Our Lady On The River Parish Holy Cross, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island
Sponsor of the Week	Kevin's Home Maintenance, Algonac
February 8, 2009  Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

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: 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, Raymond Jovanovich, Jim Keelan, JoAnn Kramer, Meredith Kramer, James KuyKendall, Donald Lipa, Mary MacKenzie, Gerald Magnan, Jerry Malinowski, Ryan Markel, Jim McCalla, Lorraine Merglewski, Josephine Michalski, 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, Louise Torre, Alice Trader, Ashleigh Tranchemontagne, Tom VanSlambrouck, Kathy Vayko, Richard Wood, Dorothy Walters
St. Catherine: Hank Babisz, Angela Bills, Beverly Carr, Jynffer Biscorner, Dean Bryeans, Fr. Gregory Deters, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Betty Fulm, Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Jim Knapp, Richard Koss, Zitta Marconi, James Mihalich, Theresa Pawlowski, Ted Pilawski, Judy Piotrowski,  Richard Ross, Bill Sadecki, Joan Smith, Steven’s Family, John Vance, and Catherine Ziegler

Names will remain on the sick list for a length of four weeks.  Please contact the office to make other arrangements.


Liturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Kim Busittil
Sal Ponessa
Nicholas Todino
Christopher Demorest
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Shelee
Schweihofer
Please Help
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Wynne Achatz
Please Help
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
James Seeley
Rachael Winquest
Maria Winquest
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Walter Street
Please Help
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Diana Dill
Abagail Nutter
Jacob Nutter
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Norbert Gorski

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Patty Nichols
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, February 9
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Jerry Dupuie by Family
			(11th Anniversary Remembrance
Tuesday, February 10
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	 	V Ester Lewandowski by Lewandowski Children
			(Birthday Remembrance)
	 	V Earl Lines by Joanne Vance
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
		V O’Tillie Zimmerman by Anna, Midge & Linda Lavely
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Wednesday, February 11
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	 	V Tony Lewandowski by Lewandowski Children
			(Birthday Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Thursday, February 12
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass			         Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Friday, February 13
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
		V Rose Chadra by Family
	9:00 a.m. Mass				 St. Mark
Saturday, February 14
	4:00 p.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Joseph Kerszykowski by Wife
		V Barbara Malik by One in the Spirit Prayer Group
	 	V Jim Kuptz by Wife
	 	V Ottilie Zimmerman by Pat & Jeanine Craig
	 	V Casirmir Jaworowicz by Richard Niemic Family
	 	V Joseph Kupper by Wife & Family
			(8th Anniversary Remembrance)
	5:30 p.m. Mass			        Holy Cross
		V Thelma Arlow by Marilyn Snider
		V JoAnne DeGrandchamp by Andy Markel
Sunday, February 15
	7:30 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Gerald St. James by Family
			(Anniversary Remembrance)
		V Sharon Griffin by sister
			(1st Anniversary Remembrance)
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherine
		V Victor Plummer by Gerry & Clara (Kim)
	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
		V Casimir Jaworowicz by Richard Niemic Family
		V Helen Schulz by Family
		V Timothy Regan by Edwin & shirley Steinmetz
10:00 a.m. Mass 	    St. Catherine
10:30 a.m. Mass	             St. Mark
		V Marion Lamb by Family
11:30 a.m. Mass	        Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. Mass 	St. Catherine
	 	V Robert Abraam by Wife
Sharing the Gospel

	Simon Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went to her. He took hold of her hand and helped her up. The fever left her. She felt so good, she cooked them a nice meal to celebrate. Neighbors brought all of their sick loved ones to be cured. When we pray today, Jesus still comes to those who are sick and heals them. He cures through doctors, nurses, medicines, and machines.

Prayer
Lord, heal my family and friends who are sick today.

