Saddam Hussein's execution by hanging happened last year. We have begun a new year and this makes it easier to simply move on and let what happened last year stay there. Before we do this, however, it is worthwhile recalling that those responsible for articulating Catholic teaching do not support the death penalty under any circumstances. Cardinal Renato Martino, Pope Benedict XVI's lead clergyman on justice-related issues, said Hussein's execution punished a "crime with another crime." Martino added, "The death penalty is not a natural death. And no one can give death, not even the state." The Vatican's press office issued a more lengthy statement, condemning the execution as "tragic." The statement said the Catholic Church's position on the death penalty had been confirmed many times and that "The execution of the guilty is not a path to reconstruct justice and to reconcile society. Indeed, there is a risk that, on the contrary, it may augment the spirit of revenge and sow seeds of new violence."

Not a lot of American Catholics will agree wholeheartedly with this development in Catholic moral teaching. But it is worthwhile noting the reaffirmation of the value of all human life: the unborn, people like Terry Schiavo, and, yes, people like Saddam Hussein. It is also worthwhile noting the concern that putting people to death may actually whet our appetite for more revenge and more violence. January is the month pro-life activists will travel to Washington to observe the anniversary of the legalization of abortion in our country -- the Roe vs. Wade decision by the Supreme Court. This year we are challenged to look into our hearts and hear the words of scripture: "I desire not the death of the sinner but rather that he repent of his sins and live." and the words of Jesus: "I have come not to condemn but to save."

Mexico, a Catholic nation, does not have a death penalty. It doesn't believe it has the right to cut short God's work in a person's life. Wherever we end up pro or con on the death penalty, it is crucial we do all we can to let the Lord's grace prevent us from a spirit of revenge taking root in our souls and an acceptance of even more violence in our society seem tolerable.

• Sparkling memory for your tree
  Sparkling St Bernard signature ornaments are now available after all Masses and in the Parish Center during normal business hours. Each 24K gold plated ornament comes in an attractive gift box with a brief history card. They are $17 each (including tax) and all proceeds will benefit the building fund. There are a limited number available so don't miss out on this opportunity for buy a gift for yourself or especially for anyone who received the sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or Matrimony here at St Bernard.
• Parish Calendars for 2007
  Please take home a parish calendar and refer to it often during the year. It is a good guide to the seasons and feasts of our life as a Catholic community. The end page of the calendar contains even more helpful information. Each month there is an insightful thought that encourages us to grow as stewards of God's many blessings to us. The calendars are courtesy of the Cranston-Murphy Funeral Home in Wickford.
• LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF SOUTH COUNTY will begin holding weekly meetings at St. Bernard's Parish Center on Wednesday, January 10th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Please come and join others who want to improve their conversational skills. If you would like more information on attending these sessions or would like to volunteer to assist, contact Iona Gardiner, Literacy Volunteers of South County, at lvsouthcounty@yahoo.com or 225-1068.
• Drive for the cure
  The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery is seeking volunteer drivers who are available between 9 am and 5 pm to assist with providing transportation tocancer patients. Hours and days are up to you. To learn more call 401-243-2632.
• Get Ready for the "Souper" Bowl
  On Feb.3, two yet-to-be-determined teams will be vying for the title of Super Bowl champs. No matter which teams are playing, the North Kingstown Food Pantry will be a winner. Stay tuned for more details.
• WOMEN OF FAITH AND GRACE, a faith sharing and formation program for Catholic women, will hold a luncheon meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 11:30 in the Rectory at Our Lady of Mercy Church The speaker, Dr. Sheila Kuznic is a pediatrician and mother of 4. All are welcome! For further information call Sheila Broderick at 294-3301.
• Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend
  "And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more... said that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ...." (Second Reading) Come to a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend and recharge your marriage. Upcoming dates are February 9-11, and March 2-4. For more information call 1-800-710-WWME or (401) 397-8752 or visit our webpage at www.ri-me.org.
• ANNUAL COAT DRIVE
  Please drop off your GOOD USED COATS at the Parish Center. We distribute to local agencies. For more information call the Parish Center at 295-0387 or e-mail us at parishcenter@sbcwickford.org.

The giving tree-as always-was a huge success! Over 600 gifts were distributed to people in need this holiday season. Thank you to all who purchased gifts-without you the tree would not be possible. Special thanks to the Youth Group, people who helped move gifts to the hall, and Maureen Bailey for the van to deliver the gifts. May God bless all of you this new year.

JESUS: A HISTORICAL PORTRAIT -- Who is Jesus? And why is he important?

The Historical Jesus - Discussion Group continues Wednesday, January 10th at 7 pm in Parish Center. Topic: The Resurrection. See you there!

Sacramental Preparation Classes start today, January 7th. There will no classes next weekend due to the Martin Luther King Day holiday.

The next sessions of Generations of Faith begin in February. Please watch the bulletin for further information.

Open today January 7th from 9-12. All Christmas and Advent items on sale today only. Next full service hours - January 28th. For customer service at other times call Deborah at 885-6405. Self service available during times when Parish Center is open.

The Youth Ministry has something for everyone this month so check us out!!! Anyone confirmed or interested (Adult or Youth) in attending WORKCAMP 2007 there is a - Mandatory Camp Team Meeting on Monday, 1/9 from 7-8:30pm. Please bring a parent, your calendar, and your deposit (if not given, yet). On Saturday, 1/13 - SENIOR POSSE TRIP to the RI Community Food Bank from 9-12pm. And we are looking for adult drivers to assist with the transport and chaperoning. And on Saturday, 1/20 - there will be Madness till Midnight (Social Night) for the JUNIOR GROUP ONLY!! 6pm-12am. Please bring a friend. Cost is $8 for dinner, games, movies, hangout time, duck tape wallets and bags, and lots of FUN!!! Please let Dawn know if you are coming by email or by calling 461-3048.

Is this you? Or somebody you know? For any number of reasons baptized Catholics do not always complete their initiation into the Church. This is done through the Sacrament of Confirmation and receiving Holy Communion. This is a simple process of preparation that results in the satisfaction of participating fully in the sacramental life that Christ has given us for our joy and support. For more information call Father Reardon.

MARCH FOR LIFE
The time for the January pro-life events in RI and Washington, D.C. has come again. You can now reserve a seat on the Catholics for Life bus going to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on January 21 and 22. $50 per person. RI Motorcade for Life will be held January 22. Please call 421-0821 for more information.

Those who would like to bring the bread and wine to the altar, please call the Parish Center at 295-0387 to arrange.

Click Here for Today's Reading

For prayerful preparation during the week before Sunday Mass, please visit http://liturgy.slu.edu. Reflecting on the spirituality of the scriptures before Mass can have a great impact on hearing the Word proclaimed on Sunday.

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

Jesus, whom God called "my beloved son," is also the "servant" of whom Isaiah speaks in the first reading. We who are baptized in Christ must follow His example and use our time and resources in the service of God and neighbor.

St. Bernard's now offers parishioners the opportunity to make their budget contributions by Direct Debit. Call the Parish Center, 295-0387 for further information.

December 30 / 31	Actual $5,332.58	Budget $7,043.17
Through 11/30/06	Actual $145,187.00	Budget $145,975.00

ACH $365.00

Matching Contributions: Many companies offer matching funds for donations to non-profit organizations. If you donate weekly to St. Bernard's your company might match it! Please take time to find out if your company has this policy.

Thank you for your continuous support and generosity.