alice Trader, Ashleigh Tranchemontagne, Tom VanSlambrouck, Kathy Vayko, Richard Wood, Dorothy Walters
St. Catherine: Hank Babisz, Angela Bills, Beverly Carr, Jynffer Biuscorner, Dean Bryeans, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Jim Knapp, Richard Koss, James Mihalich, Theresa Pawlowski, Ted Pilawski, Judy Piotrowski,  Richard Ross, Bill Sadecki, Joan Smith, Steven's Family, John Vance, Catherine Ziegler

Liturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Joanne Sharrow
Aaron Milenbaugh
Alan Milenbaugh
Sal Ponessa
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Barbara Shonk
Please Help
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Bill Zweng
Please Help
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Judy Wallis
Nicholas Todino
Alex May
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Mary Patrick
Please Help
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Nick Licari
Rachel Winquest
Maria Winquest
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Jenny Laethem

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Bob Zweng
Please Help
7:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Celebrant
Celebrant
Sacrament of Baptism  12:45 p.m.

Holy Cross 		3rd Sunday
St. Catherine 	last Sunday
St. Mark 		by appointment


Membership & preparation required
Please call your Church Office to
register & verify dates

Mass Schedule

	St. Mark Chapel
	Sunday: 	10:30	a.m.
	Tuesday - Friday: 	9:00 	a.m.

(mass schedule continued)
	St. Catherine
	Saturday: 	4:00	p.m.
	Sunday: 	8:00 	a.m.
		10:00 	a.m.
		7:00 	p.m.
	Monday - Friday 	7:30 	a.m.

	Holy Cross
	Saturday: 	5:30 	p.m.
	Sunday: 	7:30 	a.m.
		9:30 	a.m.
		11:30 	a.m.
	Monday - Friday 	9:00 	a.m.
Parish Directory
www.OurLadyontheRiver.net

Fr. James Lopez, Pastor
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor
Sr. Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
Pastoral Associate

Fr. Sig Kowalczyk, Fr. Ron Kurzawa,
Fr. Fred Bodde, Fr. Leo Broderick & Msgr. George Browne, Senior Priests


***Holy Cross***
810-765-3568     FAX 810-765-2974
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  church@holycrossonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday & Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
(closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch)
Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

***St. Catherine***
810-794-3301     FAX 810-794-1849
www.StCatherineOnline.net
e-mail  info@stcatherineonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30a.m.-1:00p.m.

***St. Mark***
810-748-3828     FAX 810-748-9148
www.StMarkOnline.net
e-mail  info@stmarkonline.net
Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

***Holy Cross
Catholic School***
(810) 765-3591 FAX:  (810) 765-9074
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  school@holycrossonline.net
Amanda Lund, Principal


Bulletin Info
bulletin e-mail:
bulletin@OurLadyontheRiver.net
(deadline 12 noon Monday)

Marriages:
Membership & six month preparation
period required.

Sacrament of Reconciliation  3:00 p.m.

Holy Cross  	1st & 3rd Saturdays
St. Catherine  2nd & 4th Saturdays
St. Mark	1st Fridays before Mass


Mass Schedule

	St. Mark Chapel
	Saturday:	4:30 	p.m.
	(May to September)
	Sunday: 		10:30	a.m.
	Tuesday - Friday: 	9:00 	a.m.
	(mass schedule continued)
	St. Catherine
	Saturday: 	4:00	p.m.
	Sunday: 		8:00 	a.m.
			10:00 	a.m.
			7:00 	p.m.
	Monday - Friday 	7:30 	a.m.

