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January 10th, 2016
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Click here to view the list of names whom the flowers that decorate the sanctuary for Christmas
are offered for
COLLECTION
Thank you so very much for your generous response to the needs of the parish. Our collection last Sunday was $14,667.00. $3,353 was received in ParishPay for a total of $18,020.00 The collection for 12/27/2015 was $11,595.00. $3,353 was received in ParishPay for a total of $14,948.00
Reminder: This weekend we have a second collection for our Soup Kitchen.
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:
1/13, 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.
14th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr Day Interfaith Peace Walk
When: Monday, January 18, 2016
Theme: Here the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!
Time: Walk begins at 2:00PM
Where: Gather at Holy Name of Jesus Church (W 96th Street / Amsterdam Ave) for an introduction and short prayer; proceed to several Upper West Side faith communities (including St Gregory the Great and West Park Presbyterian) for reflection, readings and song; end at Church of the Blessed Sacrament (W 71st St / Broadway) for reflection, refreshments and fellowship.
Participants and host congregations are encouraged to bring/collect letters addressed to congressional leaders urging support of initiatives to protect the planet and the poor who are so devastatingly affected by climate change and income inequality. Letters will be carried from congregation to congregation and then delivered in bulk.
Forum on Human Trafficking: Analysis and Action Plan
“Human Trafficking is a scourge upon the body of Christ.” – Pope Francis
Speakers: Carol Smolenski: Executive Director of ECPATUSA, leader in the fight against child trafficking. Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia: Worker Justice Center of NY, expert on debt bondage in agriculture. Patricia Latona: UN representative for ZONTA International, advocate for international women’s rights. Followed by a short workshop for interested audience participants.
Where: Holy Trinity Catholic Church Murphy Canter
213 West 82 nd Street 10024
Time: 7pm – 9pm - Date: Tuesday, February 2 nd, 2016
RSVP: Friday, January 29, [email protected]
Cost: free/ good will offering
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]
Poinsettias
Now that the Christmas season is behind us, the poinsettias that beautifully decorated our Church are available. If you or a friend are interested, please come to the Church this Monday, January 11 th, 2016 after 9:30am and speak to our maintenance worker.
SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER
Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend there will be no class on January 17th, 2016.
