January  1st, 2018 - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
The best, the surest, and the most effective way of establishing everlasting peace on the face of the earth is through the great power of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Pope John Paul II
FR. WALSH
Fr. Walsh Update

As most of you know Fr. Walsh was admitted into Florida Hospital on Saturday feeling very worn out. He was discharged on Sunday evening and is resting comfortably at home. Thank you for all of the prayers and support!
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.
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 
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.
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
HAITI MINISTRY
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:
Saturday, 1/6, 6pm - 7:30pm & Sunday, 1/7, 9am - 8pm
For more information contact: 
Sandra Dooley, 
[email protected]  -  407-902-3255
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

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.
Theology of the Body
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
may have about sexual morality,  relationships, and how they are uniquely created for greatness.   RSVP online at http://stmargaretmary.org/parentsession  
Playgroup

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. 
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]
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? For more information:  https://stmargaretmary.org/exploring-migration 
TECHNOLOGY
Homily Rewind: 
The Feast  of the Holy Family
As society and the church continues to evolve and change over time, the concept of family is a tradition that is worth holding on to. Fr. Jarek explains that what is needed today is a great faith with deep roots in the past that supports us in the storm of today's world and enables us to look with hope to a glad tomorrow.Watch the homily here: https://stmargaretmary.org/homilies
VOCATIONS
Elijah Cup for Vocations
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
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 the Youth Ministry  go to https://stmargaretmary.org/ministries/youth-ministry 
Amplify (High School)

Spring 2018 Kickoff- Game Night
Sunday, Jan. 7. 7:00-8:30pm  in the Youth Room
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!

Revive (Middle School) 

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!"
FAITH FORMATION
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! 
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.