	Holy Cross
	Saturday: 	5:30 	p.m.
	Sunday: 		7:30 	a.m.
			9:30 	a.m.
			11:30 	a.m.
	Monday - Friday 	9:00 	a.m.
Our Lady on the River Calendar of Events
Monday, January 26
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	V Stanley Pawlowski, Peter, Margarette & Marlene Dill
				by Family
	V James O'Driscoll by Ben Beckett
	9:00 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
Tuesday, January 27
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
	V Bernice Kaszubski by Mary Mazzetti
Wednesday, January 28
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Thursday, January 29
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Friday, January 30
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Irene & Walter Beal by Family
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 St. Mark
Saturday, January 31
	4:00 p.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Mary Check by Family
			(Birthday Remembrance)
		V Albert “Doe” Meldrum by Florence Meldrum
		V Joan Davis by Mr. & Mrs. Harry Cedar
		V Alfred Holzbauer by Doris Byers
	5:30 p.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	V Anthony Achatz by Mary
Sunday, February 1
	7:30 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
	V Agnes Horn by Jan, Gail, Eve, Dottie & Betty
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherine
		V Raymond Cooks by Family & Friends
		V Phyllis Sharrow by Family
		V Vern & Joan Davis by Steve & Karran Gilpin
		V Elaine Espel Alvord by Petit Family

	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
	V Gerald & Ruth St. James by Family
	V Stanley Walendowski by Friend
	V Chris Hargreaves by Louise Barnett
10:00 a.m. Mass 	    St. Catherine
		VMichael Lubinski by Diane Babij
		V James O'Driscoll by Ben Beckett
		V Valerie McKoan by Glenda & Tom Rix
10:30 a.m. Mass	             St. Mark
	V Bernice Kaszubski by Flo Wisniewski
11:30 a.m. Mass	        Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. Mass 	St. Catherine
Sharing the Gospel


	There's a colorful envelope addressed to you on the kitchen table. You see it's from your friend. You open it and find a party invitation inside. You parents say you can go! When Jesus invited Peter, Andrew, James and John to come along with him, they were just as excited to go. Jesus was the Savior and a good friend. They couldn't wait!
Prayer
Jesus, I thank you for inviting me to spend time with you.
Something to Draw
Draw a picture of Jesus smiling and waving to you.
Mission for the Week
Jesus wants you to come to his home in heaven. Make a party invitation from Jesus to you. Use this invitation as a bookmark in your Bible.
LPiResourceCenter.com
Online calendars are on the parish and location websites.
Readings for the Week of January 25, 2009

Sunday:	Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22/1 Cor 7:29-
		31/Mk 16:15-18
Monday:	2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5/Mk 3:22-30
Tuesday:	Heb 10:1-10/Mk 3:31-35
Wednesday:	Heb 10:11-18/Mk 4:1-20
Thursday:	Heb 10:19-25/Mk 4:21-25
Friday:		Heb 10:32-39/Mk 4:26-34
Saturday:	Heb 11:1-2, 8-19/Mk 4:35-41
Next Sunday:	Dt 18:15-20/1 Cor 7:32-35/Mk 1:21-28

	©Liturgical Publications Inc.

Pastor's Page
     What a tremendous few weeks we are having here in our Archdiocese and in our country! On Tuesday we welcomed a new president and watched all the festivities surrounding the inauguration. We must pray for the newly elected president and focus our prayers so that he and his cabinet will protect the welfare and dignity of all life, especially the unborn. It will be a difficult task in being the leader of our country, but if he allows God to guide him he should do well.
	As we welcome a new president, we also welcome home our new Archbishop from our very own Blue Water Vicariate! Bishop Allen Vigneron takes over for Cardinal Maida effective January 28th. As we pray for our government leaders, we pray also for our new Shepherd of Detroit. Our spiritual leaders need God's guidance as well because they too are protecting the dignity and welfare of our souls through their leadership.
	These prayers can be offered at our Masses but they can also be attained in front of our Lord during Eucharistic Adoration. I have decided to offer adoration on a weekly basis because we are in great need to pray humbly before the Lord for the needs within our hearts and our society as a whole. Our country is facing tough economic times as well as the on-going battles in foreign countries. We must turn back to God and humbly ask for his help to fight off the temptations of greed, which created some of our economic crisis, and also ask for guidance in utilizing our resources for the good of all.
	In terms of the fighting in other countries, we must allow peace to reign and put aside the weapons that destroy life. Life is precious and needs to be embraced and appreciated. Too many lives are lost because of neglect and indifference. Peace must be in our hearts as well as on our lips or we will be held accountable for our lack of action when we stand before the power of God. Please consider taking a few moments of your time to spend before God on Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. It only takes a few minutes to ask for help, seek His peace and give thanks. Again it is an open invitation to all who would like to join me in this very special devotion Sunday evenings before the 7:00 p.m. Mass at St. Catherine.
	Finally, please remember to pray for Fr. Greg Deters who is the pastor at St. Mary in St. Clair. Fr. Greg has asked that we pray for him as goes through some medical procedures and I have offered to help him in any way that I can through prayer or even with a Mass or two. I know that we can pray Fr. Greg through this difficult cross and enable him to come back 100% to take care of the parish members of St. Mary.
God's blessings,
Fr. Jim

