CATHOLIC CHAT is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Father van den  Boogaard Hall. Join us for questions, answers and discussion with Father Edgar.

2011 Annual Diocesan Appeal

Faith for Today; Hope for Tomorrow

A Time for Reflection

The Annual Diocesan Appeal is now underway. This week, we hope you will review the Annual Diocesan Appeal information you have received. The theme of the Appeal is: "Faith for Today; Hope for Tomorrow".

The Annual Diocesan Appeal is much different than a one-time special collection. It is a pledge campaign where you can make a gift, payable over eight months.

A significant gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal will touch the lives of many others in a very positive way. The Annual Diocesan Appeal provides critical funding for the many programs and ministries of the Diocese. As you review the work enabled by your contribution to the Annual Diocesan Appeal, please reflect on God’s gifts to you. He has given you all that you have. Your gifts to our parish, to the Diocese and to the work of the Church throughout the world should be given in gratitude for the continuing gifts that God gives you.

Sometimes it is difficult to envision how one pledge can help an organization the size of our Diocese, how it can make a real difference. But each pledge does make a difference because all parishes participate in the campaign and the gifts of many enable our Diocese to deliver needed ministry and services. Our continued gifts not only signify our gratitude to God, they glorify Him by enabling the work of our Diocese.

If you received your pledge form in the mail, please complete it and bring it with you to Mass next week. For those of you who did not receive a mailing or have not had time to respond to it, we will conduct our In-Pew pledge process at all Masses next weekend and the following weekend.

Our parish receives 20% of each dollar contributed until we reach our target of $6,120.00. After we reach our target, then 50% of the funds contributed are returned to us. The more funds collected, the more our parish benefits.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.

We are very grateful to the men and women who have volunteered their time as Catechists for this school year: Peggy Keene-PreK4 and Kindergarten, Donna Marquardt-First Grade, Katy Thompson and Heather Kirkpatrick-Second Grade, Marcy Pennella-Third Grade, Karen Funkhouser and Donna Haviland-Fourth Grade, Joe Drexler-Fifth Grade, Sara Rae-Sixth Grade, Paula and Chris Polcyn-7^th/8^th Grades, Scott Rae-High School

Parents are invited to attend a General Parent Session to discuss the partnership of home and religious education classes. In addition, you will receive information about the Diocese’s new curriculum guidelines and be given Parent Pages to show what your child will be learning in their particular grade level as well as age appropriate faith development and ideas for helping your children grow in their faith. → → → →

If you are unable to attend the sesssion scheduled for Sunday, September 25^th, please attend on Sunday, October 2^nd at 10:30 a.m. in the Church.

All young people who have celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to meet with Father Edgar on Sunday, September 25^th in the Boogaard Hall at 10:30 a.m.

Want to learn how to make Knotted Rosaries?

YOUTH GROUP OUTING

Sunday, September 25^th

We will be going to play laser tag at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex. Please bring $10 to cover the cost of two games. We will meet in the Church parking lot at 3:45 p.m. and leave by 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions please call Erin Hayden, 804-366-4435.

Girl Scout Troop 504 will be sponsoring a bake sale and lemonade stand on Friday, September 30^th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the corner of 7^th & Lee Streets. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Maggie Conklin.

SAVE THE DATE: October 2^nd at 6:30 p.m. (in the Church) will be a time of praise and worship music, prayer and adoration of our Lord. Everyone is invited to come for an hour of AWE (Adoration, Worship and Exaltation) of Jesus!

Blessing of Animals

Tuesday, October 4^th - 7:00 p.m.

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4^th, is said to have invited the larks flying above his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. "All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures."

It is said that the bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

First Friday, October 7^th, beginning with the Living Rosary at 6:30 p.m. in the Church followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration will follow Mass.

The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. The rosary appeals to many. It is simple. The constant repeitition of words helps create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever.

OLBS CHURCH PICNIC

Save the date now! Sunday, October 16^th we will have our annual church picnic. Food, games, fun, and fellowship! I am looking for volunteers to help set up, clean up and monitor stations. I am also in need of donations of small prizes and assorted candy for a pinÞata. If you can help or donate, please call Erin Hayden at 804-366-4435.

Do we have any Thespians out there who would like to direct this year’s Christmas pageant? Practices are held on Sunday after class time. The pageant is scheduled for the evening of December 11^th. Please call Lorraine if interested.

OLBS CHURCH YARD SALE

It’s time to start going through our garages, closets and attics! We are planning a yard sale fund raiser for the Church on Saturday, November 12^th. If you have items that you would like to donate, this would be great. Start setting those items aside now! Volunteers will also be needed to make this happen, so please let me know if you would like to help. Call Erin, 804-366-4435.

Bon Secours Hospice Volunteer Training

Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Richmond Community Hospital - Medical Office Building - Second Floor Conference Room A

1500 N. 28^th Street - Richmond, VA 23223

We are pleased and honored to invite you to join us for our next Volunteer Training Program. This training will provide information on the mission and goals of hospice, the role of the members of the interdisciplinary care team, and how volunteers help to support patients with a life-limiting illness. → → → → → →

Make a difference in your life and the lives of others today! Become a Hospice Visitor or Helper. Help out in the office or with special projects. Please contact Barbara Palmer at 804-627-5323 to register by October 7^th or for questions about volunteering.

Mass Intentions - Daily Mass is celebrated from Tuesday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. We have openings for Mass Intentions, and you are invited to call the Church office to schedule a Mass for a deceased loved one, an anniversary, a special intention, for the sick, or any other reason.

HUMANITARIAN ENDEAVOR

Our diocesan chancellor, the Reverend John H, Thomas, J.D., has asked that parishes begin the collection of unneeded prescription eyeglasses and hearing aids. For several years, his son has gone on a medical mission to the Philippines and fitted indigent people with glasses and hearing aids. He plans to go again in January 2012. He can determine the prescription of the glasses and can test the people. Chancellor Thomas will have the hearing aids checked for performance and obtain batteries for them. This mission outreach has been of great benefit to those who cannot afford to buy glasses or hearing aids. The mission goes into the outlying areas where such services are not ordinarily available to the people. Those who participate in the mission trip pay their own travel and living expenses. Please place your items in the basket located in the back of the Church.

Bereavement Support Group

Offered by Sentara Williamsburg Hospice

Facilitated by Chaplain Cookie James

When: Each Tuesday for six weeks, beginning on October 11, 2011

Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Sentara Home Care Services/Hospice Office

1100 Professional Drive

Williamsburg, VA 23185

(Ample parking, Handicapped accessible)

Everyone is invited. Affiliation with Sentara Williamsburg Hospice is not necessary. All are invited regardless of race, religion, gender or national origin. Confidentiality signed – a safe place to mourn. No obligation to speak or share information.

MAKE YOUR LIFE SIMPLER! If you want one less check to write each week and you already pay bills online, please consider using your bank’s free online bill-paying system to "write a check" to OLBS for your weekly, bi-weekly or monthly donation. Designate your envelope number in the memo line as your account number. With this automatic system, you’ll only need to use your envelopes for "special" collections and if you’re unable to join us at Mass, your financial support will still be strong. Thank you for taking a few moments to make this change.