What a wonderful kick off for the St Alphonsus Parish Health ministry.  There were 20 nurses that showed up full of ideas on how this ministry can benefit our parish.  We were able to identify several things that initially could be accomplished to promote health awareness.

First the Parish has purchased 2 AEDs (automated external defibrillators); one for the Church and one for the Parish Center.  Classes will be offered to parishioners and staff on proper use of the AED and certify them for CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation).  We have one parishioner who is certified to teach CPR, is there anyone else in the parish that is certified and would like to assist in this vast undertaking?

Secondly, once a month after Sunday Masses nurses will be available for Blood Pressure screening. 

Lastly, we will begin a Nursing Corner in the weekly bulletin to offer a Health tip or teaching, as well as you being able to “Ask a Nurse” a health question.  Several nurses were interested in going into homes to offer care.  We have two nurses who are interested in teaching parishioners about Advance Directives and one who can offer advice or resources for Diabetes.  Hopefully in the future we will be able to offer Health Seminars.  More information will be shared as programs develop.

Thanks for all the prayers and support.  Over all there was a great excitement over this new ministry.  God has blessed us with so many Health Care Workers! Remember the tool we can all use if an emergency happens “CALL 911.”

Fr. Lamar Partin, C.Ss.R.

This week is  “Catholic Schools’ Week” throughout the country. It is a good time to reflect upon the value of a Catholic School education. Students are  taught about their Catholic faith and learn in a Christ-centered environment in which they can openly practice their faith. Of course the school can only reinforce what should be happening in the home by their parents who are  the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.

Thanks to all the parishioners who help support our Catholic Schools: All Saints Academy, Catholic Central and West Catholic. Many people make it possible by their donations to enable  families to send their children to our Catholic Schools. The families who send their children to our Catholic Schools are making great sacrifices to provide this quality education.  God bless all of you for your investment in our children’s education and faith development.

On Wednesday, February 1st at 10:00 am all the students from All Saints Academy will be here for a special Mass. Come and celebrate Catholic Schools Week with our children and their families. It will be a great liturgy!

The Parish Auction 2012 “A Night at the Oscars” is Saturday, February 18. The proceeds of the auction go to our parish Education Endowment. The Education Endowment supports our Catholic Schools and our parish Faith Formation Programs. Please come to the Auction, buy raffle tickets, donate items for the auction. This is our only big fund raising event of the year for the parish and we need everyone to make it a success. I know that this year’s “A Night at the Oscars” will be a memorable evening. Thanks to all who are working so hard to make it happen. I am sure that if anyone wants to volunteer in some capacity that you would be welcome!  Go to stalphonsusauction@gmail.com for more information.

Friday February 3rd is the feast of St. Blaise. We will have individual  blessing of throats at the 7:00 and 9:00 am Masses.

Pray for your fellow parishioners everyday.

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat, CSSR

Monday, January 23 is the infamous day of the Supreme Court vs. Wade decision legalizing abortions in the United States.  In the new Roman Missal the heading for the Mass to be said on this day is now called “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” We are asked to do penance for violations to the dignity of all human persons, from the beginning of life in the womb to the natural end of life.

Respect for human life flows from the dignity that each of us has because we are made in the image and likeness of God. To respect life in all its forms is to honor ands respect the Creator of life! And thus we as Catholic Christians must abhor all forms of physical, emotional, and spiritual violence. If we abhor abortion for the sin against an unborn child, then we must also abhor the death penalty. We must protest the  terrible acts of violence against women and children throughout the world in many struggling nations and the sexual exploitation of any person.

Respect for Life honors the presence of God in every human being, from beginning to end of life. We cannot pick and choose which part of that continuum we abhor. And we are called to respect and honor life in ways that bestow  dignity  to all people. We can never be violent in our opposition to a crime or action or judge another person and condemn them. Ours is to bring the mercy and gentleness and love of a gracious God who loves all His creatures. Let our love  overcome the violence. Let our respect for life overcome the deaths of abortion. Let our compassion overcome the failings and misguided actions. Evil cannot triumph in the  face of overwhelming love.

May we honor God’s beautiful presence in each other and respect life from its conception in the womb to its natural death. Be so grateful for the precious gift of life!

Gratefully,

Fr. Pat., CSSR

Have you reserved your seats?
Admission is $25 per person or a table of 10 is $250.  The $25 admission includes a fabulous dinner and adult beverages (draft beer & wine) plus the chance to bid on items all evening long! There is something for everyone from $1 “50/50” raffle tickets to silent auction items to a live auction full of excitement.

Special Chances to win:
If you know you are coming, send in your payment now for an extra chance to win! All paid reservations received by Friday, February 10th will be automatically entered into the first drawing of the night for $125!  Also, share your email address and you will get instructions emailed for a chance to be entered into a special $100 drawing!

If you have never been to auction, consider making this the year to join us.  It is a great night out with fellow parishioners as well as friends and family with ties to the parish.  Everyone is welcome, so gather your adult friends and family members and invite them to a night out all for a great cause…our parish!

Save the date! Our Parish Auction is undergoing an entire revamping this year. You will want to mark your calendars now for February 18, 2012, for a night of fun, great food and community. If you would like to become part of our planning committee contact us at stalphonsusauction@gmail.com or Linda at 485-6507.