Wedding Anniversaries

	If you would like your Wedding Anniversary published in the bulletin, please submit your Anniversary info to your parish office at least one month prior. Anniversaries will be published the last weekend of the month.

Family Name:   _______________________________

Husband: _______________ Wife: _______________

Date: ______________ Years Married: ____________


One in The Spirit Prayer Group
Winter 2009: Faith, Trust and the Desire to be Holy

January 27	Job
February 3	St. Veronica
February 10	Padre Pio, DCCR collection
February 17	St. John Bosco a.k.a. Don 		Bosco
February 24	St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

	Our meetings are held on Tuesday evenings @ 6:45 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel. All Our Lady on the River parishioners are welcome to join us to sing praises to the Lord, listen to His Word, pray and share fellowship. If you are in need of prayer for yourself or someone else, write your requests in the Prayer Petition Books located by each exit of St. Catherine Church, the Prayer Group prays over them weekly-year round.
	To be placed on the prayer chain or for further information, please contact Eloise @ 810-794-9975.
Prayer For The Military
“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.  Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.
2nd LT Mario Barrett	US Army
William Bayones	US Air Force
Ret LTC Greg Brenda	US Army
Rec Michael Benda	USMC
Genny Benda	USAF
Dan Benda	USAF
Matthew Benda	USAF
Erich Benda	US Army
Kenneth J. Biland	US Army
CMDR Paula Dunn	US Navy
Shawn Gillon
Jason Gillespie	US Air Force
Spc. William Goldenbogen	US Army Reserve
Jason Gillespie	US Air Force
S Sgt Roy Heron III	US Air Force
LTC Stephen Knotts	US Army
Joseph Ryan Kowalski  	US Air Force
James LaParl
Patrick Loudy	US Army
T-Sgt Robert Mitchell	USAF Reserve
Sgt David Moran	USMC
Maj. Christopher Neiman	USAF
LTJG Jason Neiman	USCG
Cpo Ryan O'Hara	US Marine Corp
Sr. Michael Paducha	US Navy
Kerry Rickert	US Navy
Klinton Rickert	US Marine Corp
Arthur Rochon	US Army
Jason Rumenapp	US Army
Philip Schmitz	US Army
Robert Schmitz	US Army
SGM Michael Trombley	US Army
Sgt Michael Vining	US Army
Andrew Warchol	US Navy
Christopher Warchol	US Air Force
1st LT Bryan Weber	US Army
1st LT Paul Wilson	UA Air Force

Please let us know of any updates to this list
St. Mark
CSA
Target  (160 families)      $12,800.00
Pledged (82 families)       $12,800.00
Balance Needed               $00

St. Catherine
CSA
Target	(564 families)	$38,200.00
Pledged (268 families)	$32,806.00
Balance Needed	  $5,394.00

Holy Cross
CSA
Target	(1024 families)	$52,800.00
Pledged (370 families)	$44,773.00
Balance Needed	  $8,027.00
Collection of Sunday, January 11, 2009
Catholic Schools Office

     Catholic Schools Week 2009 begins this Sunday. This year's theme, “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service,” emphasizes the duty and delight of giving back.

