Keep It in Mind

There are lots of ways to make your contribution to the life of the Church, both locally and farther afield.

CAN YOU HELP?

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is in dire need of sheets, pillow cases, blankets, baby clothes, and small appliances. Please call the parish centre at 392-3767 during office hours to arrange pick-up.

Help to feed the hungry in our own community by bringing non-perishable food items to the church on the last Sunday of each month. Just leave the groceries inside the church near the centre doors and they will be given to Gleaner's Food Bank for distribution.

Help feed the hungry elsewhere by clicking once a day on The Hunger Site. Yes, it really is that simple!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEWAL AND CELEBRATION

Celebrate the closing of the Year of the Eucharist by coming to the parish retreat - Sunday October 23rd to Thursday October 27th from 7 pm to 8 pm in the church with Fr. Tom Rowland from Madonna House.

Looking for an opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord? There are open hours in the ADORATION CHAPEL schedule (even for a few weeks or months). Additional substitutes are also needed. Call 392-1069 or 392-8898 or 392-1509 to sign up.

Have you read the Pastoral Vision yet? Go to the dicoesan web site to read what Archbishop Meagher's has to say.

Borrow a book or videotape from the St. Peter's Lending Library, which is located at the back of the church. Just put your name and telephone number in the sign-out book (and return the borrowed items within 4 weeks).

Daily Mass is broadcast on Vision TV, channel 21, Monday to Friday at 8 am and noon and on Saturday at 8 am.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

The next Marriage Preparation Weekend is Friday, April 18 and and Saturday, April 19 at St. Theresa School, 15 Adam Street, in Belleville. Register by calling the Parish Centre before October 10th.

Make known your views concering "same-sex marriage" by letter or telephone to your MP:

• Northumberland: Mr. Paul Macklin [392-3382]
• Hastings-Prince Edward: Darryl Kramp [969-3800]
• or c/o House of Commons, Ottawa ON K1A 0A4 - no postage required.

Read ARCHBISHOP MEAGHER’S STATEMENT on “Same Sex Marriage” on the diocesan web site. A small excerpt:

Any attempt to extend the meaning of the word "marriage" to include same-sex relationships would be to change the essential meaning of the word. We have a responsibility to protect every aspect of the uniqueness, and indeed sacredness, of marriage that our culture has held dear for so many years. We are not simply arguing about the meaning of a word. Marriage has a fuller meaning and context than can be realized in a same-sex relationship, and any legislation should recognize that reality.

And don't forget to pray that marriage will be upheld as “the legal union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.”

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a number of documents in defence of marriage. Below are some helpful links:

• Marriage Matters: a brochure setting out 12 of the most frequently-asked questions in the current debate on the redefinition of marriage.
• Resources on Marriage: background documents about marriage covering a range of topics including Catholic marriage, Canadian marriage law, statistics, and frequently-asked questions.

The Vatican web site also contains a wealth of material, including statements from the Holy Father and excerpts from the catechism.

Tuesdays-- Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 3:30 pm preceding Mass.

Wednesdays -- Followers of Jesus Prayer Group and Scripture Study will resume their meetings in September.