January  8th, 2018 - The Epiphany of the Lord
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"In His Eucharistic presence, Christ remains mysteriously in our midst as the one who loved us and gave himself up for us, and he remains under signs that express and communicate this love..."

-Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1380
EVENTS
Our Shared Table
Saturday 1/20 - 6:15pm

Join our Clergy "Mystery" Chefs as they demonstrate their cooking skills and share a message on making mealtime meaningful.  This is a family style dinner for all parishioners the menu includes Shepherds Pie, Macaroni and Cheese, Salad, and Dessert.   Go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/oursharedtable  to RSVP.
SCHOOL
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School
Planning for the 2018-2019 School Year

As we welcome the new year, you are invited to learn more about our parish school. All are invited to attend informational meetings to learn about the school's programs.
Middle School Preview Open House:  Jan. 23rd 8am
Pre-K 4 Informational Meeting: Jan.  30th 7pm
Open House for All New Families: Feb  1st 9am
For More information go to: 
https://stmargaretmary.org/smm-school-news 
PARISH SURVEY
Parish Survey
 
In order to continue to grow as a parish we will be conducting a parish wide survey. This survey  will begin on January  20th and be open for a couple of weeks. It will be able to be completed  online  and will only take a few brief minutes of your time, we will also have paper copies available . Stay tuned for more details.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Used bikes for Foster Families
Donations being accepted January 4-14, 2018

SMM along with Guardian ad Litem is gathering gently used bicycles and tricycles of all shapes and sizes. Our hope is to make a direct impact by donating the bikes and helmets to foster kids in need! The need is immense as there are over 1,300 children in foster care in Orange County. For more info:  https://stmargaretmary.org/used-bike-donations
Family Promise

This year, we will again host families from Family Promise, and the next visit will be the week of February 4. If you would like to volunteer, we need  DINNER HOSTS , EVENING HOSTS, OVERNIGHT HOSTS, as well as setting up, helping with morning clean-up and doing laundry.  Also, we need volunteers to prepare and deliver a hot meal each evening  for more info go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/family-promise
What is Family Promise?

You might see bulletin announcements for Family Promise and wonder what it is. What is a host congregation? How many families are in the program?  What happens when they leave here?  What ways can I help?
 
If you would like to learn more, please attend an informational session on January 17, at 7:00 pm in the Upper Room. 
Feeding the Homeless

One of the foundations of social justice is taking care of the homeless. On the 1st Wednesday of every month, volunteers prepare hot meals and desserts starting at 8:00am and then at 2:15pm. These items are delivered to the Coalition for the Homeless in downtown Orlando, providing a hot, healthy dinner and a snack for a later meal.  Contact Colleen Nunez at 407-647-2579 or   [email protected]
Baby Basics

Thank you for your generous donations of diapers for Baby Basics. There is a need for diapers of all sizes, and more than half of our clients request size 5 & 6 diapers. The distributions are the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, however, diapers can be dropped off in the Parish Hall any time.    For more information go to  http://stmargaretmary.org/baby-basics
Food Pantry

There are some new items that have been requested by Christian Service Center for the food pantry.  Please consider donating spaghetti sauce, canned pasta, pork & beans, pancake mix and syrup, bar soap, and any of the BOGO items from Publix.   Please bring your donations to the parish hall when you come to Mass and be as generous as you are able.  Thank you!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Writing our Stories...
 
January 3-February 7: Wednesdays from 10am-noon.  Celebrate who you are, where you have been, what and who  you love in the written word. Join our group to share your own  stories. Write something personal at home, about one typewritten page or shorter, and bring it to the meeting  to share.  We meet for 6 weeks at a ti me with about a six week break between sessions.

Inquiry into the Catholic Faith (RCIA)
Sessions Begin Monday, January 8  at 7 pm.

If you are interested in becoming  Catholic or know someone who is,  please contact Sr. Rosemary 407-644-6812 or [email protected] All are welcome to attend.
Women's Winter Bible Study 
 
Galatians: Set Free to Live from Jeff Cavins and Gayle Somers. Begins, Thursday, January 18, 9:30 am. Paul's letter to the Galatians speaks directly to our hearts today and addresses the extraordinary gift of salvation that Jesus has won for us. St. Paul's epistle reveals the merciful love of God for his children and will reignite your own love for God. For more info go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/womens-winter-bible-study
LITURGY
Altar Server Training
 
New altar server training begins Thursday, January 18, in the Parish Hall and continues for four additional weeks on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8pm. Every new server must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the first session. New servers are expected to attend all five sessions.
For more information and to register, go to http://stmargaretmary.org/altar-server-registration 
FAMILY MATTERS
January Marriage Ministry Event
Friday, January 12, 7-9pm. Doors open at 6:30pm

