Notes from the Pastor – January 15, 2012                        

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Pope’s Legacy” – Do you remember when Pope Benedict XVI was elected to be the Roman Pontiff by the “College of Cardinals” in 2005?  Do you know why he took the name Benedict?  Do you wonder about what his Legacy will be in Church History?  At the time, many cardinals said they voted for the man best placed to “     RE-EVANGELIZE” the West, above all Europe.  Then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger chose the name “Benedict” because he was the “founder of Western monasticism” and one of the patron saints of Europe.

If Pope Benedict XVI can be said to have a “principle task”, a mission above other missions, it is what under the late Blessed Pope John Paul II became known as the “new Evangelization” – presenting Christ anew to cultures steeped in Christian culture but secular in habits and practices.  In October, 2010 Pope Benedict announced the creation of a new pontifical council, the first in more than 25 years, tasked with promoting the “new Evangelization”.  This year in October, a World Synod of Bishops will meet to discuss this topic, “a new Evangelization”.  The Pope has named 19 Cardinals and Bishops to sit on the Council, among them are the key figures of this papacy.

There is no doubt as to what will be the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.  All this being said – do you receive a Catholic newspaper or magazine to keep you informed as to the workings and present thoughts of the Church?  How do you see this “new Evangelization” affecting your life, your children/grandchildren?  Do you see this next chapter in the development of the Magisterium of the Church affecting your spiritual life, your understanding of Sacred Scripture, and how each of us is called to teach the Gospel – either by word or example?  Do you see this as a possible “New Pentecost” or “much to do about nothing”?

                                                                                    Christ’s peace be with you – Fr. Tom

SERVERS FOR MINISTRIES FOR January 21 and 22, 2012

SERRA CLUB:  Will hold its monthly meeting on Sat., Jan. 21 following the 9 AM Mass at St. James Church in the meeting room between the office and gym.  The speaker will be Sr. Helen Marie Buttimer, former principal of St. Vincent’s Academy.  The Serra Club promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life both by prayer and active vocation programs.  All are welcome.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: 7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 27, Parish Center (former school gym).  FREE! Popcorn provided.  Bring lawn chairs and drinks.  Open to the public, so tell your friends!

ST. PETER THE APOSTLE SCHOOL: Open House, Thurs., Jan. 26, Pre-K 3 & 4, and Kindergarten 9:30-11:30 AM; 1^st-8^th grades, 5:30-7:30 pm.  Call Admissions to RSVP, 912-897-5224, or www.saintpetertheapostle.com.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT: This ministry is here to help you with professional counseling, emotional support and post-abortion healing retreats.  The next retreat is scheduled for March 9-11 near Augusta, GA. Contact Stephanie May, 912-201-4059 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Confidentiality honored at all times. Why not make 2012 your year of healing?

REMINDER! The plastic Mass Response Cards and the white “Gloria” song cards are to REMAIN in the hymnals.

PRAYER ANGELS - The following families will be remembered in prayer the week of January 15^th:

   - Marilyn Price

   - Diana and Jim Sell

   - Joan Wambold

PRAYER LIST:  Jules Cantin, Roger Jarnigan (Marianne Bramble’s cousin), Jim Johnson (Ginny Murphy’s dad), Eileen Wheat

YOUTH GROUP: 

1. 1.        Youth Concierge Service.  St. Michael’s Youth are willing to do lawn work, babysit, take down decorations, walk dogs, pet-sit, and much more in order to defray the cost of their summer mission trip.  Call 912-786-0642 to schedule.
2. 2.        Capture the Flag: Sun., Jan. 22, 4 PM, Jaycee Park. Come ready to run!
3. 3.         Spaghetti Dinner: Fri., Feb. 3, 5:30 PM. Youth Servers Needed!

ADULT ED: Please join us after 8 AM Mass for refreshments and our Adult Ed class “Journey of Faith”.  We also meet on Wed. at 10 AM. Contact Sr. Barbara for more information.

Welcome to the following new members:

Jennifer Kruse and Tom and Mary Lingenfelter

LET’S KEEP OUR CHURCH CLEAN AND TIDY AFTER EACH MASS FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW US! Take your bulletins, handouts, Kleenex, etc.

LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS ANNUAL IRISH TEA: Sun., Jan. 29, 2-4 PM, St. Francis Cabrini Church.  $10/RSVP by Jan. 22; $15 after Jan. 22 or at the door.  Call 912-897-6498 to RSVP. 

MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE: All Saints Episcopal Church on Jones Ave. invites St. Michael’s to park in their lot and carpool with their members to attend the parade in Savannah on Mon., Jan. 16.  For more information, call Art: 912-398-3402. 

STEWARDSHIP CORNER:  In today’s first reading, we hear Samuel respond eagerly, “Here I am!” each time the Lord calls him.  May we, too, be listening for the call of God in our lives and be ready to say like the psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”

Sacrificial Giving

Jan 7 and 8, 2012 

Yearly Offertory Budget                 $306,000.00                                                              

Weekly Average Needed              $   5,884.62 

Collected Offertory                        $   5,404.00

Sat. Jan 14       6:00 PM     The Parish

Sun. Jan 15      8:00 AM  † Ollie Pinckney (MM) 

                       11:00 AM  † Marie Claire O’Leary (A)

Mon. Jan 16    8:00 AM     Communion Service

Tues. Jan 17   8:00 AM  † Eddie Wheeler, Jr.

Weds. Jan 18  8:00 AM  † Catherine Davis

Thurs. Jan 19 8:00 AM  † Marise Herr

Fri. Jan 20      8:00 AM  † Clara Rowland

Sat. Jan 21      9:00 AM  † Ransom L. Dyke (A)                      

PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)

There is no PREP Jan. 15.  For more info, contact Susan Weber at 912-786-0642 or at the Parish Office.

WITH THE LORD:  We extend sympathy to the families of Jena O’Kane, daughter of Joan Wambold, and Godwin Melaba, father of Fr. Daniel Melaba, who both died on Jan. 8, 2012, and Patrick Chance, grandson of Kris and Don Gordon, who died on Jan. 9, 2012. May they, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS may pick up certificates of appointment/renewal in the Church office.

Fr. Tom and the Parish Council invite the Parish Family to an Ecumenical Service Tues., Jan. 24, 2012, 7 PM in the Church as part of the year-long celebration of the parish’s 120^th Anniversary.  Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer OFM Conv. will be the homilist.  Reception to follow in the Parish Center.  RSVP by Jan. 17 by calling the office, 786-4505, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .