INACTIVE CATHOLICS

Who are they:  Today, more than 20,000,000 baptized Catholics in he United States are no longer active in the life of the Catholic Church.  The Gallup Organization (2005) reports that about 1/4 of Catholics interviewed do not actively participate in a parish.  The magnitude of this number is more apparent when we realize that inactive Catholics make up the second largest "denomination" in the US.  Nevertheless, they remain our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Almost every Catholic who participates in a parish knows at least one person who is an inactive Catholic.  They are family members, relatives, co-workers, and friends.  Yet for a number of reasons, we are generally reluctant to talk to them about faith.  By extending an invitation, we act in love and help them feel welcome.  Through our caring and attentive presence, people will experience God's own abundant love for them.

USED CLOTHING DROP-OFF BOX

It is that time of year when we put away our summer cloths and dig out the heavier sweaters and jackets needed sooner than we would like.  As you empty drawers and closets, please consider donating those gently worn items to the St. Pauly Box at Sacred Heart or Saint Ann's.  Those items you no longer want to wear can be used to help those in need here in the USA and in 3rd World Countries. 

All clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, pillowcases and drapes are accepted.  Please put items in tied plastic bags.  (10/10)

NEW YORK STATE LONG-TERM CARE

The New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program seeks volunteers to visit Nursing Homes, Assisted Living residences and Adult Homes.  Ombudsman are committed to advocate for senior citizens and other adults in facilities to ensure that Resident's rights are promoted and that unmet needs and complaints are handled and resolved efficiently.  To become certified volunteers must complete 36 hours of training which will be held at Auburn Memorial Hospital.  For more information please call Options For Independence at 255-3447 ext. 320.

FINANCIAL FRAUD & ABUSE HOTLINE

The Diocese of Rochester has established a financial fraud and financial hotline to report concerns related to financial fraud and abuse at the Pastoral Center, parishes, schools and/or agencies.

Anonymous calls can be made to the hotline at 585 328-3228, ext. 1266 (toll-free to 1-800-388-7177, ext. 1266).  Reports also may be made in writing to:  Internal Audit Department, Diocese of Rochester, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.  (7/11)

GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT CARE

Grief & Bereavement Care Group Workshop, sponsored by the Spiritual Care Department of Auburn Memorial Hospital will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 am beginning on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.  These gatherings will take place in the Medical Staff Conference Room on the third floor just outside of the CCU area off Third Memorial.  Bring in your parking ticket to be validated.  For more information, call Deacon John Tomandal at 729-4668 or Jotomandl@auburnhospital.org.

PRE-CANA IN CAYUGA COUNTY

The new Pre-Cana Team organized in 2010 under the revised diocesan guidelines, is alive and well in Cayuga County.  Based at St. Mary's Church in Auburn, the Pre-Cana Sessions serve not only Auburn, but Cayuga County and beyond.  The dates are listed in the published Diocesan Pre-Cana Schedule.  The Pre-Can Team members come from various walks of life and different parishes. 

Following the diocesan guidelines, four major subject areas are covered:  Marriage and the Family, Spirituality of Marriage, Theology of Marriage, and Rite of Marriage. 

A Pre-Cana session Auburn is currently held in the spring and in the fall of each year.  The sessions take place in Schrader Hall at St. Mary's beginning at 9:00 am and concluding with Mass at 5;30 pm during which the engaged couples receive a blessing and are presented with their certificate of completion.  A continental breakfast and lunch are provided.  The cost for the Pre-Cana Session is $75 per couple.  As required by the diocese, all income and expenses for Pre-Cana pass through St. Mary's bookkeeping system and therefore are subject to the audit procedures of the diocese.  Counting the May 7, 2011 and October 1, 2011 Sessions, 21 engaged couples have participated in this program.  These couples had come from Cayuga, Tompkins, Onondaga and Monroe counties.  The dates for the 2012 Pre-Cana Sessions are:  Saturday, May 5, 2012 and Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Further information and registration forms can be obtained by contacting Sally Corcoran at scorcor1@live.com or by calling (315) 497-3734. 

Engaged couples unable to attend a scheduled Pre-Cana Session may take Pre-Cana on-line through the Diocese of Rochester website.  Couples can arrange this through their local parish.    

GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteers are need to prepare free BASIC TAX RETURNS in 2012 for the United Way of Cayuga County CA$H program.  Tax Law Training and Tax Software Training are provided for IRS certification.  Only 3 hours per week from January 17, 2012 through April 14, 2012.  We will work around your vacation schedule.  No Personal Liability.  Call Kathy Krasniak - United Way of Cayuga County 253-9741for further information, or send an email to kkrasniak@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org.

BOARD MEMBERS SOUGHT

Camp Stella Maris, an organizational member of the Diocese of Rochester is searching for candidates for its Board of Directors.  Any experience from child caring, facilities, finance, fundraising, marketing, planning or technology offer ways to contribute. Involvement generally includes about 2 - 3 hours of voluntary time each month.  For more information, feel free to contact the Camp Stella Maris office at (585) 348-2243 extension 132.  Please consider this exciting and fulfilling way to shape a child's intellectual, social and spiritual development. 

