December 2016

FAIR TRADE COFFEE
Coffee makes a great Christmas gift and I have lots on hand.  Email or call Eileen and I will bring your order to the Information booth at church for easy pickup. Cost is $7-8.00 depending on what you would like. [email protected]   503.713.7939

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING GUIDE
Many organizations in the Archdiocese of Portland are deserving your time, talent, treasure and prayers. Here are a few suggestions.  Browse the Catalogue  Consider donating to a local organization engaged in the corporal works of mercy instead of purchasing more “stuff”. 

Catholic Relief Services - Our mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Although our mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, our operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. Within the United States, CRS engages Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development - The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ "... to bring good news to the poor ...  release to captives ...  sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free." (Luke 4:18)
25% of donations remain in our diocese to benefit local organizations. 

Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal - deserves consideration for some of your Christmas spending too. Perhaps you can challenge yourself to give just a bit more this year instead of another new tie!  Appeal funds are used to help fund Archdiocesan offices and agencies that assist the parishes and their people. In addition, part of the funds are used to assist retired archdiocesan priests and seminarian education. 

WORLD DAY OF PEACE, 2017
The theme for Pope Francis' annual World Day of Peace message is: Non-Violence: a Style of Politics for Peace.

In his 2017 Message for the World Day of Peace that is celebrated on January 1, Pope Francis urges us to practice active nonviolence and work to prevent conflict by addressing its causes, building relationships, and facilitating healing and restoration. 
Check out this  2-page resource from Catholics Confront Global Poverty for more information

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY CELEBRATION
What Happened to the Dream? Sunday, Jan. 15, 4:00 PM
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton 

2017 INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY
Raising Diverse Voices of Faith to Strengthen Oregon Communities

St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
The 2017 Interfaith Advocacy Day will bring together hundreds of people from many religious traditions from throughout Oregon for a day of worship, dialogue and advocacy. Activities will include an interfaith panel, training in advocacy skills, issue briefings, meetings with our legislators, and a keynote address by a guest speaker.   FLYER
Carpool available with Social Justice Group. Contact  Eileen if you are interested in joining us.

YEAR OF MERCY
The Year of Mercy has ended, but Archbishop Sample exhorts us “Don’t let Mercy end with the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.” Check the bulletin board in the vestibule for ideas on how to continue participating in the Works of Mercy.  

December 1 World Aids Day     Visit the sick
December 3 International Day of People with Disabilities     Comfort the Afflicted
December 9 St.Juan Diego: Patron Saint of Humility     Bear patiently with those who do us ill
December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe: Symbol of Catholic Mexicans     Welcome the Stranger
December 18 International Migrants Day     Welcome the Stranger
December 26 St.Stephen: Patron Saint of the Common Good     Welcome the Stranger
December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents     Pray for the Living and the Dead
December 29 Feast of the Holy Family     Do a work of mercy as a family 
 
January is Poverty Awareness Month    Feed the Hungry
January 1 Solemnity of Mary and World Day of Peace     Forgive Offenses
January 2 St. Basil the Great: Patron Saint of Hospital Administrators     Visit the sick 
January 6 St. Andre Bessette    Clothe the Naked
January 8-14 Annual National Migration Week     Welcome the Stranger
January 11 Annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day     Comfort the Afflicted  
January 17 St. Anthony of Egypt: Patron Saint of Gravediggers     Bury the dead
January 15 World Day of Migrants and Refugees     Welcome the Stranger
January 21-29 Novena for Life    Pray for the Living and the Dead
January 23 St. Marianne Cope: Patroness of Those with Aids/HIV      Visit the sick 
January 25 Conversion of St. Paul: Patron Saint of Evangelization     Instruct the Ignorant
January 28 St. Thomas Aquinas: Patron Saint of Universities and Students    Instruct the Ignorant