11 - 17 August, 2001

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

One of my preteen nieces is away at camp for a few weeks. "This is so much fun." She wrote as she described the hiking she had done and the "incredible pictures" she had snapped. She added, "I love you. Sometimes I want to go home, but I'll stay."

I'm glad that is her attitude. Even when home is such a great place to be there is still a whole world of new experiences to be had. My sisters and brothers and I at a very early age were sent to spend one of the summer months at Tower Hill Camp. It was a Catholic Charity sponsored free camp for poor kids. It was located just down the road where Monsignor Clarke School is now. My Uncle the Monsignor was in charge. We loved going there. We met all sorts of new kids from parts of the city and state we had never seen. We did all sorts of things to pass the time and we went to Narragansett beach everyday. The only price to be paid was not being able to be home.

Of course, you don't have to actually go places to experience the diversity and challenges posed by the unknown and the unfamiliar. Being open to it is the key. Being willing to sustain a level of discomfort and insecurity is essential. Both add up to a bargain price for discovering the wonder of the world in which we live and the awesome people who all in their own way reflect the God who made them.

• Parish Center Summer Hours
  During the months of July and August the Parish Office hours are as follows:
  
  • Monday through Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
    
  • Thursday and Friday: Closed
• The Spiritual Committee is donating Scapulars. They have been blessed by Fr. Dennis. If you are interested in obtaining one, they are located in the back of the church.
• N. K. Food Pantry
  A warm and sincere thank you to those who have generously given juice & juice boxes to the NK Food Pantry this summer. We are going to continue with this request throughout the month of August.
• Parish Pictorial Directory
  Volunteers are needed for the final planning stage of our directory. Our meeting in the Parish Center on Monday August 13th at 7:30 pm should last about 45 minutes. All interested parishioners are welcome. Call Bill with any questions at 294-2660.
• SPRED
  Someone is waiting to be touched, to be heard. Someone is waiting to share a laugh or to share a story. Someone is waiting for you to share your faith with them. That someone is a member of our parish community. Volunteer to become a member of our parish SPRED community. Contact Nancy Gagnon, 295-2582, parish chairperson.
• Interested in a cruise to Alaska in May 2002?
  Come to the Parish Center of St. Francis de Sales Church, Tuesday, August 21st , 7:30 pm for a "Cruise Information Evening" RSVP to Dot Hart, 884-7840.
• Knights of Columbus will hold an Italian Night on Saturday, August 18th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the K of C Hall. The menu is: Meatballs, Pasta, Tossed Salad, Italian Bread/Butter, Coffee/Tea. Tickets are $5.00 per adult, $2.50 per child 12 and under, under 2 free. Please call 886-5004 or 295-0507 for reservations by August 16th.
• Fundraiser to benefit Laurie Kendall, who has toxic poisoning, will be held Friday, August 17th from 7-9 pm in the Parish Center. Donations are $10 and refreshments will be served. For more information call Linda Gray at 295-5217.
• Teachers:
  The Diocese of Providence is seeking qualified candidates for openings in Catholic schools, Pre-K to 8. Call 278-4550 or access applications at www.catholicschools.org.

The Futures Committee has established a Core Team of 25 individuals who attended a workshop on August 11 with our consultant, Dr. Elaine Notarantonio, to begin the next phase of strategic planning. As we proceed with the planning process, the Core Team will be establishing smaller planning teams that will require additional volunteers.

If you want to give direction to the future of St. Bernard's by participating on these teams, please identify yourself to Tom Orsi (phone at 294-4369 or e-mail TomOrsi@home.com). or the parish center. We have also added information to the parish website at http://www.sbcwickford.org/strategic_planning/, or just select the link "Strategic Planning" in the menu on every page of the St. Bernard web site. The web page will provide you with a short history of our activities, and links to other pertinent information like the parish survey and Community Forum presentation. The activity description is also posted on the bulletin boards in the church and parish center. If you want to see the survey or presentation, contact any of the committee members or the parish center.

Does your will include our parish?