WOMEN SHARING A WOMAN'S JOURNEY

Women sharing a Woman's journey is being held on the 1st Tuesday of the month, starting September 6, 2011 through June 5, 2012,  2012, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Mercy Prayer Center, 65 High Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.  For women of all ages wishing to experience time for prayer, quiet time and faith sharing while being enriched by God and one another.  Facilitator:  Sr. Margaret Mattle, RSM.  Fee:  $20.00 per session (plus cost of book).  Call (585) 473-6893 to register. 

THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS:

19TH ANNOTATION

Mercy Prayer Center still has openings in both the Morning and Evening sessions for persons interested in making the Spiritual Exercises retreat.  The retreat begins in mid-September 2011 and ends in May 2012.  Retreatants meet weekly for input and spiritual guidance and establish a daily prayer practice.  Sessions are held on Wednesday.  Retreatants can choose either the morning or the evening session.  If you are interested in considering this retreat experience and would like to apply for participation this year, please contact Giovina Caroscio at (585) 473-6893, ext. 113 ASAP! 

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JANUARY  2012

ST. MARY'S GIFT SHOPPE

Gift Shoppe will be open weekend of January 28/29 with a grand "Inventory Sale" in order to make room for new items.  Deep discounts will be available. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Catholic Schools Week is January 29 to February 5.  Auburn is fortunate to have Saint Joseph School, Saints Peter & Paul School and Tyburn Academy of Mary Immaculate.  The Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother of God - Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus - Saints Peter & Paul, foundation pillars of the church - all centered on Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. 

SHADOW DAYS AT TYBURN ACADEMY

Prospective students interested in observing Tyburn activities and daily schedules are invited to join Tyburn students for our shadow day in middle school on Tuesday, January 31st and high school on Wednesday, February 1st.  Anyone wishing to register or to schedule an alternate day to attend may do so by calling (315) 252-2937. 

FEBRUARY 2012

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

St. Joseph School Open House will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and on Friday, February 3, 2012 after the 9:00 am Mass.  Come visit during our school day and see what our school has to offer.  Information is available for all grades Pre-school to Grade 8.  Please call our school office for additional information at 253-8327. 

1st ENTRANCE/PLACEMENT EXAM

1st Entrance/Placement Exam for Tyburn Academy for grades 7 - 12 will be given on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:00 am.  Scholarships of $1,000 will be offered from the first 2 exams given on February 4th and March 2nd.  Financial aid available! For more information or to register for exam, call 252-2937.

ST. ALPHONSUS CHURCH TASTE OF CHILI NIGHT

St. Alphonsus Church is holding a Taste of Chili Night on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in their Parish Center at 89 E. Genesee Street. Auburn.  There will be a Chili tasting competition with prizes for 1st-3rd for those who wish to enter.  There will also be chili tasting free to everyone to everyone to enjoy as well as snacks and refreshments.  Also music, raffles, 50/50, and beer will be available for purchase.  Cure those winter blues and come enjoy this fun community event (adults only please).  Please call St. Alphonsus at 252-7261 to sign up for the chili competition or for information.

ST. MARY'S PASTA DINNER

St. Mary's Church will be holding their pasta dinner on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Schrader Hall from 5:00 pm to7:00 pm.   The menu includes pasta, meatballs & sauce, salad/dressing, Italian bread, dessert & beverage.  Adults $7.00 and $5.00 for children under 12 years old.  Take outs also available.

WINTER SKI CAMP AT CAMP STELLA MARIS

Winter Ski Camp will be held at Camp Stella Maris for ages 11 - 16; arriving on Friday, February 17, 7:00 - 8:00 pm and departure on Monday, February 20 at 7:00 pm.  Cost is $280 (own equipment)/$310 (rent equipment) /$30 (helmet rental).  For more information email diane@campstellamaris.org. or call (585) 346-2243, ext. 104.

ST. HYACINTH MARDI GRAS PARTY

The Annual St. Hyacinth Mardi Gras Party is set for Saturday, February 18, at 6:00 pm at the Parish Center.  Tickets on sale after weekend Masses at St. Hyacinth Church and at the Church office, 299 Clark Street.  Tickets sold by February 10 will be $8.00, after that date 410.00.  Children age 5 - 12 $4.00 and under 5, free.  Volunteers are needed on Thursday, February 15 at 5:00 pm for set-up and Sunday, February 19 at 9:00 am for clean up.

APRIL 2012

ADAMS PIANO SERIES

The spring concert will feature Frederic Chiu on April 29, 2012, performing the program Classical Smackdown:  Debussy/Prokofiev.  You are encouraged to purchase your tickets early so you don't miss either of these fantastic performances.  Tickets are available at Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

UP COMING EVENTS IN 2012

AUTUMN TRIP TO ITALY

Join Deacon Gary and son, Matthew DiLallo for an Autumn trip of a lifetime to Italy.  They have been to Italy three times and want to share these wonderful experiences discovering the winding canals of Venice, Assisi the birthplace of St. Francis & Clare, Michelangelo's famous statue of David, gaze at the leaning tower of Pisa, visit Tuscany and the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano and the 14 towers, Ancient Rome, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica and Vatican City, Papal Audience, and much more.  They will leave Auburn on November 6, 2012, drive to New York City, fly to Rome, Italy and return on November 15, 2012. The cost is an all-inclusive price of $3,148.00.  If interested, contact Deacon Gary at (315) 730-2770.