Catholicism has a long and rich tradition of direct service to those in need, as well as social justice efforts to end social ills like racism and homelessness. Catholic schools incorporate service projects into the curriculum, teaching students the value of helping others as an expression of faith and good citizenship.
	Your gifts to the Catholic Services Appeal allow the Catholic Schools Office to help Catholic schools in the six counties of the Archdiocese of Detroit provide their students with exceptional academic training while continuing the teaching mission of Jesus Christ. The office, which is part of the Department of Education, provides teacher education and accreditation services, develops ongoing policy and curriculum guidelines and offers professional growth opportunities for teachers and principals.
	For more information about Catholic Schools or other CSA-funded programs and ministries, go to www.aodonline.org.
A Note From The Principal

   Happy Catholic Schools Week!  This is one of my favorite times of the school year, as it is a chance for our students to celebrate their unique identity as Catholic school students!  Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration, during which all of our schools celebrate.  It is a week filled with both fun and prayer as we reflect on the privilege of being able to attend a religious school.
	This week's activities are filled with many fun theme days.  Most importantly, our theme this year is “Celebrating Service.”  We adopted this at the beginning of the school year as our year-long theme, and are continuing to work to help others in our school and community.
	Our week officially begins today with the Mass.  We are very grateful to be a part of Our Lady on the River Catholic Parish, and hope that many more families will make a Holy Cross education a priority for their children.
	On Monday, our theme is “Serving our Families.”  We will reflect on the important role our families play in our lives. We will also have “Crazy Hair and Dress Day.” Students will wear mismatched clothes and crazy hairstyles.  Students will also be reminded of the quarter drive which is being held to benefit Ashleigh Tranchemontagne.
	On Tuesday, our theme is “Serving our Friends.”  We will have a “read with a buddy” day.  We will also celebrate by having “Fuzzy Pajama Day.”  On Wednesday, our theme is “Serving our School.”  We will have “Sports Day.”  We will also come together as a school community for an ice cream social sponsored by the Holy Cross PTO.
	On Thursday, our theme is “Serving our Community.”  We will be having a canned good collection.  We will also celebrate “Class Color Day,” by dressing in our 'class colors.'  Finally, on Friday, we wrap up our celebration of Catholic Schools Week with our all-school liturgy.  Our theme is “Serving our God.”  It is because of our faith that we attend Holy Cross, and we are proud to come together as one family during the Mass.  I invite you to come and join us Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. in church.  We will conclude our week with a “Movie Day.”
     Our boys' varsity basketball team will be competing in tournaments on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at St. Mary's in St. Clair.  On Monday, the students in grades five through eight will be heading north to Camp Wolverine.  Please keep us in your prayers for a safe journey!

In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
principal@holycrossonline.net

Wedding Anniversaries
February 2009

Daniel & Barbara Susan	  February 4	    9 years
Jerry & Dovis Lloyd 	  February 6	  55 years
Carl & Laura Daggs	  February 14	  15 years
Pat & Pam LaBelle	  February 17	  13 years
Anthony & Joan Klebba   February 27	  44 years

May God's grace sustain you in joyful love
and devotion to Him and to each other.
	   The Apostles' Creed

     Pope Benedict XVI, in 2006, spoke of the Apostles' Creed as a summary of everything we believe.  The Pope points out: The Creed is not a collection of propositions; it is not a theory.  It is anchored in the event of Baptism - a genuine encounter between God and man.” For Pope Benedict, the creed is primarily an encounter with Jesus Christ, and not just a way of expressing the contents of our faith.
	Fr. Peter Vaghi, in his book The Faith We Profess, reminds us that when we pray I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, it is an affirmation of faith.
	Faith is a response word.  Faith has two aspects.  It is a response to a person, to Jesus, and it is a response to the message that Jesus teaches in and through the Church.
Pope Benedict, in speaking about faith, said in a homily in 2006: “Believing means surrendering ourselves to God and entrusting our destiny to him….and making this relationship the basis of our whole life.”
Faith is a grace of God, a gift of God's love, an impulse of the Holy Spirit, and at the same time, a free human act.
Faith is necessary for our salvation, and even though there is salvation outside the Catholic Church, Fr. Vaghi writes:
“it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.”

