January  15th, 2018 - The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
The Eucharist is the greatest gift of the love of Jesus Christ. It is the synopsis of all the special gifts of his life. He left us a memorial of its marvels. It is more than a gift. It is the donor who gives himself... The king with his kingdom.

St. Peter Julian Eymard
We are posting a reflection on the quote of the week during the Year of the Eucharist, it will be called 
A Prodigious Love:  Reflections on the Eucharist the introduction is here: 
https://stmargaretmary.org/a-prodigious-love-2nd-week-of-ot 
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 
The Gathering Rite
Do we bring "our best selves" each week? Do we begin at home in our preparations for this sacred gathering? This week we featured the Gathering Rite at Mass. 

To see the video we showed at Mass this week and to see our "Families and the Eucharist" section go to:   https://stmargaretmary.org/the-gathering 
EVENTS
Our Shared Table
Saturday January 20th - 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 by Tuesday Jan 16th.
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 
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 
Celebrating Epiphany

Thank you to all who participated in the Epiphany display January 6th and 7th.  The event was a wonderful success in celebrating Jesus here with us, and all of us with each other.  There are so many people to thank, too many to name... so we did so here: https://stmargaretmary.org/celebrating-epiphany The event brought this Christmas Season to a very blessed close.  God bless.
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 . The survey will be available next week at: https://stmargaretmary.org/survey 
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Looking for Volunteers

A couple volunteers are needed to help us assemble a digital community resource database. This database will be used to refer people in need to the appropriate agencies so they can access assistance including rent, food, utility payments, housing, medical care, etc. The days/times for volunteers are flexible within parish office hours. Only basic computer skills are necessary. Please contact Scott in the parish office 407-647-3392 or [email protected]
SMM Rocks with Socks!

Thank you to the entire parish for your incredible generosity through donations of socks in December.  We collected more than 3,330 pairs!!!!  We were able to make substantial donations to 8 organizations including Coalition for the Homeless, Harbor House, Christian Service Center, Orlando Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, 121 Hope, Pathways to Care and Covenant House.  The socks were delivered in time for their use during the cold weather we just experienced. 
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

This week please shop for food for the Farmworker Association in Apopka. They are in need of v egetable oil, tortillas, salsa, chopped canned tomatoes, dry pasta, rice & beans, as well as any of the buy one-get one specials at your local store. Please bring your donations to the parish hall when you come to Mass.  Thank you for your generous donations! 
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 

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
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
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
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
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. 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Added Security Measures
 
As you have probably seen over the past couple of months, some new safety measures have been put into place to help keep our Church and campus more secure. We hope these changes have not caused anyone alarm as the Church wishes to be a place of safety for those gathering to celebrate the Lord. To see the changes you can go to:  https://stmargaretmary.org/added-security
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Peace & Justice Ministry - Movie Screening
Wednesday, January 17, 7:00pm

This is a documentary that 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
Projectionist Needed for 6pm Mass

Are you interested in technology?
Are you a regular at the   6pm Sunday evening  Mass?
We're looking for volunteers to run the slides occasionally at the   6pm  Mass.

If you're interested, contact Mark DuVall in the Music Office at   [email protected]
Homily Rewind: 2nd Sunday of OT

We are a community. We are the Body of Christ. Fr. Walsh challenges us to make this a reality by being there for each other in times of need. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King this week, we need to realize our responsibility to speak out for the dignity and value of each of every person we encounter.  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

All high school students are invited to join us this SundayThis is a great opportunity to grow in community with other students. We'll be meeting from 7:00-8:30pm.
Revive 

Our next meeting will be our 6th grade Revive
on Wednesday, Jan 17th
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.