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December 25th, 2017 - The Nativity of Our Lord
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St. Augustine imagines Jesus saying to us at Communion, "Eat the bread of the strong. You will not transform me into yourself, but I will transform you into me."
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God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Mass During the Day, Sacramentary)
Special thanks to all liturgical ministers for being people of the light, bringing life to the waiting world and giving glory through your ministry to our God. Your sharing of this light is shown through the beautifulenvironment, liturgies and welcoming atmosphere and wouldn't be possible without the generous service of Greeters, Ushers, Music Ministers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristans, Projection Ministers, Altar Linen Helpers, Plant Caretakers, Altar Servers, and the Art/Environment Team. May God bless you during this Christmas season and throughout the coming year.
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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
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Saturday 1/20 - 6:15pm
Join our Clergy "Mystery" Chefs as they demonstrate their cooking skills and share a message on making mealtime meaningful.
Menu includes Shepherds Pie, Macaroni and Cheese, Salad, and Dessert.
Go to:
https://stmargaretmary.org/oursharedtable
to RSVP.
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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.
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All need to pray for the support of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. One way to foster vocations is to use the Elijah Cup as a focal point at daily prayer. Anyone interested in praying for an increase in vocations is welcome to take the cup home for a week. This includes families with or without children, young adults, empty nesters and singles. If you are interested please call Kristie Altman at 407-647-5171 or sign up at
https://stmargaretmary.org/elijah-cup
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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.
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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
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Did you know that the most requested item by homeless people is socks?
When you are shopping this season, please consider buying a pair or a package of socks so that those who have no homes can keep warm through the winter.
All donations will be provided to homeless shelters in Central Florida.
You can leave your sock donations any time in the Parish Hall during December.
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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]
.
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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
.
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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.
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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 [email protected]
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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
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Children's Faith Formation will resume 1/7
For Faith Formation, Family Faith and Sunday Mornings with Jesus, t
here are no classes the weekend of December 30-31. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 7, for all children. Have a Blessed Christmas!
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Celebrating Epiphany with Nativity Scenes
There will be a display of nativity scenes in the parish hall after all Masses on January 6 & 7. This event is being sponsored by the Haiti committee and will also include a bake sale and raffle. Everyone is invited to contribute to the success of this event by bringing something to sell at the bake sale and/or by attending the event and making a donation for our sister parish in Haiti.
Hours of the display are:
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Alternate Christmas Giving
Haiti Christmas Livestock Program
Please consider an alternate Christmas gift to support our Haiti Ministries. Gift cards supporting the livestock program are still available for purchase to support our sisters and brothers in Haiti. Cards will be available in the church office and online at
http://stmargaretmary.org/HaitiGiftProgram
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ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
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Florida Voting Restoration Amendment
Your Help Is Needed Giving Floridians A Second Chance-Please Support the Voting Restoration Amendment on the 2018 Ballot! Florida is one of only three states with a lifetime ban on voting. The Restoration Amendment will modernize Florida's criminal justice rules by bringing our state in line with others nationwide. For more information please go to:
https://stmargaretmary.org/voting-restoration-amendment
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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? For more information:
https://stmargaretmary.org/exploring-migration
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Spring 2018 Kickoff- Game Night
All high school students are invited to kick off 2018 with an epic game night featuring the Wii and your favorite board games, PLUS pizza, soda, and candy!
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Spring 2018 Kickoff- Basecamp
Sacred Heart Hall (upstairs FLC)
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!"
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Homily Rewind: The Nativity of Our Lord
Loneliness is one of life's most painful experiences. Everyone experiences loneliness. Jesus is also referred to as Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Christ comes into the world today personally, to each of us, to tell us we are not alone. God is with us. Fr. Jarek encourages us to see God as a constant companion to let us know we are not alone.
Watch the homily here:
https://stmargaretmary.org/homilies
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January Marriage Ministry Event
Friday, January 12, 7-9pm. Doors open at 6:30pm
This special night will join all couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage and all married couples with a focus on the gifts we receive by marrying in the Church. Special guests Brian and Amiee Shields will show us what we have to learn from couples receiving the Sacrament of Marriage in Haiti.
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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.
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Thursday, January 4.
RSVP for either the morning session 8:15am-9:230am OR the
evening session: 6:30pm-7:30pm.
All parents of middle schoolers are invited to
the next Theology of the Body Parent
Session. Session will help parents answer
the questions your middle school students
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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.
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