Holy Cross Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass,
other liturgies as scheduled.
Tuesday rehearsal, 7-8:30 pm

7:30 Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 7:30 a.m. Mass
Rehearsal Sunday 7:15 a.m.

Schola Cantorum
Small ensemble of mixed voices

Saturday  All Generation Choir
All ages welcome
ALL AGES - ALL SINGERS - FAMILIES
Parents and Grandparents-please bring your child and stay!
Leads worship at Saturday Mass
Saturdays:  5 p.m.

Cantors
Assists with congregational song

Resurrection Choir
Leads worship at funerals
Meets 15 Minutes before the Mass

Instrumentalists
Assist at Mass as scheduled

Handbell Choir
Plays at Mass as scheduled
Wednesday rehearsal 7-8:30 p.m.
Diane Bowden, Director - 810-765-4824
HOLY CROSS MUSIC MINISTRIES | Daniel J. Susan, Director | www.holycrossonline.net | music@holycrossonline.net

A Season For Nonviolence
An Educational Community Action Campaign
January 30 - April 4

	A Season for Nonviolence is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign, inspired by the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A Season honors their vision for a nonviolent world that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
www.unitybluewater.com/snv

	The opening Ceremony is Friday, January 30th.This year it will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Cleveland Elementary School, 2801 Vanness in Port Huron. The Season for Nonviolence is a program that began with the Association for global New Thought. The program was established in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandi to further their work and celebrate the nonviolent efforts others like them have accomplished on this earth.
Altar Servers Needed

	Any young man or lady that is interested in becoming an Altar Server at Holy Cross or St. Catherine is asked to contact Don Smith at 810-765-5542 or the Parish Office at 810-765-3568. To become an Altar Server you must have completed the third grade.  St. Catherine is especially in need of new Servers.
	Please be sure to contact Mr. Smith or the office, even if you have already mentioned an interest in serving or having your child serve.
	New schedules will be mailed out soon, please continue to volunteer at Mass until our new system is in place and the schedules can be mailed.
	A training session for new servers will be offered soon, watch here for date and time.
Holy Cross Altar Society

	The Holy Cross Altar society will begin regular meetings on Monday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the Activity Center. Members are reminded to pay dues of $5.00 for the year and to bring food for St. Vincent. The Officers will serve refreshments.
Died in Christ

Please remember in your prayers:

		V Francis Herrington
		V Sr. Joan May, csj

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Daddy Daughter Dance

	Holy Cross PTO will sponsor a Daddy Daughter Dance on Sunday, February 8th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Holy Cross Activity Center The cost is $10 per couple. This includes dancing, a kid friendly lunch buffet and a souvenir photo. Everyone from our Parish and community are welcome to join in the fun. All ages too! Advanced reservations and payment are required. Please call Jennifer Laster @ 810-765-3510 to make your reservation. We are also looking fro mom volunteers an the day of the dance, and to help with the baked goods.
All Daughters & Daddies Are Invited

St. Mary's Annual Auction
“A Tailgate Party”
Saturday, February 7th

	Food stations open from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Please join us for Food, Cash Bar, Entertainment, Raffles, Silent and Live Auction. Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the door, so call today for your reservation @ 810-329-4150.  St. Mary's is located at 415 N. Sixth Street, in St. Clair.


St. Mark

160 Families
  30 Envelopes:	        $941.00
Loose Cash:	          $96.00
Total:		     $1,037.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
203  Envelopes	    $5,023.00
Loose Cash        	       $251.92
Children           		       $7.00
Total  		    $5,281.92
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
176 Envelopes:	 	    $4,527.00
Loose:		  	       $222.81
Children:		           $6.00
Total			    $4,755.81
Thoughts from your Pastoral Associate
“Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life;
let us give thanks and praise!”

