Our Lady Of Mercy Church, Harborcreek, PA

The Question-of-the-Week Winner for the week of January 18, Kevin Nowakowski, grade 4, who knew that the third Commandment is "Keep holy God's Sabbath Day."

There is a Jr. High class tonight, Jan. 25 @ 6:30 PM.

There will be an important meeting for parents of children in the First Reconciliation classes which will take place Sunday, January 25 immediately following the 9:30 AM Mass.

There will be a day of retreat for all Jr. High students on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 1:00-6:00 PM. A light supper will be provided. All youth in our Jr. High program are expected to attend. Friends are welcomed to join us.

Reminder: The Catechist Appreciation Dinner is Saturday, Jan. 31. Religious Education volunteers must have their reservations to the R. E. Office by today, Jan. 25.

Magazines Needed: The Offices of Rel. Ed. & Youth Ministry are in need of old magazines which can be cut apart for various projects. In particular, we need teen, sports, and women's magazines in the next two weeks. If you have any magazines that you are willing to donate to these ministries, please leave them in the R. E. office.

INK JET CARTRIDGES - Please continue to drop off empty ink cartridges to the R. E. Office.

"Getting to Know Your Faith" lecture series, sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation Committee, will continue Jan. 28-Feb 18. Father Ritchie will present a different topic each week from 7:00-8:00 PM followed by questions & answers.

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Your Prayers are requested for - Frank Kobylinski, brother-in-law of Florence Kobylinski, and uncle to Susan Carpenter; Rudolph DeSanto, brother of Mary Apa; Frank Miller, brother-in-law of Winnie Beard; Ruby Pastewka, wife of Bernard Pastewka; and also Donald Benim, who died last week. Please keep them, their family and friends in your prayers.

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Shield of Roses, is a group of lay people who meet monthly in various parishes around Erie. The scriptural rosary & litany are prayed so the Our Lady of Guadalupe, as "Patroness of the Unborn," will protect those babies in danger of being aborted by encircling then with her "shield of roses." For more information, call Fran, 833-7912.

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Rainbows is a program for children (and parents) experiencing loss from divorce, separation or death. It consists of 13 weekly peer support group meetings. This session at St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd., begins Monday, Feb 2, from 7-8:00 PM. Call 824-1250 for more information.

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Mardi Gras Parish Celebration

Mardi Gras Parish Celebration: Mark your calendar for our second annual Parish Mardi Gras and Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, February 22 from 1:00-4:00 PM.

A Chinese Auction, children's games, family craft, a chili cook-off and more will fill this pre-Lenten celebration. Several new surprise activities for teens & families will be added this year. This day offers something for everyone.

If you can volunteer in any of the many areas that make this event so much fun, please add your name to the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Space.

One of the highlights of last year's event was the delicious Chili Cook-Off. Form your teams & register now. More information about participating in the Chili Cook-Off is available in the Gathering Space. Our defending champion, Joe Tarquinio & teammates need good competition!

Last year's Chinese Auction was a highlight. The Chinese Auction Committee is looking for new items. Please bring your donations to the R. E. Office by Sunday, Feb 15th with your name on it. Questions about a donation for the Chinese Auction? Call Kathy Lacy @ 899-1746.

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Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network is looking for a Part-Time Receptionist & a Cook for Soup Kitchen. Please contact Sister Mary or Sister Carol 454-7814.

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COLLECTION - January 18, 2004

Envelopes sent:
Envelopes used
Amount in envelopes:
TOTAL OFFERTORY

841
224
$4174.00
$4417.25

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A note of Thanks: As we begin the liturgical Season of Ordinary Time, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who made this past Christmas Season so beautiful. To Barb Palisin, Joan Martin and all those who helped with decorations, to all those who are part of the Music Ministry, and to Dave Zukowski who donated the tree in our Worship Space.. Thank you for a job well done.

Fr. Ritchie.

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Do you have a few extra pieces of silverware tucked away in the back of a drawer? Extra silverware is needed in the Kitchen for use during the Festival. Please leave any extra silverware you can spare in Sperry Hall. Thanks!

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Lake Shore Visitor - A monthly page for youth and another on film ratings. Catholic news & views - a boost to your faith & much more! Only $20.00 a year! Subscribe through the parish or call (814) 824-1160.

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After Easter, our Parish will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner with proceeds benefiting the Parish. As part of that event, about 25 Theme Baskets will be assembled and raffled. The items that fill these baskets are donated items from businesses and parishioners. Start by looking at the Christmas gifts you received. Did you get a set of towels that does not fit your color scheme, or did you receive yet another toaster? Then please consider bringing these to the parish office and help us get this project underway! Thanks!

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Attention Engaged/Married Couples - Classes to learn fertility awareness to assist you in achieving & postponing pregnancy will begin on Tuesday, Feb 10th, at 7:00 PM in Erie, at St. George Parish. Contact Gretchen at 866-3008 for more information.

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MASS INTENTIONS

Mon. 01/26 8:30am

Tues. 01/27 8:30am IRENE HORNYAK - FRIENDS

Wed 01/28 8:30am

Thurs. 01/29 8:30am ANN SWARTZ - ELLEN McNERNEY

Fri. 01/30 8:30am

5:30pm

Sat. 01/31 8:30am MARIE WENZEL (Ann) - FAMILY

7:00pm

Sun. 02/01 7:30am FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY

9:30am

11:30am RUDOLPH DeSANTO - VERA & CASEY RZOMP

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READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5 • Mk 3:22-30

Tuesday 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19 • Mk 3:31-35

Wednesday Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
2 Sm 7:4-17 • Mk 4:1-20

Thursday 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29 • Mk 4:21-25

Friday 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 • Mk 4:26-34

Saturday 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17 • Mk 4:35-41

Sunday Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 • 1 Cor 12:31--13:13 or 1 Cor 13:4-13 • Lk4:21-30

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