January  22nd, 2018 - The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Looking for more? Here is a weekly reflection on the Eucharist: A Prodigious Love - As Close As the Air
https://stmargaretmary.org/as-close-as-the-air
DID YOU KNOW?
The Book of Gospels
 
The Book of Gospels is carried in the entrance procession and is shown to the people during the sung Gospel Acclamation because "Christ himself speaks when the scriptures are proclaimed in the Church"  (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #7).

Copyright © 2008, World Library Publications, the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. Used with permission.
PARISH SURVEY
Disciple Maker Parish Survey
 
The Disciple Maker Index Survey is open now and we need your help! Please help us participate by completing a 10-15 minute survey as soon as possible.  Go to https://stmargaretmary.org/survey begin. The survey will only be available through February 19th and will ask you to reflect on your own spiritual growth and enable you to provide feedback on our parish's efforts to help you grow. 
 
YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
Year of the Eucharist

This is a time to refresh ourselves in the knowledge of the "source and summit" of our Catholic faith - the Eucharist. With a deeper awareness of the Mass, of what we bring to it, and of what is expected of us, our weekly participation in Mass will be renewed and invigorated. We will continue to focus further on the parts of the Mass and on the rich mysteries of our faith.  https://stmargaretmary.org/year-of-the-eucharist 
EVENTS
Call to Action
February 13th at 7pm

A discussion regarding Church ministry today and how we can make a difference. Plus a "Question/Answer" session with Fr. Walsh and the speakers.  Speakers include: Fr. Leo Hodges, Fr. Jorge Torres, & Sr. Kathleen Power. For more information go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/call-to-action 
Night of Worship

Join us Saturday January 27th at 6pm (after the 5pm Mass) National speaker and recording artist PJ Anderson is leading a night of worship. All are invited.

For more information go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/night-of-worship 
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 
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Family Promise

Family Promise families will be staying with us again soon. Please consider volunteering. There are many ways to help: as DINNER HOSTS, EVENING HOSTS, OVERNIGHT HOSTS, as well as setting up, helping with morning clean-up and doing laundry after the families leave. Contact Judy Allen, 407-376-4129 or [email protected]. For more info go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/family-promise
Thank you...

Many thanks for your generous donations of new and used bicycles!  We collected 44 trikes and bikes, training wheels and a number of helmets which will make a direct impact to foster kids in need. There are over 1,300 children in foster care in Orange County, ranging in age from infancy to 21, and these bikes will be accepted and used with great gratitude by their families.

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

If you can count to 140, Baby Basics can use your help! 140 is the number of diapers used in two weeks by the littlest babies. We can use your help on the first and third Saturdays of the month, 1:30-3:30pm to: unpack shipping cases, count diapers, assist families to their cars, move diapers to storage, and break down cartons for recycling.  For more information go to  http://stmargaretmary.org/baby-basics
Food Pantry

This week the food pantry collection is for Christian Service Center. The food pantry has had a 100% increase in people seeking assistance lately, largely due to an influx of refugees from Venezuela, and we are expecting an even greater impact from people displaced by the hurricane in Puerto Rico. Go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/food-pantry for more info.
HOSPITALITY
Are You A New Parishioner?
Wine and Cheese Mingle
 
Come join us for a casual wine and cheese mingle! Singles, couples and families are welcome. Please join us in the Parish Hall of the Family Life Center   on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 6:15pm  - immediately following the   5:00pm  Mass. All are welcome!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Life in the Eucharist Retreat
March 9th & 10th

Are you seeking a deeper understanding of the Eucharist?

Do you really comprehend the statement from the Catholic catechism that states, "the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life?" Are you looking for an invigorating parish retreat to renew you and prepare you for Easter? For more info and to register go to: https://stmargaretmary.org/lite 

SUPPORT
Bereavement Support Group
 
Blessed Are You Who Mourn... for you shall be comforted
6-week faith-based bereavement support group.
Mondays from 7pm-8:30pm. February, 12 through March, 19
Facilitator: Sally Kopke, MS (VITAS Healthcare)

For more information and to register, go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/bereavement-ministry
Bereavement Support Group
4th Tuesday of every month from 10:00-11:30 am

If you care for a loved one at home or in a facility, consider taking this time to share with those who are experiencing the same situations and emotions. Give yourself the gift of prayer and support by sharing with one another.  For more information call Deacon Bill at 407 647-3392 or email Rosario at  [email protected]
Surviving Spouses
Monday, January 22nd from 11:00am to 12:30 pm 

You are invited to join other widows and  widowers for the purpose of  bringing together the members of  our parish who have lost a wife or  husband. The group offers an  atmosphere of support  with encouragement through  sharing and prayer. For more info  please contact Karen at [email protected]  or call 513-319-9997
Rebuilding
Divorced? Separated?