Mission for the Week
I will make get well cards for three sick people in
our church.
 LPiResourceCenter.com

Pastors Corner
	Lately I have been sharing with my brother priests the restlessness within our ministry. It is a restlessness based on the concerns of the economical, mental, physical and spiritual welfare of our respected communities. We are living in an economic time where there are so many variables as to who is working and who is about to lose their employment. It is a stressful burden for many families, especially within our own parish family. Like Job, I feel helpless in not being able to assist each and every one of you. All that I can do to help alleviate these burdens is through my personal prayer and praise to God because it is by this action that the Lord heals the brokenhearted, the anxious and the apprehensive.
	How do we mend our brokenness though? How do we calm our anxieties? How do we ease our fears? These questions are difficult to answer because we are all in different walks within our personal journeys. Let’s face it though, our spirits are down and we wonder if we will experience happiness again. It is our common theme today because mentally and physically our bodies are saying enough already. The mind is not as sharp because of our worries and the body is becoming weaker because of the stresses in daily living which in part relates to what St. Paul was writing about in his letter to Corinthians. Sometimes we must experience brokenness in order to become whole and holy again. We must become all things to save one another. It is a difficult task to take upon  ourselves in our society especially when we will live in an age were selfishness is preached over selflessness. However, when we are sacrificing for one another, we not only experience the suffering of our brothers and sisters; we will experience the joys of resurrection with our brothers and sisters. All actions though must be done with willing and loving hearts. That is what true stewardship is about in our Church and within the Gospel of Life.
	The spiritual welfare of this parish is my first priority as pastor because without the Spirit we have no life. That is why I am encouraging the opportunities in participating in our Sunday Eucharistic Adoration held at St. Catherine because we need to get down on our knees and ask God humbly for assistance in our daily lives. Alone the burden of the cross is tough for anyone. But, as a united community we will be able to help carry the cross together. It is the example that Jesus gave to us when he allowed a stranger to help him carry his cross.
We may even see an increase of adoration during the upcoming Lenten Season, especially now that we have two “semi-retired” or how is phrased, “Senior Status” deacons helping this parish now. Deacon Gary Kruger and Deacon Bob McCleod are very positive and upbeat in wanting to help the pastor and to reach out to this parish community.
Please keep me in prayer this week because I have to tend to some family matters over at my parent’s home over the next few days but I should be returning during the middle of the week. No worries though because you will be in good hands with Fr. Matt, Sr. Mary Ann, our deacons and of course the Senior Priests of the Blue Water Vicariate! What could go wrong?
All My Prayers,
Fr. Jim
Thoughts from your Pastoral Associate

	Each week in the RCIA formation gathering, our introduction to prayer takes a variety of forms. This week we reflect on the:

PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.   Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy.

	This is the beginning of the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. So when did St. Francis write the “Peace Prayer”? That’s really a trick question. St. Francis did not write it! It is easily identified with him because it so thoroughly reflects his spirit.
	Exhaustive research on the origins of the “Peace Prayer of St. Francis” has led to Christian Renoux’s book in French.  An 11th century French prayer is similar. The oldest known copy dates to 1912 in France. The prayer became well known in other countries during World War I.
This prayer is sold in various forms all over Assisi today, most often under the title “A Simple Prayer.”  It reflects St. Francis very well!
	Beginning next week, our RCIA candidates and catechumens will introduce themselves to the parish in this space. Please keep all in your prayer.

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
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
HC 3p 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
StM 9:00a Mass
StC 4:00p Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass

StM 9:00a Mass
Marysville 10a Bingo
12p League of Catholic Women Luncheon
HC 7p Baptismal prep class

HC 5:30p Mass
StC 10:00a RCIA Session
StC 10:00a MOMs
HC 5:30 Religious Education
KC MC 7p Bingo
StC 7:30p Adult  Choir Practice


HC 12:45p Baptisms
HC 5:30 Religious Education
StC 6:45p One in the Spirit Prayer Group
StC 7p Ensemble Practice



Stc 6:00p Exposition

7 p Algonac KofC Euchre
HC 7p Choir Rehearsal
HC 7p Handbell Choir Rehearsal



StC 7:00p Mass


7p K of C Marine City Bingo

Fellowship Luncheon
St. Mark Activity Center

CANCELLED for the
3rd Sunday in February
(due to severe weather)
We hope to resume in March.
See bulletin for announcements.
One in The Spirit Prayer Group
Winter 2009: Faith, Trust and the Desire to be Holy