Last chance to RSVP!  This special night will join couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage and married couples with a focus on the gifts we receive by marrying in the Church. Special guests Brian and Amiee Shields show us what we have to learn from couples receiving the Sacrament of Marriage in Haiti. https://stmargaretmary.org/marriageministry 
Rebuilding

We all know a loved one struggling with rebuilding their life after divorce. Save the date to bring them to an Open House to check out our next program on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30pm. We will have refreshments and show an introductory video so all can check out this helpful, healing program to start on January 30.  For more information call the Family Life Office at 407-645-0284 or email [email protected]
Special Needs Ministry
Thursday, January 25, 1-3pm in the Holy Grounds Room
This group  is for parents or other caregivers who are caring for family members with special needs including but not limited to medical and mental illnesses, developmental delays, mental health issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus or other disabilities.  All are welcome.   https://stmargaretmary.org/ministries/family-matters/special-needs
Dear Ms. Awareness...
When I see a person with special needs I often do not know what to say or do. Could you help me with this problem?
Signed, A concerned parishioner

Dear Concerned Parishioner,  Raising awareness on how to interact with those with special needs is one of Ms. Awareness's favorite things to do! I often suggest that people think of Mark 12:30-31, READ MORE
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Peace & Justice Ministry - Double Feature! 
Wednesday, January 17, 6:00pm
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Peace & Justice Ministry.  We discuss our Catholic call to Social Justice and work to build awareness and advocate for those in need. 
This month, we will view a showing of the film 13th. This documentary traces a 150-year history of race, incarceration and disempowerment of minorities in communities across America. Find out more at: https://stmargaretmary.org/13th 
Exploring Migration:  A Faith Journey
Beginning January 22nd & 23rd

Exploring Migration includes adult formation/discussion groups meeting in once weekly sessions over eight weeks. Each of us have feelings regarding immigration ranging from compassion to fear, but do we know enough about the issue to be truly mindful, prayerful and helpful? Note the time has changed since the last bulletin announcement. For more information:  https://stmargaretmary.org/exploring-migration 
Human Trafficking Awareness Symposium
Holy Family Catholic Church
January 20, 2018 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
 
Orlando ranks 3rd in the U.S. for Human Trafficking phone calls.  You can make a difference - come to the symposium to find out how.  Tickets are available at http://holyfamilyorlando.com   Suggested donation is $7 per person, $17 per family, box lunch served.
The Sultan and the Saint
An Approach to Christian & Muslim Dialog

We may re-run the program this spring. This program between Christians and Muslims explores common roots of our faith traditions as children of Abraham. It's open to Christians and Muslims who want to discuss the faiths with open hearts and minds and prune away ideas that do not bear fruit. For more info go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/sultan-and-the-saint 
TECHNOLOGY
Homily Rewind: The Nativity of the Lord

How does God make Himself known to us? Fr. Jarek explains that God is all around us, we can see Him through nature and through our relationships but most importantly He reaches out to us in the person of Jesus. If you want to know what God is truly like, look to Jesus, in doing so hopefully we can realize that God is truly love. Watch the homily here: https://stmargaretmary.org/homilies
VOCATIONS
Save the Date - Vocations Essay Contest 
All parish children, youth and young adults, grades 5 through college, are invited to participate in the annual Vocations Essay Contest sponsored by the parish Vocations Committee. Get your thinking caps on. This year's contest theme deals with our Church Saints. The contest runs from January 20-March 4, 2018. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners. Please look for more information in the bulletin in the new year.
YOUTH MINISTRY
For more information on Youth Ministry  go to https://stmargaretmary.org/ministries/youth-ministry 
Amplify Tijuana Flats

All high school students are invited to join us at Tijuana Flats this SundayThis is a great opportunity to grow in community with other students and have a great night out. We'll be meeting at the Tijuana Flats on Aloma and Lakemont from 7:00-8:30pm. Chips and salsa will be provided; please bring money if you would like to purchase a meal.
Revive Spring Kickoff   Night   

All middle school students and parents are invited to kick off 2018 with a camp-themed evening! We'll have dinner, games, and discussion as we begin our series "To the Heights!" We'll also be having a potluck dinner for our middle school kickoff! 
Click here  to sign up! 
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION
First Holy Communion

Preparation for First Holy Communion begins for parents and registered children on Tuesday, January 16, at 6:45 pm in the church.  If you need babysitting for a sibling, please contact Kristie Altman with the name and age of the child. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or 407-647-5171. 

Parish Vision Statement
Called into relationship by the Holy Spirit and
Centered in the Eucharist,
St. Margaret Mary Parish is a welcoming community,
Sent by Christ to serve.