Effective Faith Formation for children provides opportunities for them to practice their faith through hands-on participation in the life and activities of the congregation. For the past two weeks, our PSR students have been presenting the Gospel at the beginning of Mass. These activities welcome the students into a greater participation with their community. They read the Word and then they portray what they have heard. In this method of learning they are making the Gospel come alive, they are involved in the Liturgy, and they usually have the attention of the Assembly. Are these skits helping you to make the connection? How have you been more attentive to the Gospel?

Have you been asked to sponsor a student for the Read-A-Thon on March 13th? If not and you would like to take part in our Lenten Service Project, by reading, sponsorship or furnishing snacks, please call Lisa Crago at 967-3551. Anyone may participate in the Read-A-Thon. You do not need to stay for the whole day, just any part of the day that you are available. We do want someone reading during the entire time. Proceeds from this service project will benefit the Seton Catholic School library.

SOUP & BREAD is served on the following Wednesdays beginning at 6:30pm: March 10 at SH; March 17 at OLL; March 24 at SH. Please sign the list on the bulletin board if you can set-up, clean-up or donate soup or bread.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be prayed at 7:00pm on these Fridays: March 12 at OLL; March 19 at SH; March 26 at OLL.

OUR PARISH LENTEN RETREAT WITH FATHER MICHAEL KESICKI will be held on the following Wednesdays beginning at 7:15pm: March 10 at SH; March 17 at OLL; March 24 at SH.

OUR PARISH LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE will be held in conjunction with Father Michael’s last presentation on March 24 at Saint Hippolyte beginning at 7:15pm.

OPERATION RICE BOWL — Today we heard the call to Moses to lead his people from oppression to freedom. God promises to be with them as they journey to a new life. Our participation in Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl unites us in prayer, fasting, and giving with the millions of people throughout the world who are oppressed by poverty, injustice, war, disease, and lack of education and other opportunities.

Suggested text for faith sharing: Today’s Gospel

Adults - What steps are you taking this Lent to make sure that your faith bears fruit in good works?

Youth - What needs changing in your life right now? How will you invite God into that change?

Children - God wants your faith to result in good living. What steps can you take during Lent to make sure that happens?

The deadline for submitting information to be included in the parish bulletin is Monday at noon.

INTERESTED IN ATTENDING A CURSILLO WEEKEND or NEED MORE INFO? Call the parish office or pick up a brochure in the church vestibule. Research the history of Cursillo at Wikipedia.org

PRAY FOR OUR RCIA CANDIDATES AND CATECHUMEN — Our candidates for full communion are Jessica Tavormina, Christopher Tavormina and Carl Hotchkiss. Our catechumen is Shane Anderson. Please pray for them as they travel along their faith journey to complete their Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on April 3rd at Saint Hippolyte.

2010 CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL - The opportunity still exists for those who have not yet responded to the 2010 CSA. A gift to the CSA—no matter how great or small—can go a long way. A pledge of $5 or $10 a month can add up. Even a one time gift is helpful to the cause and can help our parish make its goal! To those who have contributed, we are most grateful. For those who have not yet made a gift or pledge, envelopes are still available in the church vestibule.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES FAMILY SOCIETY will meet this Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Lourdes.

LE NOM DU PERE SOCIETY will meet this Wednesday, March 10 following the Parish Lenten Retreat at Saint Hippolyte.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS Reverend David Poulson whose father, Richard, passed away recently. You may remember that Fr. Poulson was the weekend assistant at our parish several years ago while he was on the faculty of Gannon University. He is currently the pastor of St. Michael Church in Fryburg. Send him a card at PO Box 27, Fryburg PA 16326 Also pray for the Seton Catholic School teachers who will be having a retreat this Thursday at OLL and for Fr. Denny who will be working the Cursillo weekend this Thursday thru Sunday.

A ST. PATRICK’S DAY CARD PARTY, sponsored by the St. Brigid Altar Rosary Society will be held on March 16, 6:30-9:30pm in their social hall—383 Arch Street in Meadville. Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $4 per person and include a salad bar. Please bring your own cards or games.

HELP WANTED! We are still in need of a person or persons to chair the food booth at the Cochranton Fair this August. We are also still looking for someone or a couple to act as chairpersons for a new parish pictorial directory. If you are interested in either position or need more information, call the office at 789-2022.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES FAMILY SOCIETY is now taking orders for RADA Cutlery. Call Fran Greathouse (425-2549) to place an order. A catalogue can be found on the bulletin board at each church.

LENTEN FISH DINNERS — (1) St. Brigid Church in Meadville will hold six Lenten Fish Dinners on the Fridays of Lent beginning February 19 through March 26 from 4:30-6:30pm in McCrory Social Hall. Adults $7.50, Children 5-12 $4, and free to children 4 and under. Macaroni & Cheese or Grilled Cheese Dinner $5. $1 additional for ice cream bar. (2) St. Teresa of Avila Church in Union City will be serving new and improved Fish Dinners on February 19, 26 and March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4:30-7:00pm. Adults $8, Children 5-12 $4, free to children 4 and under.

OUR ANNUAL INDOOR GARAGE SALE will be held in the Saint Hippolyte social hall on May 7 and 8. As you begin your spring cleaning, please save items for the garage sale.

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL will hold an Open House on Tuesday, March 9 from 6:30-8:00pm. Registration for students in grades PS-8 will be held on Tuesday, Marcy 16 by appointment only. Call 336-2320 for information.

ST CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH, DuBois, is sponsoring a performance on the life of St. Catherine of Siena on Friday, April 30 at 7:00pm. Presented by Sr. Nancy Murray (sister of actor Bill Murray), with simple props and fertile imagination she brings to life the Dominican saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church. The performance will be at the DuBois Area Catholic School Auditorium and a free will offering will be taken. For more information contact the parish office a 371-8556 or sienadubois@verizon.net

“GOING GREEN” FOR THE BODY — Natural Family Planning: no chemicals, no side-effects, small investment, marriage preserving, lifetime benefits. Natural Family Planning—Give it a try. For more information call Barbara at 724-932-3414 for classes starting March 24, 7:00pm at St. Michael in Greenville.