	Mark's Gospel proclaimed this Sunday really takes us to where the action is.  Jesus' mission begins.  Walking along the Sea of Galilee, two pairs of brothers are called to follow Jesus, and they do.  Immediately, without any hesitation, they heed his voice, leave everything, and follow him.
	Why did Jesus invite in pairs??  Mark gives no details.  Maybe Jesus knew that a faithful proclaiming of the Gospel would take a team effort, and so team-building became a part of the mission of Jesus.  Jesus surrounded himself with a team.  In Ecclesiastes 4, we're told that 'two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up…'
	The response to “follow me” is not a part-time commitment.  It requires a complete change from the familiar.  Change is difficult.  It's easier to continue with things as they are than face something new. Helen Keller once said: “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened.”
	The grace, the ability to change, is a hallmark of following Jesus.  In Mark's Gospel, the message serves to call forth, encourage, challenge and embolden the church in the courageous proclamation of God's kingdom.  Jesus offering the call to the brothers signals the compelling power of God's claim on our lives, a call to new life.  Maybe those first disciples craved new meaning and direction and purpose in life.  How about us?  How is God calling us to follow him on a new path, a path of deeper meaning and purpose?  How do we know which way to go?  According to St. Ignatius of Loyola, the right decision is the one that aims at enhancing participation in the work of God, and is always done for the glory of God and for the healing of the world.   From the first call even to this day, Jesus wanted and still wants people with just one primary qualification for discipleship:  a willingness to follow, regardless of the cost.  They stepped out in faith, faith in God's faithfulness.  Can we?  We can take it to prayer.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta believed that prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is the source of strength and all that is needed to carry out the day to day challenge of being faithful to the call of Jesus in our lives.
	Each Sunday evening and each first Tuesday and Friday of the month, the opportunity is given us with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  A time when we can come before Jesus to return His love for us and to draw spiritual strength and encouragement from that love.  Prayer before the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with believing love is efficacious.  Jesus will bring wonders of His grace into our lives.  Our late Pope, John Paul II encouraged everyone to be generous with time in prayer before Jesus present in Eucharistic Adoration.  The Blessed Sacrament is God's Gift of Love, the real presence of Our Lord. Jesus invites you.
Keep warm, be well, have a good week,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriver.net

Welcome Home
January 25, 2009
Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul
Our  Lady on the River Parish
AYCE Breakfast
Marine City K of C

6385 King Road
**  TODAY January 25th  **

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Pancakes/sausage/eggs/potatoes/
juice/coffee/milk.
Adults $6.00
Kids ages 6 - 10 $3.00; Preschoolers free

League of Catholic Women

	The League of Catholic Women will hold a noon luncheon meeting Wednesday, February 11th at the Achatz Restaurant, 201 Riverside, St. Clair.  Bob Webber will make a presentation on Marian Shrines.  The meal buffet will have a choice of chicken or roast beef.  The cost is $12.00.  Please send your reservation checks to Katie Ricketts, 906 Hollis St., Port Huron  48060
First Friday Club

	Our February meeting will be held on February 6th at 9:00 a.m. at the Achatz Riverview Restaurant in St. Clair.  Breakfast may be ordered individually.
	Our featured speaker will be Marion Webber, who will share with us about the new Divine Mercy Center in Memphis.  We have enjoyed Marion's previous visit with us and look forward to her presentation on this powerful devotion.  Please join us as we share in timely talk and discussion.
	Reservations may be made by contacting Rose Scheuer at 586-713-7860.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
26
27
28
29
30
31
Feb 1
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 3:00p Reconciliation
Sunday Masses
HC 7:30 a; 9:30a;
11:30 a
StC 8:00 a; 10:00 a;
7:00 p
StM 10:30 a
StC 8:15a St. Vincent de Paul
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StC 4:00p Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 5:30p Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
Marysville 10a Bingo
KC MC 7p Bingo
HC 12:30p -1:15p 7th grade practice
HC 12:30p -3:00p CMC Hearts on Fire