If not, please consider a bequest of cash, property, stocks or bonds, or a percentage of your estate. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of those served by our church. Be a responsible steward of your God-given gifts.

Psalm 112:5
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

For a free information kit call: Karen Cooper 943-6550.

Thank you for your excellent response to our Religious Education registration. All forms MUST be in by August 15th.

We have many new students and are in need of both teachers and SPACE. If you are willing to teach a CCD Class at home (Grades 4 - 7) please call us. You may choose your own day and time.

Please check the parish website after August 18th for additional religious education updates! There are important upcoming changes regarding class times and preparation for First Eucharist and Confirmation.

The Second Annual Parish Picnic will be held Sunday, August 19th at the Cold Spring Community Center from 2 to 6 pm. Everyone is invited to spend the day at the town beach. Volley ball, games, cook-out , sand castle contest (bring your pails and shovels), swimming and much more. St. Bernard's will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs and paper products. Please call Susan Keimig at 294-1313 or Martha Dwyer at 295-1437 to sign up for pot luck. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, August 15th is the Solemnity of Mary's assumption into heaven. It is a day of obligatory attendance at Mass. Tradition asserts that August 15 is Mary's greatest festival. A "full house" on Assumption day would be a witness to our love for the Mother of God. Masses will be celebrated on Wednesday at 8:00 am, 12 Noon and 7:00 pm.

I'D LIKE TO BE A CATHOLIC!

Have you ever said this to yourself? Do you know someone who has expressed this desire? If so, you should know that our parish has a process which encourages and supports individuals who want to know more about belonging to the Catholic Church. If you would like more information, please call the Parish Center and ask to talk with Father Dennis. Thank you.

http://www.sbcwickford.org/mediacenter/mediacenter.html

The Media Center will remain open during the summer. Come in and browse our shelves for summer reading.

Hours:
Saturday: After 5:00 pm Mass
Sunday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

HELLO OUT THERE, this is the Youth Ministry speaking . . . . to you, personally. Can you hear us? Is this thing on? We know that the sun is shining and the smell of sunscreen is in the air but school is only weeks away. We definitely want you to enjoy the last couple weeks without books, pencils, homework, and carpooling but we are getting ready for September and could use your help. Our adult meeting last week was informative but attendance was very low. It is understood that August is a difficult month with vacations and all . . . and we know that you are out and are willing to help - so MARK your CALENDARS our next planning meeting scheduled for ADULTS AND YOUTHS on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 7-8:30 pm.

We have our tentative three month calendar complete with social, spiritual, and service activities. It is scheduled to be sent out to all youths by the end of the month. Any youth in grades 6th through 12th are welcome to participate on a volunteer basis. This ministry is not a requirement of CCD classes but should be thought of as a great opportunity for young adults to become involved in their church and give back not only themselves but others, as well. JUST TRY US ONCE and you will never stop coming. Any questions, concerns, comments - call Dawn at 294-9351 or check the church website at http://www.sbcwickford.org/youthministry/youthministry.html.

"I thank God today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of my brothers and sisters. I know I am responsible for the unborn who cannot speak for themselves. I know that the most serious tragedy of our day is the tragedy of abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the Pro-Life movement, and never to stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some but for all. Amen!"

Priests for Life

Anyone having a mass said for a family member or friend and would like to bring the gifts to the Altar during Mass, please contact Dee Scanlon at 884-0166 and let her know the date and the time the Mass is being said and she will take care of notifying the proper people. Thank you.

Note: The New American Bible version of this week's readings can be found here.

Please submit any bulletin materials directly to the Parish Office, or via e-mail to sbcwickford@aol.com, attention to Jane Allen. The deadline for the submission is Tuesday by 5:00 pm and please take into consideration of the cutoff time and the space limit. Thank you for your cooperation.

Am I waiting for the "right" time to become a good steward? Do I plan to share my time and talents "later"? Today's Gospel warns those who are procrastinating about stewardship to be prepared -- "at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Treasures Shared

August 5 / 6

Actual $5,290.50

Budget $5,225.00

Peter's Pence Collection - $1,352.00

Thank you for your continuous support and generosity.