Find help. Discover hope  at our new support group:
Rebuilding.  Come and See/Open House to check out the program   this Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30-7:30pm , 2nd   Floor Family Life Center.  All are welcome. We will use the model from national author, Bruce Fisher, of healing and support with  The Rebuilding Blocks:  For more information go to  https://stmargaretmary.org/divorce-support-group
LITURGY
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
 
February 2nd is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day. It is an ancient custom of the Church to bless candles that will be used in the coming year for worship and for devotions.  At St. Margaret Mary, there will be a blessing of candles at daily Masses on Friday, February 2nd. You are invited to bring candles from home that you would like to have blessed for devotional use during the coming year.
FAMILY MATTERS
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
Playgroup
Thursdays, 10-11:30am in the nursery 

For more information contact [email protected] or call the Family Life Office at 407-645-0284. This is not a drop off but a great way for moms or dads or caretakers with babies or toddlers to meet other parishioners and play in a safe playful environment. 
Pray for Life: 9 DAYS FOR LIFE

"When a woman is facing a difficult pregnancy, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. How do we respond in a loving way that is life-affirming for both her and her baby?" Find out in "What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion: USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities."

February Marriage Ministry Event
Friday, February 2, 6:30-9pm, Parish Hall

Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt on Park Avenue.
$20 per couple to cover the cost of the app, pizza, drinks and desserts provided.  Couples are encouraged to bring an appetizer to share.  RSVP and more info at:  https://stmargaretmary.org/marriageministry
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Exploring Migration:  A Faith Journey
Beginning January 29th & 30th

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 
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 
1920 Ocoee and Beyond

Bridging the Color Divide Sponsors Events on Race Relations
1920 Ocoee and Beyond: Paths to Truth and Reconciliation.
Join the ministry as we learn about a tragic local incident of racial terror and explore its impact on Central Florida's race relations, voting practices and economics, then and now. Find out more at:  https://stmargaretmary.org/1920-ocoee-and-beyond-paths-to-truth-and-reconciliation
TECHNOLOGY
Internet Broadcast Ministry

Are you interested in technology? We are in need of volunteers to help mix sound and volunteers to run cameras at the Sunday 9:30am Mass. No experience needed  :) any and all training is provided.

If you're interested, contact Nick Balabanski at   [email protected]
Homily Rewind: 3rd Sunday of OT
If something is legal does that make it morally right? Fr. Walsh discusses the hot-button topic of abortion in this, the 45th Anniversary of the Rowe vs. Wade decision. Even sea turtles and bald eagles are protected by law, yet our babies are not. Fr. Walsh discusses how we are all called to be disciples of Christ and, if this is so, we can not be pro-abortion. He also speaks of the great mercy and healing that is waiting for those whom have had an abortion. Our God is a God of forgiveness and wants to heal and make His people whole. Watch the homily here: https://stmargaretmary.org/homilies
VOCATIONS
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. For rules and more information go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/essay
HAITI MINISTRY
Central Florida Spotlight
 
What's Haiti really like? We'll show you - and how you can help...with SUSTAINABLE programs. Haiti Ministry is the focus of   Greg Warmoth 's "Central Florida Spotlight"

To see the complete video go to: https://vimeo.com/251090930 
YOUTH MINISTRY
For more information on Youth Ministry  go to https://stmargaretmary.org/ministries/youth-ministry 
Amplify Night
One Heart-Euthanasia, the Death Penalty, and Abortion

We'll continuing our series, "ONE" on human dignity. During this semester, we'll explore what it means to be pro-life and recognize the inherent dignity of all people.   Tonight, we'll be talking about the dangers of euthanasia, the death penalty, and abortion- actions that stop the human heart.
Revive: To The Heights
Part one: Gathering Gear, a night on the liturgy
7-8th grade: Wed., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:00pm

Join us as we begin our semester exploring the liturgy and how to go "To the heights" in our spiritual lives as Catholics! Fun games, pizza, fellowship, and reflection.
Journey Together

All middle school students are invited to join us for our next Journey Together Middle School Catechesis class!   Sunday, Jan. 28, we'll be continuing our series on prayer.

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION
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.