StC 10:00a RCIA Session
StC 10:00a MOMs
HC 12:00p CMC Choir Practice
StC 7p Ensemble Practice
StC 7:30p -9:00p Adult Choir Practice


Hospitality
HC 5:30 Religious Education
HC 5:30 Religious Education
HC 7:00p -8:30p Handbell Choir Rehearsal




HC 7 p Altar Society
StC 6:45p -8:30p One in the Spirit Prayer Group




StC 6 p Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

HC 7p Choir Rehearsal





Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week


FR. MATT'S MATTERS

	Hello again to (now) Arch-bishop Allen Vigneron of our Arch-diocese of Detroit. He, a local son, returns to be the successor to Cardinal Adam Maida.  Twenty years ago when I was ordained a priest and Archbishop Vigneron was then Fr. Vigneron, I remember him attending the ordination and reception. He was, at that time, on the staff at Sacred Heart Seminary. At the reception I mentioned to him that some people said he and I looked like brothers. Both of us at that time had very dark hair (and clothes), he was 40 years old and I was a mere child of 28 years. Now, he's 60, I'm 48, and he still has a fullness of dark hair! What's that all about? My only solace now is to claim that I got the brains (or at least the Moses white hair wisdom look), while he got the handsome charm, or something… like that.
   Twenty years ago on the day I was ordained we actually became brothers in the priesthood, a more significant commonality. Today Archbishop Vigneron is my 'older brother' and an 'in line' successor to the original apostles, the chief human leader of our local Church. Providentially, last spring Bishop Boyea was here and was on his (cell) phone with Bishop Vigneron from Oakland, CA, where upon I was given the phone and spoke to him. Bishop Vigneron's words to me were very supportive and kind. He stated clearly he was most pleased to know I was back in full time priestly ministry. He is known for showing sincere human vulnerability (in my same short phone conversation with him he spoke of missing his family, his friends and us, the people of the Detroit Archdiocese).
Speaking of Apostles… In this 'Jubilee Year of St. Paul the Apostle', we celebrate this weekend the feast of 'The Conversion of Paul'. The feast is celebrated every January 25 and this Sunday is January 25! Paul's prolific success at establishing so many of the first living Christian communities, beginning just a few years after Christ's resurrection, cannot be overemphasized. His letters comprise about one third of the New Testament and much of the content of 'the Acts of the Apostles' involves Paul. What an impact he had! But as he would be the first to say, it was not his doing, it was Christ working in him.
   The Bible is first and foremost the revelation of the living God, God's self communication to human beings mainly through human beings. Even the Word of God made flesh, the Son Jesus Christ, is one of us. For us there are but a few mere humans who are in the same ball park with St. Paul, 'the apostle to the gentiles' (all non-Jewish people). St. Paul died by execution because of his faithful love for Christ, and like Christ, was a seeming failure, in the view of many, at the time of his death. Take some time this year to get to know Christ even more through St. Paul's life story and his letters.
Let's pray God's grace will find a welcome home in all people who sincerely seek what is good, granting to us the strengths equal to our great tasks, then we won't need miracles, we will be the miracles. We'll be people of God renewing the face of the earth through inspired, thoughtful and self transcending crisis management. These events of 'good news' may even cause the most skeptical to nod to The Higher Power, a large scale (what just happened?) miracle akin to the U.S. Airways jet plane water landing in New York.
With imaginative hope in the possibilities,
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor.

Spring is Coming and so is Maritime Days

	There will be a Maritime Days Meeting on Thursday, February 5th in the Holy Cross Rectory at 6:00 p.m.  This meeting is for anyone interested in taking part in the Maritime Days festivities.
	This year, Maritime Days will be Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25.  Please contact Don Smith at 810-765-5542 with any questions.

