On the first of February Gian Carlo Menotti died. He was 95. Most people know him as the composer and lyricist for the Christmas opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors." It is believed to have been the first opera ever commissioned for television and was an annual favorite from its first presentation in 1951 until well into the sixties. I grew up with it and still consider listening to it during the holidays as an essential part of my reflection on the Christmas mystery. One music critic describes it as "full of humor, wonder, and drama" and the melodies as "tuneful and charming." This seems right on the mark to me.

This beautiful work tells of a poor, crippled, shepherd boy who is visited by the Magi on their way to Bethlehem. Amahl's mother tries to steal some of the kings' gold to use to help her child; she is caught. The kings offer to let her keep the gold and in a beautiful aria one of them explains that the king they seek will not need it. In one of the most moving arias in the entire production, the king sings: "The child we seek doesn't need our gold/ On love, on love alone he will build his kingdom./ His pierced hand will hold no scepter./ His haloed head will wear no crown./ His might will not be built on your toil./ Swift as lightning he will soon walk among us./ He will bring us new light and receive our cares/ And the keys to his city belong to the poor." She returns the gold saying that for such a king she has waited all her life. Amahl offers his crutch as an additional gift. When he does this, he then finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.

The lyrics help to bridge Christmas and Lent which we begin in less than two weeks. The romanticism of Christmas must give way to the reality of the adult Christ who is our Crucified Savior. It is a good time to look ahead to Lent. Participating in the sessions of Generations of Faith is a great way to do this. There are two sessions this Sunday (the 11th) and another on Tuesday evening (the 13th). G of F is for every individual of whatever age.... You are invited and you are very welcome!

• 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.
• Morning of Reflection
  Based on the spirituality of Thomas Merton "Doing God's Will," this morning will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Sabbath Place, One Wright Lane, North Kingstown, RI. For further information and/or to register call Sister Joanne at 294-9022.
• Golf Tournament
  St. Bernard's would like to run a Golf Tournament this spring. The proceeds will benefit the building fund. Some of the ground work for a tournament has been laid, but we need an enterprising person or persons to chair the event. If you would like to get involved please call the Parish Center, 295-0387.
• CALLING THE CHILDRENS CHOIR
  It is time again to begin practice for 10:30 Easter Morning Mass and 1st Communion on May 12th. If you sang with us for Christmas welcome back. If you would like to join us, welcome. Practices will begin Thursday February 1st at 4:30 in the church. Any questions please see Alison Shea.
• The St. Bernard's Bereavement Group will be holding a two part Grief Share Seminar during March for anyone dealing with a loss of a loved one. Seminars will include a brief video and open discussion. The first part on Monday, March 12th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. The second part on Monday, March 19th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. All are welcome. Please call Michele by February 28th to register at 295-2789 or e-mail at michelemlacroix@verizon.net.
• LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF SOUTH COUNTY will be holding weekly meetings at St. Bernard's Parish Center on Thursday, from 9:30-11:00 am. 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.
• The Buzz
  Any interesting news and/or great pictures for the next issue of The Buzz? Please submit them for publication to Carol Sarro by Friday, February 23. Send to Carol at oceanus58@cox.net or leave in pick-up box in the lobby of the parish center. Thanks!!!
• SOUPER BOWL WINNER
  The Bears won by few pounds with more canned goods. While the Colts put on a great showing with a lot of cereal boxes. Please remember the Food Pantry with regular donations over the winter. Thanks to everyone for making the Food Pantry the big winner!
• ROAST BEEF DINNER (PUBLIC INVITED) at the Knights of Columbus Saturday, February 17th, 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. Roast beef, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, etc. $9.00/person, $5.00 children12 and under; children 6 and under are free. Reservations required by February 15th. Call and leave a message at 295-0507.
• Books & More will be open with full service on February 11th and February 25th from 9 AM to Noon. A Selection of Lenten items will be featured before most Generation of Faith sessions this month. . Self Service instructions can be followed in order to purchase something when there is no sales person present. For customer service at other times call Deborah McCoy at 885-6405.
• Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend
  Help your love grow in your marriage. Upcoming dates are March 2-4. For more information call 1-800-710-WWME or (401) 397-8752 or visit our webpage at www.ri-me.org.
• Bishop's Retreat
  Bishop Tobin will direct a weekend retreat on February 23-24 for men 18-35, who are discerning a call to the priesthood. The retreat will be offered at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence. If you know anyone interested, please contact Fr. Michael Najim, Asst. Vocation Director, at 831-8011 or www.catholicpriests.com.

JESUS: A HISTORICAL PORTRAIT -- Discussion Group will meet Wednesday February 14th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center for the last session of this series. Reflection and discussion will include both Christianity Takes Root (January Issue) and When He Comes Again (February Issue) Hope to see everyone there!

Due to the Generations of Faith schedule and the upcoming school vacation, there are no Sacramental Prep classes until Sunday, March 4. First Reconciliation for Second Graders is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27. Reconciliation Service for Third Graders preparing for First Eucharist is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28. Children will be receiving more information at their next class.

Attention Confirmation Candidates! Service hour forms are now available online. Check out the "Confirmation Corner" at www.sbcwickford.org.

Let's Get Ready for LENT!

This month's GOF sessions are all about Lent. How do we prepare for the journey? And what do pretzels have to do with it? Join us for a meal of pasta and salad with DESSERT as we find out more about this season that leads to the joy of Easter. Home Kits will be available at the Parish Center after Masses next weekend for those who missed their session.

Interested in signing up for a session? Contact the Parish Center for available space.

Mark your Calendars! Remember that the February dates are:
Sunday, February 11, 12-2:30 PM, Session 1
Sunday, February 11, 5-7:30 PM, Session 2
Tuesday, February 13, 6-8:30 PM, Session 3

Next full service dates will be Sunday, February 11th and 25th. Look for the red "OPEN" sign. Self service is available during parish center hours. For help at other times call Deborah at 885-6405. Help yourself to the second hand statues and other religious items in the vestibule of the Church.

The Youth Ministry Summer Mission Camp Team would like to thank you, in advance, for your generosity, support, and prayers. The team is preparing for the trip early. If you are unable to give at this time, there will many other opportunities. You help with the rental of vans and gas money, serve with the purchase tools, and most importantly, you become part of the team. We feel that we take all of you with us on this trip, representing St. Bernard's at this camp - making a difference in someone's lives.

The Youth Ministry is inviting you to a FAMILY NIGHT at the Fleet Center in Providence on Monday, 2/19 from 6-10 pm. STRAP ON YOUR ICE SKATES AND SCARF and come and enjoy a night of skating with friends and family. We will meet at the Parish Center at 5:15pm and drive up together. Please contact Dawn at 461-3048 or by email at birondawn@yahoo.com) for more information. And Saturday, 2/24, the Senior Posse is going to the RI Community Food Bank to help sort food from 9 am-12 pm.

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.

Rachel's Vineyard Retreats are healing weekends designed to help those hurting from a past abortion experience to process and recover from their loss(es). The next retreat is March 23-25. To register or for more information call Kris at 421-7833 x 199.

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.

The words of the Psalmist echo the theme of all of today's readings. "Happy are they who hope in the Lord." As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may we bear fruit in due season -- assisting the poor, feeding the hungry and consoling the sorrowful whenever we have the chance.

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.

February 3 / 4	Actual $5384.48	Budget
Through 01/31/07	Actual $214,244	Budget $220,471

ACH $2097.50

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.