February 10	Padre Pio, DCCR collection
February 17	St. John Bosco a.k.a. Don 		Bosco
February 24	St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
March 3	St. Paul
March 10	Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 		DCCR collection
March 17	St. Patrick
March 24	No meeting
March 26	Family Healing Mass,
		Father Art Cooney
March 31	St. Catherine of Alexandria
April 7		No meeting

	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.
Christian Service Commission
Senior Bingo

	Mark your calendars for February 11th, for our next Senior Bingo day. Bingo will begin at 12:00 p.m. and run until 3:00 p.m.. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost to our players, so come and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
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.
1st 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
MAJ Charles Ducastel	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
Paul Malinski, Jr.	US Navy
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
Died in Christ

Please remember in your prayers:

	V Timothy Regan

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Wedding Anniversary
February, 2009

Robert & Helen Beauvais   February 3	         58 years

May God keep you and continue to
Bless you for many years to come.
A Note From The Principal

  I would like to thank all of our parents and parishioners who joined us in celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week. This was a wonderful time for all of us, to celebrate our true spirit!
	A long-standing tradition at Holy Cross Catholic School is our annual winter trip to Camp Wolverine.  This is a week spent learning more about ourselves, each other, and the world around us.  I thought our absence would provide a wonderful opportunity for our fourth graders, who are the ‘leaders of the school’ as they are the oldest grade on campus this week, to share their thoughts on why they are proud to be students at Holy Cross Catholic School:

“We think that Holy Cross is special because…

“…it teaches everyone about God and how to love and take care of others. –Nick”
“…all the teachers are nice. They help you whenever you need help. –Lilly”
“…we all learn about Jesus, his life, and how to follow Him every day. –CJ”
“…my dad and his whole family went to Holy Cross. I think more people should come to Holy Cross because the teachers here are so nice. –Gracie”
“…we learn a lot of neat stuff about Jesus. I will always believe in Him. –Emily”
“…here your faith grows stronger every day. –Alexis”
“…we learn our prayers and all about God. –Taylor”
“…there is always someone who can help you when you need it. –Maddie”
“…it’s clean, we get a good education, and we participate in Mass. The school is really fun. –John”

	I hope that you will take the time to visit Holy Cross and decide if these reasons might be part of the education that you are looking for.

In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
Michigan Catholic Conference
Advocacy Priorities
2009-2010

	Recognizing the tremendous budget difficulties that lie ahead, Michigan Catholic Conference announced that protecting statewide programs that benefit Michigan’s poor will top it’s advocacy efforts during the 95th legislative session. The Conference will also lend its support to any legislation that limits and regulates the destruction of human embryos following the passage of Proposal 2 in November.
	Michigan’s significant budget deficit in the coming fiscal year presents a major obstacle to protecting critical programs, but it is the mission of MCC to protect the dignity and life of each and every human person from conception until natural death, especially the most vulnerable.
Flowers for the Lord

St. Mark Flowers in Honor of…
Marion Lamb

Flowers provided by Family
“God heals all our ills;
Let us give thanks and praise!”

	Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus’ disciples freely brought their troubles to Him because they found Him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. In last week’s Gospel, Jesus cured a man from an unclean spirit.  This week’s Gospel brings Jesus to a brief stop at the home of Simon and Andrew. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was healed. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and Healer in your life and family? There is no trouble Jesus does not want to help us with and there is nothing that he can’t set us free from.
	St. Jerome, a 3rd century Church father, applies the lesson of today’s Gospel to us: “The Kingdom of God is in your midst.” Faith beholds Jesus among us. The Kingdom of God is the Presence of God. It is our union with God. It is to this that Jesus wants to guide us. There are no easy answers to resolve the questions about suffering. Jesus comes into our world of suffering as God the healer, bringing hope. Regular Eucharist, regular prayer with others, regular Church attendance, nurtures the soul. Church life, in community, can help provide a steadiness, healing and wholeness.
	In the midst of helping those afflicted, Jesus maintains a dimension of quiet and prayer as a hallmark of His life. Our faith, if it is genuine, cannot be otherwise.  Our faith seeks expression in community, at the Eucharist. We also need a dimension of quiet and prayer to discover the depth of our relationship to God. No sickness can stand its ground in the face of the very source of life and health, the person and presence of Jesus, Divine Physician, whom we are privileged to meet in prayer. At every Eucharist, Jesus continues to heal, to show us the way to peace and to wholeness in the blessing of spiritual strength..
	This week the Church will once again celebrate the World Day of the Sick on February 11th. Pope John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick on May 13, 1992, setting aside February 11th, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, for its annual celebration, invoking the protection of Mary over those experiencing illness and suffering. On this day, the ill are encouraged to reflect on the Christian meaning of suffering. The Church is encouraged to lift in prayer all those seeking the healing love of Jesus.
	Who do you take your troubles to? When the disciples finally found Jesus in today’s Gospel, verse 37, they said:  “Everyone is searching for You!” “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). We have more assurance in texts from Deuteronomy 4:29 and Jeremiah 29:13 “If you seek God, looking for Him with your whole heart and soul, you’ll be able to find Him…”  God is a compassionate God, He will not abandon you. You can count on it!
	Today is also World Day for Consecrated Life. There are numerous forms of consecrated life including not only the ordained and the vowed religious, but also consecrated virgins and secular institutes. Take time this Sunday to pray for those who have professed their lives in service of the Gospel.
Blessings and prayer in Jesus’ love,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriverparish.net
Pastoral Associate 		     (Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)
Our Lady On The River Parish	February, 8, 2009	Page #
	Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Holy Cross Catholic School
20th Annual Irish Night Dinner & Auction

Saturday, March 14, 2009
Marine City Knights of Columbus Banquet Center

	Please plan on joining us March 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Marine City K of C Banquet Center for a night filled with good food, friends and lots of fun.
	For information please call Gretchen Rogus at 810-329-9649, Jennifer Laster at 810-765-3510 or the school office at 810-765-3591.
Our Lady on the River Parish
Lenten All You Can Eat Fish Fry is Coming!

     Every Friday in March we will be hosting a fish fry for the community at the St. Catherine Activity Center. We need volunteers to help with alternating shifts through out the day. The sign up sheets are in the vestibule at each site. Please consider joining us in servicing our community. Proceeds from the Fish Fry will benefit our parish and Holy Cross School.  For more information, please call the parish office.

Daughters of Isabella

	Our February meeting will be held on Monday the 16th at the K of C Banquet Center with lunch served at 12:00 p.m. followed by the meeting. Dues are payable at the meeting. Please remember SVdP donations.
	Thank you to all for helping take down the Christmas decorations at Holy Cross on January 18th!
Jenny Street
Christine Page
Joan Moosekian
Bill Zweng
Midge Lavely
Lois Moldenhauer
Joyce McClarren
Bill & Mary Furtaw
Madeline Kerr
Delores Smith
Linda & Mike Nagy and Family
Patrick Sankuer
Dale & Cheryl Sherman
Ann Billock
Gwen Stewart
Bob & Mary Lou Zweng
Joe Brady

Words to Live By

	To pray is not to escape from history and the problems that it presents. On the contrary, it is to choose to face reality not on our own, but with the strength that comes from on high, the strength of truth and love, which have their ultimate source in God...
                            -Pope John Paul II
Readings for the Week of February 8, 2009

Sunday:	Jb 7:1-4, 6-7/1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23/Mk 1:29-39
Monday:	Gn 1:1-19/Mk 6:53-56
Tuesday:	Gn 1:20---2:4a/Mk 7:1-13
Wednesday:	Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17/Mk 7:14-23
Thursday:	Gn 2:18-25/Mk 7:24-30
Friday:	Gn 3:1-8/Mk 7:31-37
Saturday:	Gn 3:9-24/Mk 8:1-10
Next Sunday:Lv 13:1-2, 44-46/1 Cor 10:31-11:1/Mk 1:40-45
©Liturgical Publications Inc
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
World Day of the Sick
February 11, 2009

	Pope John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick on May 13, 1992, setting aside February 11th, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, for its annual celebration. On this day, the ill are encouraged to reflect on the Christian meaning of their suffering. The occasion also provides an opportunity for those involved in health care to recall the roots of their healing mission.

