A week ago I went to PPAC courtesy of a parishioner who was unable to use the tickets previously purchased when a schedule conflict arose. The event was Dr. Maya Angelou's appearance. She came to talk and to read some of her poems. She is a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. Almost eighty years old she continues to be active all around the world. I remember her most for her first autobiographical work "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" which I read as a student in the late sixties. It relates her childhood rape and the trauma that prevented her from speaking for five years. I was inspired then by her ability to remain positive and hopeful in the face of horrible life experiences some related to race and gender and others just personal tragedies that cross all lines of demarcation.

During the almost forty years since reading that book Dr. Angelou has been a voice of hope and an example of courage and service to others. I had never actually seen her in person previous to Friday's event. I was momentarily surprised at her age. Soon as I listened to her speak I forgot her age and only heard her captivating tales of how we can impact the lives of others for the better. She won me over when she showed her great sense of humor and declared that she didn't trust anyone who couldn't laugh. The theme of the evening was the idea that "each on of us can be a rainbow in someone else's cloud". She took it from an old folk song which she sang for us (The woman is multi-talented) "God put a Rainbow in the Clouds". She said: "Everyone has a rainbow in their clouds or you wouldn't be here. They may have been embarrassing clouds. They may have been too fat, or too thin, or in need of serious dental work. But they're part of our history. It's important to remember them so we can go about the business of being rainbows in someone else's cloud."

It was the absolute wedding of her words to her life that is the power in her message and the inspiration in her presence. The image is a good one to think about and then act on. I am indebted to the parishioner who thought I might like to go and equally indebted to her daughter for being an honor student getting awards that Friday evening.

• The Liturgy of Anointing of the Sick will be Wednesday, June 20th at 5:00 pm at St. Francis DeSales. If you or any you know would like to be anointed, please call. Leave your name, phone number and if transportation is needed. Dinner will be served after Mass. If you would like to volunteer to help, please call Gerry at 294-6314 or e-mail angel55288@aol.com.
• Congratulations to this year's recipients of a St. Bernard's scholarship grant
  Catherine Brown, Sean D'Alfonso, Cody Daluz, Sarah Freitas, Dennis Glasberg, Caroline Murphy, Erin Smith and Emily Squillante. Congratulations and good luck to all graduating high school seniors.
• Miles for Monty
  Join members of St. Bernard's and the community of North Kingstown at Wilson Park Saturday, June 23 at 10:00 as we walk "Miles for Monty" to help support the Montanaro family whose second son, John (or "Monty") has had a relapse of leukemia. To join us or to sponsor a walker call the Parish Center at 295-0387. For more information contact Bonnie Sawyer at 401-742-6457 or milesformonty@cox.net.
• 5th Annual Stewardship Fair -- SAVE THE DATE...Sun., Sept. 23!!!
  Watch the bulletin for more details.
• Parish Family Day in Jamestown
  Remember, Sunday, August 19, will be the second annual Parish feast of family and friends. You do not want to miss it. Everyone had a fabulous time last year. All are welcomed and encouraged to come. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Deacon Ron 884-1687.
• 1st Annual Steve Hernandez Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at Quidnessett Country Club on Monday, July 23rd. Proceeds will benefit Monsignor Clarke School. To receive an application for golf and tee sponsorship, please call the parish center at 295-0387 For more information please call Tami Gwaltney 294-9784 or 521-4000 ex. 111.
• STEAK FRY at the Knights of Columbus Saturday, June 23, 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the K of C Hall. Steak, Baked Potato, etc. $10.00 per person. Reservations are required by June 21st. Please call 295-0507.
• Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, June 22-24 in Milford, MA
  Scripture says about married people "Two shall live as one". How often do you find yourselves living as two? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend can help you get back to basics in this complicated day and age. For more information call Ray & Beth Ginepro at 1-800-710-WWME or visit our webpage at www.wwmeMA.org.

2007 Catholic Charity Fund Appeal

"Remarkable Wonders are Done Through You"

I would like to express my gratitude to those of you who have made a gift to the 2007 Catholic Charity Fund Appeal. If you have not already contributed, please make your pledge today.
Parish Goal: $95,065.00
Number of Families 406
Actual to Date: $79,111.46
Number of Cash Gifts: 201
Number of Pledge Gifts: 94

Classes and Generations of Faith may be over for the summer, but the office is busy planning for next year! Would you like to help? Consider sharing your Faith with the youth of our Parish.

Watch for information about registration for next year's classes coming soon!

Photos from First Eucharist are available on the website. Go to the "Activity" section and click on "Events." You can also check out pictures from Generations of Faith.

The Youth Ministry was rained on this weekend but we 'wheeled and dealed' our Giant TAG SALE inside the parish center and had lots of customers, lots of deals were made, and we had tons of fun. We raised $1800 and we have all of you to thank. Your donated treasures, prayers, and support helped make the day complete. The youth and their parents worked so hard - sorting, collecting, prepping, cleaning, and hauling all the items and they deserve a HUGE round of applause. The proceeds will pay for our 3 rented 12 passenger vans for the week of camp. Thanks again and God Bless!!

The Youth Ministry would like to CONGRATULATE the Class of 2007 graduating seniors. Graduation ceremonies have been happening last week and this weekend. Our annual Appreciation Celebration will be on Tuesday, July 10th. We will gather as a family, enjoy a great meal (potluck picnic style), receive our T-shirts, and honor our graduating seniors - Cate Brown, Cody Daluz, Dennis Glasberg, Colin Hamilton, Michael Hoey, Kate O'Connor, Erin Smith and Emily Squillante. Thank you to all of them for their dedication and commitment to the Youth Ministry for the past 5 years. Congratulations and Good Luck with all your future endeavors.

BIG CLEARANCE SALE
Our clearance sale continues all month, however most items are not marked at their sale prices. A salesperson will be available on Sunday June 24th from 9-12 and clearance prices will be applied at that time. In the meantime, you may continue to use the self-service system to make purchases (TIP: Use the "bill me" option and an invoice with the sale prices will be sent) or call Deborah at 885-6405 for a mutually convenient time to see the merchandise in ROOM 1 and/or get price quotes. Gift items and Books are on Sale. The books in the Church vestibule honoring "HOLY MEN" will have clearance prices indicated on their price cards. There will be NO full-service days in JULY while inventory and year end reporting takes place. Self-service, appointments and special orders will still be available.

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.

Project Rachel is a Catholic outreach to women and men hurting from past abortions. The central focus of Project Rachel is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). For more information, call Kristin Caproni, coordinator at 421-7833, ext. 119.

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.

Our Gospel points out that it isn't just what we give, but how we give that matters. In what spirit are we being good stewards? Hopefully out of love and gratitude for God and one another.

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.

June 9 / 10	Actual $7,236.62	Budget
Through 05/31/07	Actual $354,650.00	Budget $335,838.00

ACH $3,396.50
Catholic Comm. $891.00

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.