The third day of genuine winter-cold days is with us as I write for this week's bulletin. It is the cold that spells New -England -Winter -like -It -Was -In -The -Good -Old -Days. So much for the good old days, if you ask me! I'm ready for spring. The cold does remind me that there are a lot of people among us who suffer from the cold and find themselves without resources to pay their utility bills, I encourage everyone who has not yet contributed to Bishop Tobin's "Keep The Heat On" drive to please do so. There are envelopes at the entrances of the church. You can also just use any envelope and mark it for that purpose. It is a great Lenten opportunity for almsgiving.

Speaking of Lent: this year there is no scheduled preached mission. The focus is on the implementation of our new Generations of Faith Program. The March cycle of sessions begins this week. The days and times are posted in the bulletin. It continues next week. There are five opportunities to participate. The theme this month is "Holy Week". It looks at and prepares us for those holiest of holy days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.

Everyone is invited to attend a session. Simply call ahead and let the office know to which one you plan on going so that there is enough food for all. Do yourself a favor and try the program. Each of us needs to keep growing in our faith. Adults need and adult faith. Besides our participation sends a message to the next generation about the importance of ongoing growth in our relationship with God and of the importance of mutually supporting one another in that relationship.

Finally, thanks to all who have used the burgundy envelope to say yes to their willingness to increase their weekly offering to the parish. The response has been encouraging. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider what you can do.

• St. Patrick's Day Celebration to benefit St. Michael's Social Ministry to the Poor will be held March 17th at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet from 2:00 pm to 12:30 am. Please call the Parish Center for tickets, 295-0387. Raffle tickets available - $5.00 each. 1st prize - 2 Round trip tickets to Ireland with accommodations.
• Winner's Choice Auto Raffle
  Remember our next $500 Early Bird drawing is scheduled for March 17th! Tickets are $20 each or $100 for a book of 6. All proceeds benefit the church building fund. For more information call 295-5235 or visit our website at www.sbcwickford.org.
• INCREASED WEEKLY GIVING PROGRAM
  Sharing is caring! Please share with St. Bernard Church a weekly offering that reflects a sacrifice according to your current means. We need every family to prayerfully consider a reasonable increase from their current level of weekly support.
• St Bernard Scholarship Fund applications are now available at the Parish center and on the parish web site for graduating high school seniors of the parish. Eight $1,000 scholarship grants will be awarded in June 2007. To be considered, completed applications must be return by April 16, 2007.
• LENTEN TWILIGHT RETREAT
  A Lenten Twilight Retreat will be held on Tuesday, March 13, at St. Francis Chapel & City Ministry Center, 58 Weybosset Street, Providence. A light supper will be served beginning at 5:30 PM, followed by prayer experiences, input, quiet reflection time, sharing and a closing ritual. Cost is $30 per person. Registration is required: Call Dale Palka at 331-6510 ext.100 or e-mail her at dpalka@stfrancischapel.com.
• Bishop Tobin Retreat: Bishop Tobin will direct a retreat with an emphasis on sophomores and juniors, who wish to learn more about the priesthood on Saturday, March 24th from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence. If you or someone you know is interested see your parish priest or call Fr. Michael Najim, Assistant Vocation Director at 831-8011.
• St. Mary Academy-Bay View will hold an open house for middle and high school students and parents on Wednesday March 14th form 6 to 8 pm. For more information contact Betty Sepe at 434-0113, ext. 150.
• 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.

Wednesday, March 14th
Ecumenical Lunch: 12 noon to 1:00 pm
St. Paul Episcopal Church
55 Main St., Wickford

Friday, March 16th:
Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm

Tuesday, April 3rd Penance Service at St. Francis de Sales, at 7:00 pm

Friday Abstinence: All Catholics who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on all the Fridays of Lent. This practice reminds us that we are all in this season together. It is not just about "me," it is about all who make up the people of God.

Sacramental Prep classes meet today, March 11.

First Reconciliation for Second Graders is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30 PM.

Reconciliation Service for Third Graders preparing for First Eucharist is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 PM.

All 2nd and 3rd graders should have received a notice at their last class with information about their upcoming Sacramental Celebrations. If your family did not receive one, please contact the Parish Center.

Attention Confirmation Candidates! Service hour forms are now available online. Check out the "Confirmation Corner" at www.sbcwickford.org. Mark your calendars- the Good Friday Hunger Walk is scheduled for Friday, April 6. This is REQUIRED for all 9th graders. Information and permission slips will go home after the next class.

How is your Lent going? A great way to grow in your faith this Lenten season is to attend the next Generations of Faith session. The focus is on Holy Week. The upcoming dates are:

• Session 4 - Tuesday, March 13 6:00 to 8:30
• Session 5 - Wednesday, March 14 6:00 to 8:30
• Session 1 - Sunday, March 18 12:00 to 2:30
• Session 2 - Sunday, March 18 5:00 to 7:30
• Session 3 - Tuesday, March 20 6:00 to 8:30

Can't remember which session you signed up for? Or maybe you need to switch. Interested in signing up for a session? Contact the Parish Center for available space.

For special orders call Deborah at 885-6405 or leave a message at the parish center.

If you thought you missed the Planning meeting last week - you didn't. Come to the Planning Meeting this Monday evening (rescheduled from last Tuesday) and help to make some decisions about what the group, especially the Junior Group, will do next and the Easter Breakfast. If you are a 6th grader or up, you can get involved. Just mark your calendar, find a ride, get your homework done and maybe even bring a friend!! Please mark your calendars for the following events:

• *RESCHEDULED DATE* 3/12-Planning Meeting, 7-8:30pm
• 3/30 ~ Decorating for Easter Breakfast, 5-8 pm Knights of Columbus Hall
• 3/31 - Easter Breakfast, 8:30-11 am

Please contact Dawn at 461-3048 or by email at birondawn@yahoo.com) for more information.

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.

Come and Pray the ROSARY FOR LIFE at The State House, on Thursday, March 29th, at 3:00 pm with Mrs. Suzanne Carceiri . All Rhode Islanders are invited to join together and pray to strengthen the Culture of Life in our state. If you have further questions or need additional information, please contact Deirdra Hayes at 782-0007.

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 parable in today's Gospel clearly warns that we, like the fig tree, will be judged by our fruit. While God mercifully provides us with time and opportunity, let us give witness to our faith with deeds of kindness and generosity!

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.

March 3 / 4	Actual $7,826.08	Budget
Through 02/28/07	Actual $238,312	Budget $245,285

ACH $ 377.50

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.