Reach out with compassion towards
Someone facing sickness

Prayer of the Sick or Suffering

Dear Lord, I want to ask you:
Why am I so sick?
Why me?
Why now?
What shall I make of this?
Am I being punished?

People tell me “You don’t question God.”
I don’t understand that.
You are my Father in Heaven.
Had I not asked my earthly
father questions,
I would have remained fairly ignorant.

So, I have my questions.
I think you will bring people to me
Who have some answers.
They are instruments of your goodness
And mercy: Doctors, Nurses,
Ministers, Chaplains, even Friends.
Now, I have my own answer
for “Why me?”
Why not me?

Dear Lord, I will wait upon your answers,
With faith that you will not
Turn away my questions,
But use the instruments of your love
To show me your way to peace
And to wholeness.

In the name of Your precious Son, I pray.
Amen.

The National Association ofCatholic Chaplains
Kathleen DuVal Joynt, Richmond, New Jersey
One-Liners

The best bridge between despair and hope is often a good night’s sleep.
Please do not complain about the coffee. You’ll be old and weak someday, too!


St. Mark

160 Families
  35 Envelopes:	        $851.00
Loose Cash:	          $23.00
Total:		        $874.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
325 Envelopes	    $9,388.00
Loose Cash        	       $387.20
Children           		     $13.11
Total  		    $9,788.31
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
212 Envelopes:	 	    $4,455.00
Loose:		  	       $211.25
Children:		         $10.09
Total			    $4,676.34
Collection of Sunday, February 1, 2009


	It’s not too late to give some things away for the Christmas season. We need to continue to give, not only on Christmas Day, but also all year round. We could call these daily gifts “our projects.” Maybe one per day would be wonderful. Here are a few suggestions:
Give your boss a break, be especially cooperative.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Hug someone tightly and whisper “I love you.”
Forgive an enemy.
Be gentle and patient with an angry person.
Express appreciation.
Gladden a heart of a child.
Find some time to keep a promise.
Make or bake something for someone else-anonymously.
Offer to baby-sit for a weary mother.
Speak kindly to a stranger.
Smile, laugh a little.
Take a walk with a friend.


Kneel down and pet a dog or cat.
Play some beautiful music during an evening meal.
Encourage an older person.
Apologize if you were wrong.
Turn off the T.V. and talk.
Pray for someone who helped you when you were hurt.
Do the dishes for the family.
Give a soft answer even though you feel strong.
Listen!
Fix breakfast on Sunday morning.
Mend a quarrel.
Treat someone to an ice cream cone (yogurt is fine).
Point out one thing you appreciate most about someone you work with or live near.

	Let’s make the gifts of Christmas one, long, extended gift of ourselves to others. Unselfishly. Without announcement. Or obligation. Or reservation. Or hypocrisy.
Daily Gifts
Online calendars are on the parish and location websites.
Thank You For Your Thoughtfulness

	Thank you to everyone that offered prayers for Rosanne Lozowski Arnold, visited or participated in the funeral Mass, or donated for Masses to be said in her memory or to the church.  Your thoughtfulness means more than you will ever know.
	Thank you also to everyone that helped with the luncheon, everything was delicious and we truly appreciated the time and effort of all the volunteers.
From the Family of Rosanne Lozowski Arnold
Adults  $7.00   Seniors $6.00   Children $5.00   Under 5 Free
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

Friday, February 27 and Friday, April 12
Marine City Knights of Columbus Banquet Center
King Road
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A Valentine's Day Blessing
	Love, the Bible says, is patient.
May you never lose your temper with the one you love,
but be patient as God was with his people.
	Love, the Bible says, is never boastful.
May you cherish your love as a masterpiece of God,
and not as a trophy to be displayed.
	Love, the Bible says, is never selfish.
May you always be generous to your love, with time,
with affection, with encouragement and assistance.
	For as Christ loved the Church,
so we should love our beloved.
	As Mary was devoted to her Son,
so we should be devoted to those we love.
	And as God loved and sacrificed for the world,
so may we always be to those we love.
Amen.
St. Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 14

February 8, 2009
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Online Edition | www.OurLadyontheRiver.net