Conkerr Cancer Pillowcases Update

	To date, we have donated 1354 pillowcases. Our next “sewing bee” will be Sunday, February 8th at the St. Catherine Activity Center starting at 1:00 p.m. So bring your sewing machine or ironing board and iron and enjoy a fun afternoon making pillowcases for children with caner. Anyone wanting to donate money or Joann Fabric Scrip can place it in an envelope and mark it Conkerr Cancer and place it in the collection basket. We are also in need of 100% cotton material or flannel (Appropriate for children) and quart size Ziploc bags. Those items can be dropped off at the church or at the Algonac Water Lily.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank You From the Kids

	The Holy Cross Booster Club would like to thank our anonymous donor for the kind & generous donation for the 2009 season, we greatly appreciate your generosity.
Thank You

	Thank you to the St. Catherine's funeral luncheon committee. You did a great job with the food and the hospitality for Joan McKoan and family. Everything was greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Family of Valerie McKoan
Ladies Auxiliary News

	Thank you to everyone who donated, bought and/or helped out with the bake sale and raffle. Both were very successful because of you. The money was given to SVdP. God Bless you for your generosity. Our next meeting will be on February 19th. New members are always welcome.
Right to Life Thanks

	Thank you so much for your generous contribution to St. Clair County Right to Life.  Your assistance enable us to continue our mission of speaking for the voiceless and defenseless across the Blue Water Area.  Your help speaks all year round through our newsletters, phone book ads, and support of crisis pregnancy ministries.
In Christ,
Roger B. Thomas, President
St. Clair County Right to Life
Thank You From Veterans

	The Veterans, Chaplin Bob Williams and Dovis Lloyd thank everyone for remembering these men and women during the holiday season.
	A “special” Thank You goes to the 2nd grade Holy Cross Students, who donated many items and signed their names on the box. Mr. Williams took the box and contents to the Vets so they could see what the children did for them.  They were very appreciative as were we.
	Items are always in need, so you may continue to drop them off at the main entrance of the church.
Dovis Lloyd
810-765-4610
“Angel Food Ministries”

	Algonac Baptist Church is sponsoring a program called “Angel Food Ministries.” You can read more about it by going to the following link: www.algonacbaptist.org/angelfoodministries.htm. The program allows a family of four to purchase food at approximately $30 for a week's worth of groceries.
Harbor Health Corner
Fish Oil is a Good Catch

	A study from Consumer-Lab.com analyzed 49 fish oil products and found that they all contained their claimed amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.  None of them had unsafe mercury levels.  The benefits of fish oil include lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and growing new brain cells.  No daily value has been set for fish oil, although Prevention magazine recommends 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA combined.  Always speak to your physician before starting any vitamin program.
Harbor Health Home Care 
810 765-7144

Live TV, Radio, & Web Coverage of Installation Mass

	The Installation Mass for Arch-bishop Allen Vigneron on Wednesday, January 28th, will be carried on the Catholic Television Network of Detroit (CTND) at 2:00 p.m. The live broadcast is thanks, in large part, to the generous technical support of EWTN and WDIV-TV. The archdiocesan cable channel can be seen on Comcast Channel 296, Bright House 16, and Wyandotte 73. EWTN is available on DIRECTV Channel 370, and Dish Net-work Channel 261. The Catholic radio stations WCAR (1090-AM) and WDEO (990-AM) will also carry the liturgy. And, a live Webcast of the Mass will be video-streamed on www.AODonline.org/archbishop.

Bible Study To Be Offered

	We would like to offer to all parishioners of Our Lady on the River Parish a weekly Bible Study, which would be facilitated by Deacon Gary Krueger.
	To help us schedule the Bible Study, we would like to evaluate the interest.  Please complete this form and return to the office or call if you would be interested.

	______  yes I would be interested in Bible Study

	______  3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays    OR

	______  6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursdays