CONVERSATIONS WITH “RECYCLED” CATHOLICS
Many people--Catholics, those of other religions and of no religion-- have been struck by the words and actions of Pope Francis. Included among them are former Catholics who have long felt alienated from many of the church’s positions and practices, but now may be considering giving Catholicism a second look. This series is designed for such people— not for people who are comfortable in their faith and looking for spiritual enrichment. It is for people in transition, hence the term “recycled,” moving from a style of religion that was found to be unsatisfying to one that is both personally fulfilling and authentically Catholic. In a series of six non-judgmental, open yet focused discussions, Fr. Kevin Madigan will help participants reflect on their lived experience of Catholicism, its positive and negative aspects, in the hope of discovering possible directions for the future. The general approach could be described as a “therapy of the imagination,” an attempt to discover how familiar doctrines, metaphors, and images might be mined for new insights and meaning. The series will take place in two locations: St. Thomas More Rectory, 65 East 89 ^th St., on Wednesday evenings, beginning January 6 ^th, at 7:00 p.m., and Blessed Sacrament Rectory, 152 West 71 ^st St., on Thursday evenings, beginning January 7 ^th, at 7:00 p.m. To register, please call 212-876-7718. There is no charge and refreshments will be served. The topics for discussion:

1/6, 1/7 Catholicism is a “package deal” and we were taught never to question.
1/13, 1/14 Catholicism is not a religion for over-achievers.
1/20, 1/21 Will the real Jesus please stand up.
1/27, 1/28 The Church, who needs it anyway?
2/3, 2/4 I would describe myself as “spiritual, but not religious.”
2/10, 2/11 Fast-food Catholicism may be dangerous to your health.



COLLECTION
Thank you so very much for your generous response to the needs of the parish. Our collection last Sunday was $9,731. $3,353 was received in ParishPay for a total of $13,084.



COLLECTIONFOR CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Catholic University in Washington D.C. was set up to train students in all the arts & sciences as do other Catholic Colleges & universities. On its graduate level it focused on theological sciences and awards papal decrees. Many of our priests, nuns & brothers have received their decrees there. They need our help to continue their theological education program.



COMMUNICATIONS COLLECTION
Each year the Bishops ask our help in building up our communication program. More and more we see the importance of getting our message out by radio, television and the internet. The Church is not a strong presence. They once again ask our help.
Next weekend Jan. 2nd and 3rd we will have a second collection. The collection will be divided between the above two groups. Please e generous.



CATHOLIC MOM’S SUPPORT GROUP
Find some coverage for your little ones & meet other Catholic Moms Wednesday January 6th, 7-9p. Our goal is to form a community of Moms centered around our shared faith and values. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the rectory; just ring the bell and we will be upstairs. Newborns welcome! RSVP and more info at meetup.com/NYC-Catholic-Families.



ABC’s of Catholic Relief Service… This week - CRS/Central African Republic:
ABC's of Catholic Relief Services... This week - CRS/Democratic Republic of the Congo: This sprawling nation the size of Western Europe has difficulties with governing and administration. The Church thereby is responsible for 50% of the education and 40% of the health care, nationwide. CRS provides a wide variety of aid and bolsters local Church activities extending even to public works projects, roads and bridges. Last week - CRS/Central African Republic. Next week - CRS/Egypt. For more info visit: www.crs.org.



DOWNEY SIDE ADOPTION AGENCY:
MISSION FOR HOMELESS YOUTH
at Blessed Sacrament Convent on 70 ^th STREET is looking for a volunteer bookkeeper or retired accountant for 4 hours a week (small stipend).
Please contact Fr. Paul Engel ofm.cap at 212-714-2200



FOOD FOR FAMILIES COLLECTION
This weekend (and the 3 ^rd weekend of every month) is our non-perishable grocery collection for FOOD FOR FAMILIES. Shopping lists can be found on the table behind the last pew in the Church. Please put your donations on the boxes in front of the side altars. Many thanks from our parish community!
( In order to provide the highest quality service to those who seek our help, we may only accept freshly bought, unopened non-perishable items. If this is no convenient, we also accept monetary donations.)



REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Blessed Sacrament Church is organizing a new program and we’re recruiting volunteers. The program is called SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS (SMACK). A few times a week the Rectory gets calls from elderly/sick/disabled people asking for assistance with some small task (escorting them to a doctor’s appointment, picking up a prescription, delivering food from our food pantry, etc.) We’re seeking volunteers who would be willing to pitch in and help with such requested tasks. Most would be a one-time event, requiring only a small amount of time and commitment. People with flexible schedules would be very welcome, though those who have busier schedules (jobs, for example) could be very helpful as well. The coordinator would make calls to volunteers to see who might be available for any given task, giving time commitment and details. Karen Gargamelli has offered to serve as coordinator. If you might be interested in participating in this very worthy program, or needing more information, please contact her at [email protected]



PEACEMAKING THROUGH THE ARTS:
To celebrate the closing of the Merton Centenary, Kathleen Deignan, CND, Beth Bradley and her consort, Gadelica, will offer a concert to honor Thomas Merton's Celtic spirit. In word and song, this ensemble will offer selections from their new CD, "Asling" (ash-ling), a collection of sung visions and poems by Sister Kathleen - many texts drawn from the old collection called "The Carmina Gadelica" and realized in concert with an extraordinary troupe of musicians. Join us for this wonderful afternoon of song on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at 2:30 PM at Saint Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village, New York, Sixth Avenue at Washington Place - it just happens to be Merton's 101 ^st birthday! All seats are $25 in advance, $30 at the door for adults and $15 with a student ID. Reserve now at www.nycharities.org, [email protected], or 212-420-0250.



SEEKERS RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Charis NYC presents this peer-led weekend Seekers Retreat where you can join other young adults seeking a deeper relationship with God. Learn how their Catholic faith impacts their lives, through Ignation spirituality and take time to reflect on your journey, your desires, and God’s hopes and dreams for you.



When: January 29^th – 31^st, 2016
Mariandale Retreat Center, Ossining, New York
$260 per person
(Financial Aid and special discounts available)
Register at www.charis.ny c
[email protected] - (347) 619-CNYC