RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

There will be no group sessions over the next two weeks due to exams at Canso Academy and a school administration day. Rel. Ed. will resume Monday, February 8. Please remember our local students in your prayers as they prepare and write their exams.

First Eucharist & First Reconciliation - Parents are asked to register their children for these programs by contacting the Rel. Ed. office. Anyone interested in helping with these programs, is asked to please contact Marie.

We need adult volunteers to offer the programs to the children. Children must have completed the year three program and be registered in the year four program before celebrating First Reconciliation. To celebrate First Eucharist children must have completed primary, year one and be registered in year two.

STAR OF THE SEA NEWS

Ministries Schedule for Sunday, January 31

Lectors - Marie Parker & David Horton

Euch. Ministers - Clarice Avery

Presentation of Gifts - Buzz & Emily Lumsden

Church Cleaning - Irene MacDonald & Brenda Garrity

Ushers/Coll.- Percy Bond & Veronica Peitzsche

Hospitality - Mike & Amanda Hanhams

Sacristan - Margie Horne

Servers - Allie & Cassie

New Schedule - will be available in the next week.

Even Split Bingo - will be held Friday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Canso Fire Hall. Proceeds to repairs needed for the Rectory.

Prize Bingo - will be held Sunday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Canso Fire Hall.

Parish Council - Regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 14 immediately after Mass. All members are requested to attend. We are presently seeking parishioners who are willing to make a commitment to parish council, please contact the parish office to volunteer. Our constitution requires us to have 12 elected members.

Altar Servers - a schedule is being circulated.

HAITI RELIEF:

The devastation in Haiti as a result of the recent earthquake is so extreme that it defies description. The need for aid is huge and immediate in light of the scale of human misery. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Development and Peace have launched a joint appeal in light of the urgency of this situation.

Contributions can be funneled through Development and Peace by using the following toll-free number which is specifically for Haiti Emergency: 1-888-664-3387. If you contribute before February 12, 2010, your contribution will be matched by the Canadian Government.

Please remember the people of Haiti, Canada and all those affected by the earthquake in your prayers.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

St. Agnes (43) 347.00

Loose 13.00

Star of the Sea (63 ) 550.00

Loose 35.00

St. Vincent de Paul (16) 165.00

Loose 22.00

St. Joseph (30) 228.00

Loose 25.05

WEDDING PLANNING? - As preparations begin for this year’s wedding season, couples are reminded that six months notice is requested in order to successfully complete the preparations. Couples planning on a “church” wedding should also be practising their faith on a regular basis and be in good standing with the church. For more information, please contact Fr. Andrew or the parish office.

BAPTISMS: Parents wishing to have their child baptized should phone Fr. Andrew or the parish office to make arrangements for instruction and an interview.

DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF EVENING PRAY OF THE CHURCH

Evening Prayer will be celebrated at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, on January 24 at 4:00 p.m.. Everyone is invited to participate in this special liturgy on the eve of the instillation of Bishop Brian Dunn. Parishioners are invited to attend the Installation of the Most Reverend Brian Joseph Dunn, D.D., J.C.D. on Monday, January 25 at 4:00 p.m. in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Antigonish. Reception to follow at St. Ninian’s Place.

BISHOP DUNN PLANS TO MEET PEOPLE IN DEANERIES

During the next two weeks Bishop Dunn will be visiting the seven deaneries to have an initial meeting with the people throughout the diocese. These visits will take place at several churches and will begin with Mass at 7 pm, followed by a social. The gathering will give people who may not have attended the Installation Ceremony an opportunity to meet the bishop and to raise issues for discussion. Please note the gathering in your area:

NOTES:

Free Pancake Breakfast at Lions Club

Saturday February 6th from 9AM to 11AM

Pancakes, syrup, sausages, tea or coffee

Everyone is welcome. A Special Thank you from the Canso Lions Club for your support.

Primary Registration - 2010-2011 will take place at Fanning Education Center Monday, January 26 - Friday January 29 during regular school hours.

Port Hawkesbury Relay For Life Survivor Dinner - Registration - Contact Ruth MacRae

at 625-2424 or register on-line at www.cancer.ca/relay choose Port Hawkesbury Relay For Life and join the Survivor's Victory Lap. The Relay For Life Survivor's Dinner is being held at St. Mark's Church Hall and the Survivor's Lap will follow at the Tamarac Education Centre on Friday June 11, 2010.